Deep tissue

Benefited by Deep Tissue Massage:

Chronic pain, whiplash, falls, sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries (such as carpal tunnel), postural problems, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle tension, muscle spasms, and decreased range of motion

Description:

Deep Tissue Massage is without a doubt the most sought after type of massage available. Other than a
"relaxing Swedish massage" most people are only aware of the other choice, deep tissue. Deep tissue massage, however, does not necessarily mean the massage will be "deeply relaxing".  This specific type of massage is designed to target and treat specific musculo-skeletal disorders by realigning the deeper muscles and connective tissue, thus providing superior health benefits. Deep tissue massage is especially beneficial for chronically tense, and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. That said, deep tissue massage is applied to both superficial and deep layers of muscles, fascia, and other structures.

Because deep tissue massage is highly targeted, many people experience great intensity during a session, but they also feel that it is more beneficial because this type of massage addresses deeper muscle pain.  In order to see profound changes in the body, however, it would be impossible to utilize deep tissue techniques throughout the entire session. Therefore, it is recommended to have deep tissue sessions on a regular basis so that all areas in need of this work can receive the benefits associated with deep tissue to rehabilitate long term problems, relax the body and prevent injuries.

On occasion during a deep tissue session, clients have reported feelings of discomfort. It is up to you as the client to communicate with the therapist if the discomfort goes beyond your tolerance level. Often times after a true deep tissue massage, clients will feel exhausted, like they just finished an intense workout.  This is a normal reaction and should subside within a few days. The more water consumed post massage, the better you will feel and if necessary, ice can be applied to heavily targeted areas right after the massage. This will help facilitate metabolic waste to move more quickly out of the body.

Neuro-Muscular

Benefited by Neuromuscular Therapy:

Sports injuries, nerve impingements or compression, postural dysfunction, biomechanical dysfunction (repetitive strain, like using a key board all day), compensating structural imbalances which are often seen in injury recovery of any kind

Description:

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a highly specialized form of massage therapy.  A Neuromucular Therapist is well educated in the physiology of the nervous system and its effect on the muscular and skeletal systems.  The therapist will also be trained in kinesiology and biomechanics.

NMT by definition is the utilization of static pressure on specific myofascial points known as trigger points to relieve pain. By manipulation of the soft tissue, a therapist can help facilitate re-balancing the nervous system.

That said, Trigger Point therapy, while extremely beneficial, is not the only neurological approach to pain caused by overactive nerves. In addition to trigger point therapy, a wide range of techniques can be employed to reeducate the nervous system and relieve pain and dysfunction. Typically, NMT requires the participation of the client and therefore can be much less relaxing. However, the benefits achieved from proper NMT techniques can be immediate and life changing.

As with all massage, the client can feel fatigued and possibly sore after an NMT session but with an increase in water, those feelings should subside in a few days.

Sports 

Benefited by Sports Massage:

All the athletes!! Athleticism, in my opinion, is a state of mind, so whether you play poker for a living, race drones or slalom, you are considered an athlete and this type of massage can be alternately injury preventative or injury rehabilitative.

Description:

Sports Massage is really just a term we use to combine different types of massage. Depending on the type of athlete you are and what your body needs specifically, Sports Massage can include everything from Neuromuscular techniques, Active Isolate Stretching, Deep Tissue, to possibly a little bit of Thai Massage and whatever else is necessary at the time. Sports massage can be extremely beneficial for pre or post work-out, game, activity, or exercise as a rehabilitative or preventative treatment. Typically, Sports massages require the client to wear enough clothing to cover private parts because it will make the stretching much easier for both parties.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage:

Reduced anxiety and stress, decreased symptoms of depression, relief from muscle cramps and spasms, reduced headaches, relief of myofascial pain, especially lower back, neck, hips and legs, reduced sciatic nerve pain, increased blood and lymph circulation, reduced swelling, reduced stress on weight bearing joints, stretch marks, improved oxygen of soft tissue, better sleep

Description:

Prenatal Massage is designed just for expecting mothers. Whether you are in your first trimester and still suffering from morning sickness, or you are in your third trimester and ready to pop, Prenatal Massage is a marvelous idea. Pregnancy can not only be stressful but it is also extremely hard on the body.  Having a Prenatal Massage can relieve many of the common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy. 

While Prenatal Massage is safe for most women, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before getting a prenatal massage. If you are experiencing or have experienced any of the following, please speak with your doctor prior to receiving massage and please bring with you a note from your doctor releasing you for massage. This is for your safety and the safety of your baby.

• High risk pregnancy

• Blood clots

• Pregnancy induced hypertension

• Preeclampsia

• Gestational Diabetes

• Previous preterm labor

• History of miscarriage

• Experiencing sever swelling, high blood pressure, or sudden, sever headaches

• Preterm contractions or consistent Braxton-Hicks contractions

For most women who are having a perfectly normal pregnancy, massage therapy, performed by a Licensed and Educated practitioner is safe and beneficial but for those experiencing anything from the list above should seek a practitioner who is certified and trained in High Risk prenatal care. It's not one life we are caring for, it's two and that takes extra special attention.

Benefits of Infant/Pre-teen/teen Massage:

Increases bond with caregiver, lowers stress levels, calms baby, promotes healthier self esteem in children, promotes better sleep, enhances immune system, helps develop brain and nervous system, stimulates senses and helps premature babies gain weight

Description:

Babies need massages too!!  Baby massage is more designed to teach new parents how to safely and effectively introduce touch to new babies. It might seem like a no brainer but believe it or not, babies have a highly tuned sensory perception to touch, both good and bad. Furthermore, Infant Massage can help to relax baby, relieve discomfort from constipation, gas, and colic. Massage can help normalize muscle tone and improve blood circulation, it can help baby sleep better, stimulate brain development and improve sensory awareness.

The techniques employed during infant massage are simple and effective and incredibly nurturing for both you and your baby.  During this special, semi-private session, whether you are mom, dad, uncle, caregiver, or baby sitter, you will be taught how to recognize when baby is ready and willing to be touched in a safe and healthy way. You will also be taught how to massage babies tiny limbs and what movements help to encourage proper growth and stimulation. This session is not just for babies but caregivers too. Please bring extra diapers and your regular baby care bag just in case.

Pre-teen and Teen massage are just like normal adult massages but for kids under the age of 15, a parent or guardian must be in the room during the massage. Depending on what is needed, all aforementioned massages can be adapted to accommodate a youth. When working with kids, though, there are other variables to consider other than their physical health. Many kids don't find it relaxing to have to lay on a table with a stranger massaging them for an entire hour. That said, time can always be decreased in order to help your teen to chill. It also imperative that kids understand the meaning of appropriate touch. By offering them the opportunity to be in control of the massage, kids who have trouble with finding physical boundaries can do so in a safe environment.