Therapeutic massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. The massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Therapeutic massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury.
Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle. This massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after a deep tissue massage.
Registered Massage Therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil. Swedish massage therapy can be very gentle and relaxing. This is a great first-time massage.
This uniquely relaxing therapeutic massage is flexible enough to accommodate your individual needs. This massage combines a number of techniques designed to soothe and recharge you. Relaxation never felt so invigorating.
Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs. Therapists will select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, balancing, or whatever your specific needs may be. Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions or conditions with an emotional component.
Also called prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the proper way to position and support the woman's body during the massage, and how to modify techniques. Pregnancy massage is used to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and reduce anxiety and depression. The massage is customized to a woman's individual needs.
The term Chair Massage describes the type of massage that is performed while the client sits fully clothed in a special chair. This unique massage chair is ergonomically designed and offers full support of the head (face forward), arms, torso and legs. Chair massage is performed by Registered Massage Therapists who use a combination of deep tissue and swedish massage techniques, usually on the muscle groups in the neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands.
Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.