Services
Massage:
Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical, functional, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals. The word comes from the French massage "friction of kneading," or from Arabic massa meaning "to touch, feel or handle" or from Latin massa meaning "mass, dough". An older etymology may even have been the Hebrew me-sakj "to anoint with oil". Massage therapy can help to relax your stress in many ways. In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage was anatripsis, and the Latin was frictio.
Massage involves acting on and manipulating the body with pressure - structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving - tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm, and feet. There are over eighty different recognized massage modalities. [The most cited reasons for introducing massage as therapy have been client demand and perceived clinical effectiveness.
In professional settings massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting in a massage chair, or lying on a mat on the floor. The massage subject may be fully or partly unclothed. Parts of the body may be covered with towels or sheets.
Sports Massage
"Sports massage is a form of bodywork geared toward participants in athletics. It is used to help prevent injuries, to prepare the body for athletic activity and maintain it in optimal condition, and to help athletes recover from workouts and injuries.
Deep Tissue massage:
Deep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Massage is applied to the deeper, core layers of the body often using the elbow as well as the thumb, fingers and fist. Greater awareness is often needed to go into the deeper tissues without hurting the client. Deep tissue 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.
Seated on-site chair massage:
Perfect for events, parties, meetings, or just as a treat for your employees. The therapeutic benefits of a 10-15 minute massage cannot be overstated. Worker fatigue, strain, hump-day blues, and more can benefit from this highly effective means of treatment. Increased productivity will make it an invaluable retreat.
Reflexology:
Reflexology (zone therapy) is the practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health. Reflexology is based on the principal that there are reflexes in the hands and feet that relate to every organ, gland, and system of the body.
Trigger point therapy:
Technique that involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dis-ease in other parts of the body. Oftentimes, massage and trigger point therapy are performed together. Trigger points differ from acupressure points. Acupressure points are concentrations of energy or blockages of the body's energy pathways. Trigger points are physical phenomena that can be felt by touch. The purpose of trigger point therapy is to re-educate the muscles into pain-free habits. After several treatments, the swelling and stiffness of neuromuscular pain is reduced, range of motion is increased, tension is relieved, and circulation, flexibility and coordination are improved.
Myofascial release:
Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia, integument, and muscles with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and equilibrioception. Myofascial release usually involves applying shear compression or tension in various directions, or by skin rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where will my treatment session take place?
Your session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music will be played to help you relax. If receiving massage, you will lie on a heated table especially designed for your comfort. During a Reflexology session you will be reclining in an antigravity chair.
I want to try massage, but I feel uncomfortable taking off my clothes. Must I take all my clothes off?
You need to take off your clothes, but you can keep your underwear on if you prefer. During the massage, your body will be modestly draped by a sheet, and only the area being worked on is exposed. Please notify the therapist if at any time you feel uncomfortable. You should feel completely safe.
What should I do during the session?
Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session. Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions as the treatment progresses.
How will I feel after the session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. It is recommended you drink plenty of water following your treatment session.treatment session.treatment session.
I often feel more tired after a treatment. Is this normal?
Everyone's body is unique. Some people become rejuvenated right after a session, and for some, it takes a couple of days for the benefits to "kick in." In general, our body needs about 48 hours after the massage to activate and work through problem areas. If you experience slight discomfort or pain, it is a sign that the massage is working. If unbearable pain persists over 48 hours, consult your massage therapist and a doctor.