Therapeutic Massage & Body Work
Ashiatsu 
During Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy (AOBT), the therapist uses overhead parallel bars to balance, while applying gliding strokes and pressure of her feet to points along the patient’s spine. The combined techniques of effleurage and compression stimulate the lymphatic system, elongate the spine and surrounding muscles, and provide an amazing deep tissue experience.
Clinical
Clinical massage refers to massage with a clinical purpose. Some of the conditions addressed by clinical massage are old or recent muscle injuries, chronic back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, TMJ, structural and postural distortions, and other musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Some of the procedures incorporated in clinical massage are described below.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is achieved when the massage therapist uses deep pressure to lengthen hypertonic (tight) muscle tissue and release trigger points where muscles are likely to be locked, both of which are frequent factors in chronic and severe pain.
Myofascial Release relieves pain and restores flexibility by stretching and releasing dysfunctional holding patterns that exist between the fascia (connective tissue) and the skin, muscle, and bone. Injuries, stress, inflammation, and poor posture can cause fascial restriction and tightness. Myofascial Release is often used to treat neck and back pain, headaches, recurring sports injuries, and scoliosis. Client participation is essential.
Muscle Release TechniqueSM (MRT) is a clinical stretching method used to treat a localized problem. A session includes an educational discussion period with the therapist in addition to the MRT treatment. Muscle Release TechniqueSM is highly effective for individuals with chronic and acute soft tissue injuries. It is sometimes uncomfortable but can be highly effective in a short period of time.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Craniosacral Therapy uses a gentle, non-invasive technique to help restore craniosacral rhythm and improve the function of the central nervous system. CST focuses on removing obstructions in the body’s structural components: the spine, torso, sacrum, and fascia. CST is a preventive measure but also resolves issues of physical injury, emotional stress, pain management, hyperactivity and depression. The benefits of CST can be achieved with the patient fully clothed for a truly non-invasive healing experience.
Four-Handed Massage
Ever wonder what it would be like to be really pampered? Look no further! During this four-handed massage, two massage therapists work on you at once.
Lymphatic Drainage
During a session of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT), the therapist uses gentle hand and finger movements to enhance lymph flow and promote a healthy lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps rid the body of toxins and seeks to restore the natural flow of lymphatic fluid. LDT enhances tissue regeneration and reduces edemas, inflammation, and pain.
Oncology
Oncology massage is a gentle technique for people of all ages and stages of cancer. It improves circulation, boosts the immune system and eases the side effects of chemotherapy and surgery. It can also help lessen anxiety and depression. Oncology massage eases pain, controls nausea, aids sleeplessness and decreases swelling, while providing a nurturing and supportive touch.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy massage benefits during each trimester of pregnancy. Your practitioner will help you find a comfortable position for relaxing and pillows are used as needed for additional support. Pregnancy massage helps improve circulation, relieves tension, reduces gas, eases pain and promotes a speedier birth and recovery.
Reflexology
The reflexes of the feet and hands act like reflections of the body. By applying pressure to certain areas of the hands and feet, we can positively affect the corresponding organs and their functions. Reflexology has been known to benefit clients suffering from headaches, tension, arthritis, insomnia and hormonal imbalances.
Rehabilitation Massage
Rehabilitation massage takes place following an injury, illness or surgical treatment. It involves techniques of therapeutic massage and includes expert assessment of progress and communication with physicians and insurance companies.
Rolfing Structural Integration
Rolfing® is bodywork with the focus on structural integration. Movement patterns become dysfunctional due to physical trauma, injury, stress and poor posture. The Rolfing® practitioner provides connective tissue manipulations, which lead to improved balance, greater relaxation and renewed structural alignment. A series of ten sessions is recommended, and advanced work is also available.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is beneficial prior to or following a sporting event, and also benefits those recovering from a sports-related injury. Sports massage promotes circulation and healthy lymph flow. It is good for people experiencing chronic pain, and can restore mobility to injured muscles or tissue. Sports massage is not limited to athletes, and is beneficial for anyone with an active lifestyle.
Thai Massage
This massage is more energizing and rigorous than more classic forms of massage. Thai massage is also called Thai yoga massage, because the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Thai massage is done with all your clothes on, so some recommend this for people who want the benefit of a massage but like to remain fully clothed. Muscle compression, joint mobilization and acupressure are also used during the treatment.
Massage Enhancements
Along with any session of massage therapy, we offer enhancements that add an extra element of healing and relaxation. These therapies provide an extra boost of relief or relaxation and have additional therapeutic value, as well. Sometimes, we deserve to indulge.
Enhancements Available:
• Aromatherapy—Natural oils infused with herbs and scents are used to enhance psychological and physical well-being.
• Hot or Cold Pack—A cold pack reduces swelling and sensitivity to injured areas. A Hot Pack applied to an injured area, after the swelling has been reduced, will promote blood flow and enhance healing.
• Hot Stone Treatment—The healing power of the earth and the relaxing properties of heat come together in smooth, polished basalt stones that are massaged over muscles.
• Paraffin Treatment—The treated area is dipped repeatedly in warm paraffin wax and wrapped so the warmth can penetrate the injury and provide pain relief. It is like a personalized, custom fit heating pad designed just for you. This is often used for sports related injuries and other conditions where heat therapy is needed.
