Each persons needs are different. Sometimes one type of treatment is not enough. I use a combination of modalities, oils, and types of massage during each session. It all depends on what each client needs at that particular time. The following is a list of the different types of massage therapy that I may use during a session.
Swedish massage is the general term that is understood by most people about massage therapy and what they might expect when receiving a basic treatment. It is a combination of different Swedish inspired strokes given with a firm pressure that promotes the release of stress and tension and increases circulation for tired muscles which rejuvenates the entire body. It is also common to use essential oils to make it an aromatherapy treatment.
Deep Swedish is not to be confused with Deep Tissue. Depending on the therapist you use, there are all different types of pressure. This is for someone who likes deeper, firmer, or stronger pressure, but does not need specific work in any area. It is relaxing the same way as a basic Swedish massage is.
This type of therapy concentrates on specific areas using slow and deep strokes along with trigger point, friction, and compression techniques throughout the origin, insertion and belly of the muscles and surrounding areas. This stimulates cell repair and it is designed for relief of deep-seeded knots, chronic pain and tension due to stress, holding patterns and /or past injuries.
Warm basalt stones and cool marble stones are applied to the body in various ways to bring relief to stiff, sore muscles and re-energize the body and mind. The stones are used both as hot/cold packs to warm up tissue and detoxify along with reducing inflammation to a new injury and also as an extension of the therapists hands. The stones warmth penetrates the muscles deeper than a basic massage to speed up the healing process. This magical treatment is specific for each individuals needs and combines aromatherapy with Swedish, Deep Tissue and Sports Massage techniques.
This variety of therapy deals with recovery for athletes and is great for that weekend warrior or full time athlete for general recovery or injury rehab. It consists of a vigorous light and deep strokes, friction and compression techniques, and stretching. Sports massage is excellent for reducing lactic acid, preventing injury and fatigue, and speeding up recovery for aching muscles and joints due to irregular or consistent exercise.
AIS is a stretching technique developed by famed kinesiologist Aaron Mattes. Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is one of the methods of stretching most used by today's athletes, massage therapists, personal/athletic trainers, and professionals. AIS allows the body to repair itself and also to prepare for daily activity. This technique involves the method of holding each stretch for only two seconds. This method of stretching is also known to work with the body's natural physiological makeup to improve circulation and increase the elasticity of muscle joints and fascia.
A wonderful ancient technique has found its place in the modern world of healing. Massage Cupping bodywork therapy is a modified version of the common practice of Chinese Cupping Therapy, and the incredible results that this simple treatment produces have truly impressed those who experience its subtle power. By creating suction and negative pressure, Massage Cupping ™ bodywork therapy is a versatile method that can easily be modified to accomplish a range of techniques, from lymphatic drainage to deep tissue release. This complements many health modalities ranging from spa treatments to medical massage.
Since 1962, physicians, physical therapists, and arthritis specialists have recommended the Therabath Paraffin Therapy Bath because warm paraffin therapy is one of the most effective methods of delivering heat to aching, stiff joints. The warm paraffin also moisturizes for healthier looking, softer skin. Therabath warm paraffin wax treatments are fast-acting, drug-free, and versatile, providing heat therapy:
To soothe chronic arthritis joint pain
To relax stiff muscles in therapeutic massage
For clients and for practioners' self-care
Prior to therapeutic exercise
During physical and occupational therapy
To increase range of motion
To relieve dryness from repeated hand-washing
For tired, overworked hands
For very dry skin
For salon manicures and pedicures
For paraffin facials
To warm cold hands, especially in winter
More simply, the heat that goes into melting the paraffin comes out when it solidifies into a comforting paraffin coating, thus transferring the heat into the affected limb. Another way to look at it is the paraffin is the medium that transfers heat from the Therabath to the painful area. At the same time, the heat from the paraffin opens pores and increases circulation in the skin. This is why paraffin is so beneficial to skin, leaving skin softened and more radiant.
