What type of massage do I receive in a customized massage session?

Our customized massage sessions are a blend of: Myofascial Release Therapy, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Sports Massage, Trigger Point, and Deep Tissue

What is Myofascial Release (MFR)?

Myo = muscle and  Fascia = connective-tissue

We specialize in a kind of healing called Myofascial Release (MFR). MFR is commonly used by physical therapists and other hands-on therapists for the relief of muscle-fascia related pain. It has been proven to help a wide range of ailments including, but not limited to, neck pain, back pain, tendonitis, frozen shoulder, bad knees, knots in muscles, chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sport injuries. Our massage therapists will work on your problem areas to restore your muscles to their optimal performance, and your body to freedom.

Injuries, inflammatory responses, surgical procedures, and micro-traumas such as repetitive motion create Myofascial restrictions that can produce pain. Much of this pain is actually created by restrictions in our fascia. Restrictions so strong, they can produce tensile pressures of up to 2,000 pounds per square inch, on pain sensitive structures; and do not show up in x-rays or MRIs. These can even develop over months or years if not corrected (fascial creep). Myofascial Release applies gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial system to resolve strain patterns, eliminate pain and restore motion. Myofascial Release works on the collagen and elastin fibers of the fascial system (vs. traditional deep-tissue, which effects only the elastin).

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

Trigger points are hyperirritable points in the muscle or fascia. They are common among athletes and desk jockies alike. There is often muscle pain and weakness that can refer out to other parts of the body. You can actually feel the TP as a hard lump or knot in your muscle. Isolated pressure works well to “melt” the “knots,” and is complementary with Myofascial Release to keep them from returning. In this type of therapy, the recipient often actively participates through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.

What is Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)?

When your muscles are tight, so are your joints. And the nervous system plays a role in all of it. PNF stretching uses Hold-Relax-Contract techniques to increase muscle stretch and joint mobility, relying on the firing of the Golgi-tendon organ (GTO) to cause reflexive muscle relaxation. Does that sound like a mouthful? Don’t worry, all you have to know is “Contract ? Relax” and you muscles will love the new-found freedom.

What is Sports Massage?

Sports massage is popular with pro-athletes to weekend warriors. A variety of techniques and stretches are used, and depend on Pre vs Post-activity needs; focusing on areas of the body that are stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements. Athletes have discovered that regular sports massage enhances flexibility, reduces fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries and is key in a balanced training program. For anyone participating in regular activity, Sports massage every week or two can be a great addition to your normal regimen.

What is Deep Tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). Deep tissue massage techniques are used to break up scar tissue and physically break down muscle “knots” or adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) that can disrupt circulation and cause pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation.

What is Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphatic Drainage is a therapeutic massage treatment that uses light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase the flow of lymph and reduce toxins in your body. Lymphatic drainage massage can have a beneficial effect on general health. Because lymph is key to keeping your immune system working properly, improving the flow and drainage of lymph around the body is good for you in lots of ways. Lymphatic drainage can:

• Help your body fight off infection, and speed up healing and recovery from illness
• Help reduce water retention
• Boost weight loss
• Reduce swelling, puffiness, and blotches
• Speed up healing in scar tissue, and may improve the appearance of stretch marks
• Help to reduce cellulite

What is NeuroKinetic Therapy?

NeuroKinetic Therapy® (often called NKT) is a type of natural therapeutic system that has the goal of correcting learned movements and muscle functions within the body that can contribute to poor posture, joint tenderness and muscular pain. Considered to be a healing “bodywork modality,” similar to massage therapy or chiropractic adjustments for example, NKT is often used in rehabilitative settings to treat injuries and chronic pain. Some of the conditions that NKT can correct:

• Injuries caused by trauma or impact
• Low back pain
• Neck and jaw pain (including whiplash & TMJ)
• Fibromyalgia
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Muscle/joint strains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Bursitis and tendonitis

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is one of the holistic body work that applies pressure through zones of your hands, feet, and outer ears that corresponds to a map of the vital organs of your body. This is like acupressure through energy meridians that corresponds parts of your body to allow proper natural healing process by way of releasing nitric oxide hormone to help stimulate parasympathetic nervous system for total relaxation.

If your goal is to return to optimal health naturally, Reflexology might be the answer for you.

What is an Intuitive Integration 4-Handed Massage?

A 4-handed massage is when two therapists work together on one client in a synchronized technique. Although it is usually found in spas for relaxation, it can also be used therapeutically. Four hands creates multiple points of contact so a client does not focus on any one sensation and is able to relax more deeply.

Intuitive Integration is a style that was created by Jaclyn Fernandez and Jonas Schoellkopf. They utilize traction stretches in two areas of the body at the same time to gently relieve pressure in the spine and other joints. Muscle activation and joint mobilization are also used while applying pressure to help reprogram and increase range of motion in tight areas. The benefit of two therapists creates deeper releases in less time, integrating the whole body.

This approach is recommended when dealing with long-standing issues such as lower back pain, stiff joints, tight hips, neck pain, bad posture, etc.

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping Therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. Cupping is often recommended as a complementary therapy for the following conditions:

• Back pain
• Headache or migraine
• Knee pain
• Muscle pain and soreness
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Sports injuries

What do I wear?

Most of our therapies do not employ lotion and some clothing is generally worn at all times. Access to skin, and traction, and the ability to move freely are key components; so minimal clothing is preferable to a top-sheet. Women typically wear their bra and underwear; a bathing suit; or loose shorts, and loose tank. Men typically wear their underwear or shorts. That said, the client needs to feel comfortable and safe at all times, so wearing more clothing, or covering with a sheet is never a problem. Please come to your session showered and do not use body lotion before your session.

What if I have an injury, medical condition or I am pregnant?

Always tell your therapist in advance if you are, or think you might be, pregnant, have any medical conditions or are receiving any treatment or medication, have recently had an operation, or are allergic to anything.

View our New Client Information Form and Release Form.