MODALITIES & TERMS
Scroll down to read modality descriptions.
FULL BODY MASSAGE
Massage time is broken down by 5 minutes per region. Total 30 minutes anterior (front of body) and 30 minute posterior (back of body). The time is evenly allocated throughout the body based on what time is left after your chatting/consultation.
REGIONAL MASSAGE
The 30 minute massage is used only for site specific massage. This therapy type is ideal for a region with specific compromise, i.e.: Neck, low back, hips, feet etc. Regional massage is not for full body massage.
STANDARD SWEDISH
This modality is the manipulation of muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart, circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension and over all ease of mind. This is not a phocused based therapy.
SCAR TISSUE THERAPY
Scar tissue forms throughout the body in response to tissue damage in order to temporarily repair an injury site until stronger, more permanent tissue is made. It can form do to injury, stress, disease, surgery, an accident, prolonged poor posture, and improper body mechanics. During the normal healing process, most temporary scar tissue is reabsorbed into the body after the permanent tissue has been made. Sometimes the healing process is disrupted and too much scar tissue can form, placing excessive pressure on surrounding muscles, blood vessels, nerves, bones, and organs. This can cause pain and/or limit a joint’s range of motion. This modality is the breaking down of scar tissue and adhesion utilizing various tools & manual techniques. This modality allow us the ability to get deep into the disfunction of the tissue and in turn promote immediate and long term relief of soft tissue chronic & acute symptomologies.
ESSENTIAL OIL TOPICAL/AROMA THERAPY
A natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted. Used for aroma & topical therapy.
GUA-SHA
A natural, alternative therapy that involves a mild scraping on your skin with short or long strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which increases blood flow, improves your circulation. This ancient Chinese healing technique may offer a unique approach to better health, addressing issues like chronic pain. Scraping is accomplished with a smooth-edged instrument known as a Gua-Sha massage tool. Gua-sha is intended to address stagnant energy, called chi, in the body that practitioners believe may be responsible for inflammation. Gua-Sha is generally performed on a person’s back, neck, arms, and legs.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE THERAPY
This alternative medicine technique involves applying gentle sustained pressure into restricted Myofascial connective tissue to eliminate pain and restore motion and decrease pain within those regions of compromise.
DEEP TISSUE
This technique is the application of precise deeper pressure using thumbs or elbows and special tools. In many cases body strength is used to accomplish the deeper pressure. Deep tissue therapy targets deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries, tissue trauma, or specific conditions that lead to scare tissue.
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
This is a technique where precision and direct pressure is applied on tender spots within muscle tissue (TRIGGER POINTS). These points of pain cause referred pain and can cause pain in an entire area. Trigger points are microscopic tears within the fascia where ACH (Acetylcholine Receptor) is constantly being released and in turn pools within those tears. This pooling of ACH leads to, in many instances, subconscious pain and is manifested when manipulation (massage) occurs. TRIGGER POINT THERAPY, in tern, releases the TRIGGER point thus initiating relief.
HYPERTONIC MUSCLE
A resting tone greater than the amount needed to maintain joint posture is what defines a muscle as being hypertonic. Other terms often used synonymously are spasm, cramp, and contracture, all of which essentially describe a muscle whose baseline tone is excessive or hypertonic. Mechanism of Globally Tight Musculature.
HYDROTHERAPY
This is the application of heat packs to promote comfort, & softening of tissues before deep or vigorous work. Heat therapy, also known as thermotherapy, is the use of heat in treatment. Applying heat to an area increases the blood flow, bringing along proteins and oxygen. The overall benefits of heat therapy are very prevalent. This therapy method is great to decrease joint stiffness, reduce pain and inflammation, and relieve muscle spasms.
METABOLIC WASTE
Soreness may be due to an accumulation of metabolic waste (the lactic acid and hydrogen ions related to acidosis) muscle tissue. Metabolic wastes or excrements are substances left over from metabolic processes (such as cellular respiration) which cannot be used by the organism (they are surplus or toxic), and must therefore be excreted. This includes nitrogen compounds, water, CO2, phosphates, sulphates, etc.
CUPPING THERAPY
This treatment uses an ancient form of alternative medicine in which special cups are used to decompress soft tissues using vacuum suction (negative pressure), unlike other forms of massage that compresses soft tissues (positive pressure). During cupping, the cup gently sucks to your skin and lifts underlying soft tissue into the cup.
Dynamic suction: Suction with gliding motion over the tissues. Stagnant suction: Suction of cups that remain in one spot.
Cupping produces redness or a feeling of warmth after the release of the cup due to increase blood flow to the area assisting in lack of mobility, tight muscles, scars and release of trigger points, decrease pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being. It is as a type of deep-tissue massage.
Massage as a Medical Treatment
Massage therapy may be defined as the “treatment of disorders of the human body by the manipulation of soft tissue through the systematic external application of massage techniques…and joint movements within the normal physiologic range of motion…” Massage Therapy is provided by a licensed massage therapist (LMT). High quality research has supported the effectiveness of massage as a medical treatment for a variety of chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Massage as a Service
As a service, massage is promoted as a relaxing luxury and pampering experience. While it may be administered by a licensed therapist, it can be provided by anyone as long as the term “therapy” is not used. In this setting, your health history is of minor concern and the massage is a service you can buy from anyone rather than a preventative treatment provided by a skilled practitioner.