Massage Therapy is the scientific manipulation of the muscles and other soft tissues of the body, including connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, joints. Massage, considered part of complementary and alternative integrative medicine, is recommended as a standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and systemic imbalances. It helps alleviate discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular overuse, and many chronic pain conditions. 

Massage therapy can be an effective treatment, and beneficial for a variety of people of all ages and has been demonstrated and recommended to help obtain relief from many specific health-related conditions, including:

• Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis

 

• Stress and associated conditions

 

• Toxin buildups

 

• Headaches and migraines

 

• Muscle-related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains

 

• Hormonal imbalances

 

• Sleep disorders

 

• Digestive problems

 

• Back pain

 

• Repetitive strain injuries

 

• Circulatory and respiratory problems

 

• Pregnancy and labor discomfort

 

• Post-injury and post-surgical rehabilitation

 

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD: A chemical imbalance in the brain caused by severe trauma or stress). Massage can help ease the emotional pain of PTSD so that sufferers can reconnect with the world in a meaningful way.

Yes, massage therapy is appropriate and be useful for individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and aging populations. However, there may be certain conditions for which massage therapy is not appropriate. A qualified Massage Therapist (LMT or CMT) is trained to recognize these contraindications.

A health history questionnaire form will be discussed as part of becoming familiar with your particular needs and desired interests. Afterward, the therapist will begin by asking a few questions to establish what areas you would like to focus on, whether you have any concerns that may need special attention, and determine which treatment may be most appropriate. Your massage therapist may perform specific assessments to evaluate your condition and see if you have any presenting complaints before the treatment service plan.

Depending on the primary techniques and service plan your therapist exercises, you may or may not need to undress, which your massage therapist will give you privacy to do. For a full body massage, most people undress entirely or choose to wear underwear. Your comfort as a client is paramount to your massage therapist, both in the context of the clothing you wear and the treatment you receive. Massage therapists can provide effective treatment whether you elect to remove any, some, or all of your dress attire. All Licensed Massage Therapists are trained in proper draping procedures to ensure that your privacy is respected to the fullest at all times during the treatment. Your comfort and ability to be at ease is of the utmost importance to effective therapy and highly regarded in service standards.

Make yourself comfortable and settle into the present moment. If your therapist wants you to modify positioning, they will either gently move you into place or will ask you to adjust as needed. Otherwise, alter your bearing anytime to make yourself more suitably at ease. Many people close their eyes and relax during the session, while others may prefer to converse; the session is customized to your individual needs. Please feel free to ask questions at any time, should you need to share.

Depending on the techniques used, which have been determined during the initial assessment, a session may begin with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) to calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body settles into the present moment and softens, pressure may gradually increase to relax specific areas further and relieve muscular stress. Additionally, a variety of alternative methods may be adapted to best suit the therapeutic session’s needs. Often, light organic massage oil or lotion is utilized to allow the muscles to be massaged with ease. However, no oil may be used in specific treatment plans, where appropriate. Please do not hesitate to ask questions or mention any discomfort so that the therapist can use another approach or technique.

We exclusively use organic hypoallergenic, non-nut based massage oils & lotions. However, if you have a sensitivity to certain oils or lotions, please bring that to your therapist’s attention.

No, several medical conditions may make massage inappropriate as a beneficial treatment option. That’s why a health history form must be completed and discussed before a session begins, and a treatment plan is assessed. The massage therapist will ask relative health questions to determine whether you have any contraindications to massage. It is paramount that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you may be taking currently. If under a doctor’s care, it may be advised to receive approval and a written recommendation for a massage before your initial treatment session.

Most people feel very relaxed with an overall elevated mood, given the large amounts of endorphins released into the bloodstream during a massage. Moreover, recent studies suggest that endorphins enhance the immune system, relieve pain, reduce stress, and retard the aging process. Also, some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of winding down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, lasting for days. Since toxins are released from the soft tissues, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water following your massage. It is sometimes recommended to draw a hot Epsom salt bath or enjoy a detoxifying Sauna, which encourages metabolized toxins to release following the massage treatment.

Some people find that one treatment is sufficient. However, massage therapy is most beneficial in acute conditions when used over a series of treatments and then followed up with maintenance or preventive treatments. Through mutual discussion, your massage therapist can help you establish a program that fits your physical needs and lifestyle. Your massage therapist is most concerned with your recovery and the maintenance of your health.

• Acupressure — Acupressure is a form of bodywork and alternative medicine technique based on traditional Chinese meridian theory (life force energy which flows through the body) in which acupuncture points are pressed to stimulate the flow of vital energy or  Qi (ch’i ).

 

• Aromatherapy — Aromatherapy has been practiced around the world for more than ten centuries. Essential oils are considered the heart and soul, extracted from plants and their integral roots. They directly affect human hair, skin, and nails by providing nature’s antibiotics and assisting the body’s natural defenses. In addition to the olfactory nerve stimulation within the nose, there is a direct link with the brain’s center, which controls emotions.

 

• Bodywork — Throughout Eastern and Western traditions, bodywork is a comprehensive scope of alternative medicine and practices involving therapeutic touch, mindful movement, breathwork, and personal development to benefit and positively impact health and wellbeing and balance the energetic ‘ integrated mind-body connection. ‘ 

 

• Chair Massage — Chair massage is conducted in an ergonomically designed portable chair with the recipient seated comfortably, remaining clothed for ease and convenience. It focuses on the head, neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands and often performed in on-site establishments such as business offices, employee appreciation events, trade shows, conferences, and other public settings. 

 

• Craniosacral — Cranio refers to the cranium, the bone segments comprising the head, and the sacral joints indicating the spine’s base, which is the sacrum. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle approach towards muscle manipulation involving the head through to the spine’s base. CST’s application is intended to restore the proper flow of cerebrospinal fluids along the spine and support the central nervous system’s maximal functioning to relieve tension, promote wellbeing, eliminate the pain of associated conditions, and boost health and immunity.

 

• Cupping — Cupping therapy is highly effective for chronic tension. It is a form of alternative medicine used to promote wellbeing by creating a suction or vacuum pressure; this releases tight constricted muscles, loosens adhesions to lift connective tissue, restores blood flow, and hydrates stagnant areas. Also, cupping drains excess fluids and toxins by increasing the opening of lymphatic pathways and boosts the body’s natural defense systems and immune responses.

 

• Deep Tissue Massage — Deep tissue massage is highly recommended for discomfort, pain management, muscle recovery, and athletic performance. It is also described as deep muscle therapy or deep tissue therapy. It is a comprehensive bodywork system that works powerfully into the muscles and connective tissues to release deep-rooted aches and associated pain conditions.

 

• Hot Stone Massage — Hot stone massage treatment is an approach to muscle therapy, using warmed stones to massage and relax tension in irritated sore muscles for relief and natural recovery. Hot stones may be used for their heat alone or as massage tools used in combination with essential oils and aromatherapy. The smooth, rounded stones are placed along various points to open up energy channels, promote circulation, and increase metabolic processes.

 

• Infrared Sauna — Far infrared radiant heat is used to heat the sauna. Unlike traditional Swedish saunas, infrared saunas do not use steam. The infrared heater produces radiant energy, which mimics the sun’s heat, only without the harmful ultraviolet rays. This type of therapy may aid with: 

 

• • • Alleviating and improving chronic fatigue, skin disorders, reduce water retention, fat loss, and eliminate heavy metals, poisons, and carcinogenic materials from the body.
    • Healthy digestion; whenever we process food, notably less nutritious food options and meat, the body creates lactic acid and free fatty acids and excess sodium and uric acid as an overload of metabolic waste materials.
    •  
    • Supports the liver and kidney to aid in cleansing, rather than overworking the skin in processing toxins out through its’ dermis layers.
    • Increases blood flow by expanding and contracting the capillaries that carry blood. It also increases oxygenation and regeneration of the blood, deeply detoxifying and nourishing cells for the improved functioning of all of the body’s major organs, which depend on blood for vital energy and resources.
    • Deep detoxification, dissolving or mobilizing hidden toxins in the blood and tissues.

 

• Manual Lymph Drainage — Manual lymph drainage promotes lymph (a fluid that bathes the tissues, maintains interstitial balance, and removes bacteria) movement, enabling lymphatic vessels to transport numerous substances, such as proteins, hormones, and fatty acids for homeostasis. Lymphatic drainage reduces edema, a condition in which the body’s tissues contain an excessive amount of fluid and promotes lymph circulation to rid toxins, waste materials, and foreign substances for optimal immune efficacy. It also purifies and regenerates tissues while regulating organ functioning, enhancing metabolism and the immune system.

 

• Myofascial Release — Myo, meaning muscle, and fascia is the expansive connective tissues that wrap, support, interpenetrate, and form the bloodstream, bone tissue, meningeal tissue, organs, and skeletal muscles; aiding an environment that enables all body systems to operate in an integrated manner. During myofascial release, restrictions (tight areas) are gently loosened and stretched, while gliding pressure is applied so that body structures can move more freely, releasing tension and motion is restored. This technique addresses discomfort, immobility, low circulation, lymphatic congestion, and stimulates the stretch reflexes throughout muscles.

 

• Neuromuscular Therapy — NMT is a medically orientated form of massage that addresses the underlying causes of chronic pain involving the musculoskeletal and nervous system; it attempts to interrupt the neuromuscular feedback that maintains pain or dysfunction. The specialized approach treats trigger points (hyperirritable muscle spot), circulation, nerve compression, postural patterns, or series of repetitive movements and biomechanical problems and examines perpetuating factors, due to the diverse nature of pathology, that can also contribute to the issue such as nutritional, allergies, neuroexcitants, neurotoxins, and other core elements that can masquerade as myofascial pain and dysfunction; in which a network of qualified providers may be referred.

 

• Polarity Therapy — Polarity is an integrated form of Eastern and Western comprehensive systems based on dynamic energy movement. It is a spectrum of well-developed modalities and techniques using a collection of bodywork, exercise, nutritional guidance, and verbal counseling to bring the energy field of the mind, body, emotions, and spirit into a state of balanced harmony. Transformation, healing, recovery, personal psycho-spiritual shifts, and development are attainable with an increased energetic flow and vibrant health.

 

• Prenatal Massage — Pregnancy massage addresses the unique needs of prenatal and postpartum women. It focuses on relieving discomfort and tension in an ever-changing pregnant body and welcomes the expecting mother’s new transitions.

 

• Reiki — Reiki encompases several traditional Asian healing practices. It is a therapeutic approach that provides a light touch or no-touch technique for channeling universal energy to promote healing; this vital energy can be harnessed to support the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It is highly recommended for fibromyalgia and other energy-sensitive requirements. 

 

• Reflexology — Reflexology is a form of bodywork supported by Zone Therapy theories and vital energy ( Qi or “Chi” ) philosophies. There are 7000 -7200 nerve endings in the human foot. The reflexology practice utilizes soft tissue and joint manipulations to stimulate nerve endings in the head, ears, hands, and feet, corresponding to various organs and systems within the body. It enables a free-flowing of vital energy (Qi) to maintain and restore homeostasis: the body’s ability to heal itself, physically and emotionally, keeping it balanced and dis-ease free.

 

• Sports Massage — Sports massage may be used to help train and perform free of pain and injuries. Various techniques are employed, with a concentration such as compression, pressure-point therapy, cross-fiber friction, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, and cryotherapy, to meet high-level performers and fitness enthusiasts’ unique needs. These methods help reduce swelling, loosens tired, stiff muscles; maintains flexibility; promote blood flow to the muscles to remove lactic acid, and reduce cramping. It also speeds the recovery time and alleviates pulls, strains, and soreness while reducing scar tissue development and increasing range of motion for better fitness performance.

 

• Swedish Massage — Swedish massage, also known as the Western or classic massage, is a scientific system of manipulations on the body’s muscles and connective tissues for calming relaxation, rehabilitation, mental and emotional wellbeing, and physiological health maintenance. It increases blood circulation, decreases stress and muscle tension, and improves range of motion. Swedish massage therapy employs a variety of techniques and their variations: effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), friction, tapotement (or percussion), and vibration, which may be used as best suited for the desired experience.

 

• Yoga Therapy — Yoga has been practiced with therapeutic intentions to transform both the body and the mind for centuries. Applied therapeutics can help prevent and aid recovery from physical and mental ailments, combining tools from various practice styles and disciplines; each influences the design or a routine that holistically addresses the given condition. In unison with the ebb and flow of life, a balanced way of being; is a state of yoga.