Cupping

Cupping is performed using either Traditional Chinese Medicine glass fire cups or modern plastic suction cups. Cupping therapy uses negative pressure, rather than tissue compression. It is an excellent stand alone or add-on modality to bodywork for pain, stubborn conditions, repetitive strains, inflammation, toxicity, chronic fatigue, lymphatic drainage and scar tissue. By creating suction by either using stationary or sliding cups, this amazing therapy releases rigid soft tissue, drains excess fluids and toxins, loosens adhesions, lifts connective tissue, and brings fresh blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles. Myofascial release is immediate and with the correct application of cupping therapy, it addresses a myriad of debilitating and stubborn conditions. Cupping will typically leave behind “cupping marks” or “Sha”. Traditional Chinese Medicine regards the appearance of Sha as an indication that toxins and stagnation are being pulled to the surface of the body, restoring healthy blood flow and qi to the muscle. The Cupping marks are non painful and will resolve within a few hours to 10 days.

Prenatal Massage

Pregnancy is an incredible experience, but unfortunately it does take a heavy toll on our bodies. Our prenatal massages act to not only provide deep relaxation, but also safely provide postural adjustments, pain relief, and total body support for expecting mothers. Prenatal massages are a specialized style of massage that can address the various challenges of a mother’s changing body. It not only provides much-needed rest and relaxation, but this form of massage therapy can improve your health during pregnancy and encourage healthy fetal development. The benefits of prenatal massage are extensive. Just like general massage therapy, there are many more benefits specifically for mother and child. It can improve pain and tension, reduce swelling and nerve pain, alleviate stress, fatigue and soothe anxiety.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic flow and helps transport the lymph from swollen areas to non swollen areas/lymph collectors. That way your body can naturally process the fluid and provide relief. This is done using a gentle rhythmic motion on dry skin. This technique can be used on all stages of lymphedema.

Myofascial Release

We often talk about muscles, joints, and nerves when we discuss our pain or discomfort. However, often our pain can be stemming from issues in the fascia surrounding these other structures. Fascia is a widespread connective tissue made up of mostly collagen and fluids. It encloses our muscles, organs, and vessels like a sheath. It is a wholly connected and integrated system – not unlike a spider’s web or the thin transparent layers around orange segments. This web interacts with every aspect of our physical frame and, when disrupted, can cause a host of problems. Myofascial therapy has one main aim: to release areas of tension or blockage in this vast web of tissue to help restore our bodies to their best shape. Think of how you might feel if you were locked up in a tight, restrictive straitjacket: you can’t move properly, breathe properly, or certainly can’t relax properly. When your fascia is damaged or stressed, this is how your muscles, nerves, joints, and blood vessels react. The goal is to release the areas of restriction in the fascia to restore the gentle and beneficial hug of fascia and all the nutrients it provides. Myofascial techniques often involve sustained and slow pressure in specific directions to gently release the bound-up fascia. In general, myofascial release is comfortable, but you may feel some deep pressure or stretching as the fascia releases.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Like many manual therapies, Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) works to heal and nourish the muscles and joints. This allows for pain relief, tissue regeneration, improved flexibility and strength, and further injury prevention. Neuromuscular massage works by targeting areas in soft tissue (i.e. muscles and fascia) for a very specific therapeutic effect. This typically means releasing what is called a “trigger point” or a knotted bundle of muscle. Over time, or with injury, the muscle bodies can develop these knots that lead to pain and reduced function. Neuromuscular massage, while specific in its approach, has a wide-reaching beneficial effect on the body. It promotes increased circulation through the entire body, which in turn helps to oxygenate and nourish every cell in the body. Many of our aches and pains are caused by poor blood flow through the tissues, and neuromuscular therapy helps to re-establish smooth blood circulation.

Trigger Point

Trigger points can cause various forms of discomfort and pain across the body, including orthopedic pain, migraines, functional disorders, general malaise, and more. Trigger points are specific regions in the muscle tissue that have tightened. They are often likened to “knots.” This not only causes soreness and pain in the area of the point itself, but can also refer to other areas of the body or cause internal issues. Trigger points commonly develop around areas of injury or everyday repetitive use. This can be caused by poor posture, ergonomically improper office furniture or carrying a purse, briefcase, or baby the same way over time leading to the formation of trigger points. Stress plays a role in this department as well: stress-induced tension in the jaw, shoulders, or back can allow trigger points to form in these areas. Trigger points can happen all over the body, but some of the most common regions are on the traps, neck, and back.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage therapy is perfect for those who may want a lighter touch. Swedish massage is the typical form of massage therapy that comes to mind when considering massages, and the pressure can be easily adapted to suit your specific desires. While it is best known for its relaxing properties, Swedish massages are also beneficial for improving circulation, releasing toxins, and relaxing sore. Techniques for Swedish massage often include long, sweeping strokes along muscle pathways, kneading muscle work, rhythmic tapping, rubbing, friction, vibration, and other movements. Swedish massage therapists use a variety of these techniques depending on the part of the body and your specific concerns, as well as your preference for pressure. An individualized approach allows us to help you get back on track with your wellness goals.

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage therapy focuses on the realignment of your deeper muscle layers and connective tissues. If you experience chronic tension in your muscles and tissues or have contracted body areas, like stiff neck, tight lower back, or sore shoulders, a deep tissue massage can provide effective, long-term relief. By using a combination of classic and advanced massage techniques, our professional massage therapists apply slow, deep pressure using knuckles, hands, fingertips, elbows, and forearms. Deep tissue massage is designed to target areas of tension to relieve chronic pain and improve overall health.

Since deep tissue is an umbrella term meant to encompass a variety of techniques, it is important to remember that no two deep tissue massages will be the same. There is a world of different approaches to deep tissue massage, and each massage therapist comes to the table with a unique set of skills, specialized training, and a well-developed philosophy about their approach to the work. No matter the technique, the goals for a deep tissue massage are therapeutic and the massage may involve client participation.