When looking for a Massage Therapist, many people want to know what type of massage they practice. As with most therapists, I blend a number of techniques and tailor each session to what the client needs.
Most clients come to me for deeper work to alleviate pain. I specialize in using a combination of the following modalities:
Deep Tissue
Often times the muscles that are involved in causing pain are several layers deep in the body. This requires a Massage Therapist to “sink through” layers of muscle before getting to the desired layer.This type of massage might be obvious given the name, but it is important to distinguish that Massage Therapists have different philosophies about how to approach deeper work. I never intend to go beyond the client’s comfort level when providing deep tissue massage. I always warm up the area first so that the tissue “lets me in” as opposed to forcing something that is not ready to open. Forcing tissue can cause an instinctual response for the body to “lock down” causing the opposite desired outcome of massage. Patience is the key.
Trigger Point Massage
Pain in the low back might be caused by trigger points in the hips and the gluteal muscles. That headache is likely tight muscles in the neck and shoulders. Trigger Point Massage recognizes the pain referral patterns in the body and acknowledges that where a personfeelspain might be different from thecauseof pain. Usually the Massage Therapist will find a trigger point, apply pressure, hold it for several seconds until the pain dissipates and repeat.
Myofascial Release
Like an onion, the body is layered, but with many different types of soft tissue. One of these types of tissue is called Fascia. Myofascial work is preformed without the use of lotion in order to work and stretch the fascia that can holdmuscles in dysfunctional patterns. Once those fascial layers begin to release, the therapist might add lotion and begin work on the actual muscles that lie under the fascia.
Myoskeletal Alignment
Combining the principles of osteopathy and structural integration, myoskeletal alignment is a type of bodywork used to relieve chronic pain. This technique is often integrated into regular massage and bodywork sessions, and it can also be used alone to treat systemic problems. Tight, stressed muscles contribute to pain by limiting freedom of movement, while weak muscles provide inadequate support for the body. This in turn leads to posture problems, stiffness, and other symptoms which create an endless cycle of pain.
Sports Massage
Active individuals can have soreness in their muscles from exercising. Sports Massage is a great way flush the overworked muscles, improve recovery time and prevent injury through increasing circulation. The massage therapist will likely focus on wringing and pumping techniques to move toxins out of the muscles. Stretching is usually incorporated to lengthen shortened muscles and improve flexibility. Deeper work is generally avoided when athletes will be competing in the near future.
Swedish Massage
When people think of a traditional massage, they usually have Swedish in mind. A series of long gliding strokes are used with lotion to help increase circulation and flush toxins out of the body. I generally use Swedish massage to warm up the tissue in preparation for deeper work. Most people find it really relaxing and feel-goodÂ.