Therapeutic Massage
Bodywork
Swedish Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Myofascial Release Techniques
“Bodywork”
Bodywork generally refers to any form of touch or conveyance of energy that positively affects the human body. A mind-wrenching array of therapeutic modalities, influenced from both Eastern and Western healing arts, are referenced by this catch-all term. Bodywork can include, but is certainly not limited to: acupressure, acupuncture, therapeutic touch, shiatsu, reiki, craniosacral therapy, zero balancing, reflexology, polarity therapy, movement therapy, and the many forms of therapeutic massage.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is what most people think of as a “relaxation massage”. The massage practitioner uses a variety of strokes to first warm the muscles and increase circulation, and then alternates with more specific movements to relax and release areas of tightness as needed. These strokes can be limited to one area if the client requests, but generally a Swedish massage will integrate all areas of the body with strokes that flow first superficially and broadly from the extremities toward the center of the body, and then become more specific and deep as areas of tension are identified. Swedish massage is most often delivered directly to the skin with small amounts of oil or creams. The client’s body is modestly draped with bed linens throughout the massage, and only the areas being directly massaged are exposed at any given time. If the client prefers to remain dressed or simply does not wish to have the oils or creams used, Swedish massage can be done without emollients. Although Swedish massage is usually done on a standard massage table, it can be applied in a chair, recliner, bed, or any other surface that is most comfortable to the client.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage takes the Swedish massage literally a level “deeper”. After adequately warming up muscle bundles with broad and superficial strokes, using little or no emollients, areas of tension are worked slowly, deeply and thoroughly with specific and precise strokes which follow muscle fibers from their origins to their insertions – from where they begin to where they end. Clients are asked to identify a “hedonic” level of discomfort – the level at which the muscles being worked “hurt good”. Deep tissue massage may be uncomfortable at some points, but should never be excruciatingly painful! Deep tissue work is especially helpful for clients with persistent areas of muscle tension, spasms, or “knots” related to posture, work requirements, or physical over-activity.
Myofascial Release Techniques
Myofascial release techniques are used to loosen or “release” the fascia, which is the connective tissue that helps to bind and support the muscles (and many other organs and body structures). The best analogy I can give is that of a chicken breast: undoubtedly, you have some time or another seen the clear-white tough membranous coating that surrounds the flesh of a cut chicken breast – that is the fascia. When the fascia is overly constricted, it can literally bind the muscles too tightly, restricting blood flow and movement at the microscopic level. Myofascial release techniques are extremely slow movements, applied to the skin with no oils or creams, using full hand contact to induce a stretching/sinking action which then helps to loosen the fascia around the muscles being worked. At times, clients may be asked to move their joints in a specific way to add resistance and depth to the stroke being applied. Myofascial release techniques can be especially helpful to clients who find Swedish and deep tissue techniques to be too painful or vigorous, or who wish to have a variety of modalities incorporated into their therapeutic massage experience.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage was originally developed in the late eighteenth century by a Swedish fencing master as the first systematic application of therapeutic massage in the West. It was based on European folk massage, oriental techniques from the Middle East and the then emerging knowledge of modern anatomy and physiology. The strokes and manipulations of Swedish Massage are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit. One of the primary goals of Swedish Massage is to speed the venous return of unoxygenated and toxic blood from the extremities. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and young. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific clinical uses in medical or remedial therapy.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is based on the Chinese theory of the circulation of subtle energy, or Ch’i, through meridians running through and over the body which ultimately govern the internal organs and thus our entire metabolism. Situated along these meridians are points, the same as those used in Acupuncture, where this energy can be effectively manipulated by the therapist. Although the foundation of this massage is deep pressure exerted upon these specific localized points, this system also includes a wide variety of stretches, rubbing, hacking and other common massage techniques. It is a somewhat subtler form of massage since it deals with a higher level of body mechanism - the etheric Ch’i prana -- or energy, rather than just the gross physical bones, joints, muscles, etc. It can be used as a complete system of health maintenance, or simply for stress reduction, relaxation, and a general improvement of feeling-tone. Unlike Swedish Massage, Shiatsu requires the recipient’s participation with the therapist in coordinating the breath with the manipulations. It is a quiet and contemplative form of massage having profound results.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is a sensible blend of traditional Swedish Massage and Shiatsu. It was developed by Jack Meager, who is the official masseur for the U. S. Olympic Equestrian Team. Basic to the system is the fact that there are twelve principle body postures that form the axis of all athletic movement. Each sport demands that the player attains specific postures; hence, each sport tends to strain the muscles at certain predictable points. Sports massage can help heal strained muscles and allow healthy ones to reach peak action and to maintain it, with less risk of injury.
Medical Massage
Although massage is not thought of in conjunction with Western medicine, Europeans have employed this time tested practice for centuries. In the U.S. we entrust our health to doctors and our bones to chiropractors and orthopedists, but what of our nerves and muscles? The answer is massage therapy. Medical massage can be used to prevent muscular atrophy in cases of broken bones, to reduce inflammation in strains and sprains, to reduce inflammation of sciatica and lumbago, to increase circulation of varicose ulcers, to stimulate normal bowel movements and much more. Although massage may create positive changes in many ailments there are indications for not giving massage. The trained therapist is well informed as to contraindications. Active and passive exercise is the key to good health. The informed therapist may evaluate your range of motion and make recommendations for simple exercises to maintain or improve your health.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is described as treatment with physical and mechanical means as massage or electricity (Tabor’s Medical Dictionary). We employ the use of massage, and electro acupuncture energetics. Use of electrical stimulation is performed at the referral and diagnosis of a physician. Sessions may not last as long as massage but may be coupled with massage based on the client’s needs. Aroma therapy is available upon request. Massage sessions last approximately one hour. The success of massage depends on the clients as well as the practitioner. Relaxation is an essential element of massage which allows muscle tissue to move from a contracted position to an extended or relaxed state. Only in the relaxed position is it possible to nourish muscle tissue with blood. It is helpful to know that oxygenation of the blood is accomplished by breathing. Consequently, the body’s need for energy may be satisfied by deep breathing which causes a more rapid breakdown of those chemicals in the blood which nourish muscles
Therapeutic massage
