Business/Office
Sporting Events
Conventions
Production & Assembly Lines
Call Centers
employee appreciation events
In-Home Parties
Therapeutic massage is the manipulation of the muscles and tissues of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, and stress. There are many styles and types of massage therapy. From manual relaxation, to the more elaborate techniques including contrasting temperatures and textures. Massage has a long history, passed on by many cultures and generations. To this day, massage is an individual art form to provide relief.
1) Clothed Seated-Chair Massage
A massage geared toward an individual who wants to incorporate a break
into a busy schedule. Perfect for anyone who performs tasks that require
repetitive motion. Also great for anyone who does focused work at a desk,
counter or assembly-line. In most cases, this type of massage is done at
a workplace, outdoor event, convention, etc.
Technique: These sessions typically last from 10-30 minutes. They
are provided on a client who is fully-clothed and seated forward in a custom
designed massage chair. The unique speed and technique of the massage are
capable of providing relief for muscle aches and tension release; focusing
primarily on the head, neck, shoulders arms and back.
Pressure: Light to Firm
Goal: Provide a renewed sense of energy and focus, in a limited massage
session.
2) Swedish Massage Therapy
This is the most common type of massage therapy in the United States.
It is most associated with the general term “massage”. It is
also known as “relaxation massage”.
Technique: Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading,
and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion
or oil.
Pressure: Light to Firm
Goal: Increase the level of oxygen in the blood, decrease muscle
toxins, improve circulation and flexibility while easing tension and providing
a full body relaxation.
3) Deep Tissue Massage
Targets the deepest layers of muscle and connective tissue and may be
the best method to release stubborn muscle knots and tension. The more
intense techniques may create a slight discomfort or soreness that lasts
a couple of days before the actual relief is realized.
Technique: The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction
techniques across the grain of the muscle. Also may include aspects of
Swedish Massage and Trigger Points.
Pressure: Firm to Deep
Goal: Relieve tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural
problems, or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two
days after deep tissue massage. To learn more, read the full article on deep
tissue massage.
4) Trigger Point Technique
A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue. It often causes
shooting pain in other parts of the body. A trigger point in the
back, for example, may trigger pain in the neck. The neck, now
acting as a satellite trigger point, may then cause pain in the head. The
pain may be sharp and intense or a dull ache. Trigger points are
caused by muscle overuse or injury, and because the aches are associated
with moving parts, the pain is commonly mistaken for arthritis.
Technique: Also known as myotherapy, the Trigger Point Technique
is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles
of isolated pressure and release. In this type of protocol, the recipient
actively participates through measured deep breathing as well as identifying
the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.
Pressure: Deep and Frequent
Goal: To release stubborn, trapped toxins in the muscles and release
energizing endorphins. A significant decrease in pain is often found
after just one treatment.
5) Sports Massage
Excellent for athletes and people at all levels of physical activity.
You don't have to be a professional athlete to appreciate the benefits.
When provided as a pre-event practice, it helps lessen the risk of injury.
As a post-event routine, it reduces muscle recovery time.
Technique: The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage.
Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles
and increase flexibility and circulation.
Pressure: Light to Firm
Goal: Promote flexibility and higher muscle performance. Reduce muscle
recovery time.
6) Pregnancy Massage
Also known as prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly
popular with expectant mothers. It has many benefits for both the mother
and growing baby.
Technique: This type of massage therapy requires special positioning
and a modified version Swedish Massage techniques. It is possible for most
woman to receive massage after the first 3 months of pregnancy. Please
consult with your doctor before scheduling.
Pressure: Light
Goal: Reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains,
and reduce anxiety and depression. The massage is customized to a woman's
individual needs.
7) Reflexology
Specialized massage technique of applying pressure to certain points on
the hands and feet. These points correspond to organs and systems in the
body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on
their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet.
Technique: Target areas of hands or feet to create an overall change
throughout the body. The pressure and intensity of the technique vary,
depending on the client and situation.
Pressure: Light to Deep
Goal: Provide relief from ailments such as sleeping disorders, sinus
and congestion problems, tension headaches, arthritis, digestive issues,
back pain and much more.
8) Cranial Sacral Therapy
A noninvasive form of alternative medicine that deals with the movement
of the fluid surrounding the skull and spinal cord. By complementing the
body's natural healing processes, Cranial Sacral Therapy is increasingly
used as a preventive health measure, because of its ability to bolster
resistance to disease, and its effectiveness for a improving a wide range
of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
Technique: Typically using only 5grams of pressure; the focus is
on removing the restrictions of nerve passages and the membranes that encase
the central nervous system.
Pressure: Light
Goal: To restore misaligned bones to their proper position and eliminate
the negative effects of stress. This technique, when focused and repeated,
may provide relief from migraine headaches, neck and back pain, temporomandibular
joint disorder and more.
9) Aromatherapy Therapy
The addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential
oils to address specific needs. This unique fragrance enhancement
is pleasant to nearly all massage experiences.
Technique: Select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing,
balancing, etc.
Goal: Aromatherapy is particularly suited to stress-related conditions
or conditions with an emotional component. To learn more, research both
aromatherapy and essential oils.
10) Healing Stone Massage
Smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to effect temperature
changes. Warmth will loosen tight muscles in the body. Cool will create
a shift in blood, lymph and bodily fluid. Both temperatures create a powerful
circulation and energy balance.
Technique: Massage techniques may be performed with stones in hand.
However in many instances, the stones will be placed or applied stationary
with gentle pressure.
Goal: A great technique for people who have muscle tension but prefer
lighter massage. Also an extraordinary addition when incorporated with Swedish
or Deep Tissue Massage.
