SWEDISH MASSAGE

What is Swedish Massage:
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​The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. This form of massage was created at the turn of the century by Henry Peter Ling in Sweden. It involves the use of kneading, stroking, friction, tapping, and vibration and may provide relief from stiffness, numbness, pain, constipation, and other health problems. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Other benefits include stimulation of circulation, an increase in muscle tone, and a balance of the musculo-skeletal systems. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load.
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The usual sequence in which a swedish massage strokes are conducted are Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Vibration, Percussion, and finally passive and active movements.

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DEEP TISSUE

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

A type of massage therapy, deep tissue massage uses firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). It's used for chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.

How Does It Work?

While some of the strokes may feel the same as those used in Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage isn't the same as having a regular massage with deep pressure.

It's used to break up scar tissue and physically break down muscle "knots" or adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) that can disrupt circulation and cause pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation.
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At the beginning of the massage, lighter pressure is generally applied to warm up and prep the muscles. Specific techniques are then applied. The most common techniques include:
Stripping - deep, gliding pressure along the length of the muscle fibers using the elbow, forearm, knuckles, and thumbs
Friction - pressure applied across the grain of a muscle to release adhesions and realign tissue fibers
The Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage. Deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as chronic muscle pain, injury rehabilitation, and the following conditions:

• Low back pain
• Limited mobility
• Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls)
• Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome

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Orthopedic Massage

What is Orthopedic Massage:

​Orthopedic Massage Therapy describes a system, rather than a single technique, that involves therapeutic assessment, manipulation and movement of soft tissues to resolve pain and dysfunction. OM focuses on restoring structural balance throughout the body for both prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Orthopedic massage works to address the cause of the pain, whether it’s from injury or postural imbalances to help facilitate the healing process to strengthen, and prevent reoccurrence.

Orthopedic or Medical Massage is massage therapy with the intent of improving health and assisting with healing and rehabilitation. Massage therapy began as a health care method consisting of remedial exercise and continues today as an integral part of complementary and integrative medicine. The field of medical massage is constantly changing and growing as we learn more about how the body works and how it responds to physical stimulus. There has been enormous growth in the fields of pain, pain science, neurology and human potential for medical massage therapists to draw from. With massage therapy currently enjoying a renaissance, therapists and researchers are improving on our knowledge and technique everyday.

Massage therapy is naturally circulatory in nature. Even the most general massage helps to promote circulation of blood and lymph in the body. Medical massage uses this property and applies techniques designed to facilitate circulation in specific ways in order to accomplish various goals. Medical massage can be used to increase circulation of blood to a specific area helping it to heal. Lymphatic techniques can be used to reduce the swelling associated with postoperative inflammation. Lymphatic drainage techniques are also commonly used to reduce Lymphedema due to cancer treatments and other lymphatic system issues.

Medical Massage includes techniques like:

• Neuromuscular Therapy
• Lymphatic Drainage
• Myofascial Release
• Facilitated Stretching
• Trigger point Therapy

Much of the rest of what Medical Massage can do is accomplished by stimulating the nervous system in one way or another or by freeing entrapped or compressed nerves. Called by many different names and brands, Neuromuscular Therapies use our understanding of how the nervous system reacts to various stimuli. Embedded in all of our tissues and running throughout the body are nervous receptors. These receptors provide a variety of information to our brain and spinal cord. Our central nervous system takes all of this information in and makes decisions about movement and position. By giving these receptors or sensors new information we can change the signals and even how the body reacts to the signals.
Often nerves and nerve bundles get compressed, entrapped or pinched by the surrounding bones, muscle or other soft tissues of the body. Medical massage therapy works to free the nerves from these impingements. By relieving compression and freeing entrapped nerves, medical massage can bring relief to sufferers of nerve impingement and compression syndromes. Issues like sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome, even spinal nerve compression due to injury or degeneration of inter-vertebral discs, vertebra and the surrounding tissues can often be addressed with medical massage there by avoiding more expensive and invasive surgical methods.
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By understanding how the receptors work and how the body responds, medical massage can do things like increase the range of motion in a joint or improve the strength of a muscle. Everything from hypertonicity (tightness) to nociception (pain signal) can be mediated or adjusted through the manipulation of the associated nerve receptors. Increased range of motion, improved strength and decreased pain can all be accomplished with medical massage treatments.
In recent years there has been an explosion of research on the nature of pain, chronic pain and stress. Information on how the body processes pain signals and “learns” chronic pain. Information on how pain and stress cause changes to the endocrine systems output. Information on how reflex response and motor control can either perpetuate or mitigate painful and limiting problems. Nervous system stimulus response, neuroplasticity, endocrine system response are all hot topics in the medical massage community and everyday we add something new to our understanding of how to promote healing, facilitate injury recovery and reduce pain.

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​Hot Stone Massage
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Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses heated stones as an extension of their own hands. The heat can be both deeply relaxing and help warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply, more quickly.
Hot stone massage is a treat, so indulge as much as you can. Arrive early so you have time enough to relax and absorb your surroundings. It’s not a good idea to eat a heavy meal or drink alcohol in the hours beforehand.
Your hot stones massage will be 60 or 90 minutes, plenty of time for melting away all your knots, aches and worries.

Add Hot Stones onto any massage for $30

*Medical Conditions
Always tell your therapist about any medical conditions you have. They will take your medical history into account when choosing the right stones and techniques for your body. For similar reasons, tell your therapist if you are, or think you might be pregnant.
Don’t be afraid to tell your therapist if the stones are too warm for you. You’ll relax much more quickly and start enjoying the feeling of total well-being if you’re comfortable.

*Who Shouldn't Get Hot Stone Massage?

Hot Stone massage is not appropriate if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or are on medication that thins your blood. You shouldn’t get a hot stone massage if you are pregnant or have a sunburn. 




















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Sport Massage​​​​

​​What is Sport Massage:
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Sports massage is great for both the professional and amateur athlete. So what is sports massage? Sports Massage is basically massage done with the interests of the athlete or of a particular sport in mind. Many of the techniques used in a sports massage session are the same as those employed in Orthopedic Massage but are applied with a slightly different emphasis or purpose.

Sports Massage can be used for specific goals. For instance an athlete might receive massage just prior to competition. Some of the pre-event techniques can help to warm up or otherwise prepare the athlete for optimal performance. Sports massage can also be useful after competition. Post-event massage can be helpful in speeding recovery. Some athletes who compete in multi-stage or multi-day events find sports massage essential to keeping them going and working at their peak. Many sports teams have a trainer/massage therapist on staff that goes with them on the road so that they can receive massage treatments wherever they are competing.

Sports massage can help with:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Sports Related Neck Issues
• Joint Pain and movement restrictions
• Tennis Elbow (epicondylitis)
• Runners Knee (patellofemoral syndrome)

One goal of sports massage is to stay ahead of injuries and adaptive compensations. Many sports have reasonably predictable side effects on the body. Massage therapy can help combat the common issues and injuries that occur due to the repetitive nature of many sports. Sports massage delivers relief from minor strains and sprains to overused elbows and knees to hard worked legs and shoulders. Regular massage treatments can help prevent injury, keeping you moving and training pain free.
Another goal of sports massage is to maximize performance. Helping the athlete find that little extra bit of movement or explore their power range and improve it. Sports massage can help improve a wide variety of movement issues and restrictions. Increased mobility and functional range of motion is a major goal of sports treatments. By incorporating sports massage as a regular part of their training routine an athlete can gain an advantage in flexibility, range of motion, power and awareness.

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​*** Sports massage can give you an edge that could prove to be a game changer***

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Massage For Physical Injury

​What is Massage for Physical Injury:
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Rehabilitating a physical injury can be a tedious and painful process. Many find that physical rehabilitation programs alone are not as efficient as massage therapy coupled with a physical rehabilitation program. Massage therapy plays a critical role in supplementing injury rehabilitation procedures. Relaxing the muscles and promoting circulation in the affected area allows blood to deliver much-needed oxygen and nutrients. This helps improve flexibility and range of motion. The time expectancy for an injury can be expected to heal at an accelerated rate. Massage Therapy can help tremendously with surgical and injury recovery. Through the manual manipulation of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissue involved in an injury, Orthopedic massage can accomplish a number of healing goals. This includes strengthening and stretching techniques which are used to assist with range of motion. Neuromuscular techniques that help to retrain movement and coordination. Myofascial techniques which influence the fascial wrappings around the muscles and joints. Trigger point treatment which can help with pain and movement inhibition. There are even orthopedic massage techniques which can influence scar tissue as it forms.
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Orthopedic Massage can help with injury recovery by:

• Reducing Pain
• Increasing Mobility/Range of Motion
• Reducing Inflammation and Edema
• Improving Coordination
• Speeding Recovery

The circulatory and lymphatic effects of medical massage helps to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow thereby enhancing healing and speeding surgical or injury recovery. Inflammation and edema can greatly increase the pain and immobility associated with an injury. Inflammation can become a chronic issue and the affected areas can develop some permanent loss of mobility. Ranging from the natural circulatory enhancement of the most simple massage, all the way to the very specific treatment oriented lymphatic techniques, medical massage therapy is one of the best ways of dealing with the inflammation and edema associated with surgical and injury recovery.

Orthopedic and medical massage incorporate neuromuscular techniques that are used to help facilitate changes in coordination and movement inhibition. By accessing the nervous system through proprioceptive and reflex receptors in the muscles tendons and joints medical massage can help to normalize movement function. Pain can be mitigated by releasing trapped or compressed nervous tissues using myofascial techniques. Orthopedic medical massage combines all of these techniques and methods together in your session so as to regain greater mobility and less pain than would otherwise be possible. Massage therapy can also be used to combat chronic pain.
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• Rehabilitation Package Special : 60 minute -- 390 ( 65 per session)​ 

                                                                                 90 minute -- 510 ( 85 per session)

• Consisting of six consecutive weeks with 60 min or 90 min focused massage treatments ​tailored to your specific needs. 
• Our specialists personalize your therapy to accelerate recovery from injury, as well as prevent, manage or eliminate stress, restriction and pain. ​

        **Also recommended for athletes training for an event or starting a new exercise program
       *** Please note -- Rehabilitation packages are limited to 2 per calendar year

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PRENATAL MASSAGE


                                                                 “When mother is relaxed, baby is relaxed” ​
















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​What is Prenatal Massage:
Disclaimer: In order to receive a prenatal massage, the expectant mother will need to be in her second or third trimester. Prenatal massage in the first trimester will need a signed doctors note as there are risks associated with first trimester massage.
Prenatal massage is therapeutic bodywork that focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of pregnancy. It enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue. The gentle, noninvasive approach of prenatal massage can ease discomfort associated with pregnancy, help the mother-to-be prepare for labor and give her nurturing emotional support.
The benefits of prenatal massage include a wide range of physiological, emotional and psychological benefits.

• Alleviates stress on weight-bearing joints and musculo-fascial structures
• Assists in remedying many of the common discomforts experienced during pregnancy: muscular discomforts, lower-back pain, upper-back pain, headaches, leg cramps, sciatica, stiffness, tension and knots, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, heartburn and acid reflux, fatigue, varicose veins, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, edema of the lower extremities, neck pain, interscapular pain, sacroiliac and hip joint pain and constipation
• Increases blood circulation, which provides more oxygen and nutrients to both mother and fetus and stimulates the lymph system, thereby increasing immunity and removal of toxins
• Stabilizes hormonal levels and helps relieve depression and/or anxiety caused by hormonal changes
• Soothes and relaxes the nervous system by releasing endorphins into the mother’s body. As a result, the expectant mother feels more relaxed and at ease, and will also sleep more easily and more deeply
• Assists in maintaining good posture and adjusting to a changing alignment caused by the baby’s increasing weight. Massage increases muscle tone and flexibility, enhancing the ability to carry this extra weight while also relieving aches and pains, leg cramps and muscle spasms
• Eases the load on the heart and helps keep blood pressure in check
• Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues
• Supports the return of blood to the heart and increases blood flow to the uterus and placenta. With the enormous demands placed on the circulatory system during pregnancy, blood volume may increase up to 60 percent compared to pre-pregnancy levels. As pregnancy progresses and the uterus enlarges and presses deep into the pelvic bowl, venous return to the heart is hampered
• Prepares the mother-to-be for an easier delivery with its sedating effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress relief
• Offers a natural, safe, drug-free alternative choice for pain relief, since taking medications are often limited during a pregnancy for the sake of the unborn child
• In addition to the physical benefits, prenatal massage provides expecting women with the emotional support and nurturing touch provided by human touch and energy.

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Neuromuscular Massage

​What is Neuromuscular Therapy?

Neuromuscular Therapy:
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Definition
Neuromuscular therapy is a specialized form of deep tissue massage in which digital pressure and friction are used to release areas of strain in the muscle.  These areas of strain are called tender or trigger points and are the cause of muscular pain symptoms.
What are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are areas of hypersensitivity in a muscle caused by over strain.  These are small areas of the muscle in which there is a contracture of muscular tissue (think of a tiny snag in a knit sweater).  Blood and nutrients are lacking in that part of the muscle and therefore the muscle spindle is unable to relax.  Trigger points cause pain, fatigue and weakness in the muscle.  Trigger points also cause a phenomenon called referral pain.
What is Referral Pain?
Referral pain is caused by trigger points and is a phenomenon in which areas far from the trigger point suffer from sensations of pain, tingling, or numbness.  Examples of referral pain include: sciatica like symptoms, carpal tunnel like symptoms, and headaches.
What is Neuromuscular Therapy used to treat?
Neuromuscular therapy is used to treat many different soft tissue problems.  The following list is a small example of issues that may be helped by neuromuscular therapy:
Lower back pain, upper back pain, carpal tunnel like symptoms, sciatica like symptoms, hip pain, headaches, plantar fasciitis, calf cramps, tendonitis, knee pain, iliotibial band friction syndrome, jaw pain, tempomandibular joint pain (TMJ disorders).
Who gets neuromuscular therapy?
Anyone with muscular pain!  Soft tissue pain that feels like 'knots' in the muscle are very common, but can be treated by neuromuscular therapy.  We all feel muscular pain in some shape or form and now we have something to do about it.

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            Cupping
                 (Soft Tissue Mobilization)

Cupping Massage: soft tissue mobilization using soft silicone massage cups. These cups are easy to apply and manipulate. Cupping massage provides a kind of reverse massage, pulling up through the tissue, creating stretch and increasing hydration and blood flow. Pain and tension are reduced in a fraction of the time and with much less discomfort than with other manual techniques. Five minutes of cupping massage can relax the tissue as much as 30 minutes of manual work, while static cupping is like having an extra therapist for you, working on a tight area, allowing your therapist to be free to work on other needy muscles! 

The degree of control in using these cups allows from the gentlest of release of a painful trigger point to a deep myofascially oriented mobilization. In addition, because of the degree of control with these cups, the deep marking that has come to be associated with cupping work can typically be avoided when this is of concern. However, this marking is not a bruise but evidence of debris being lifted from the deeper tissues associated with restrictiveness in the tissue which decreases as the tissue becomes healthier.

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Myofascial Release

What is Myofascial Release:

Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with  gentle pressure applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.

Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.)
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The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy. 
Each Myofascial Release Treatment session is performed directly on skin often without oils, lotions or creams. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.

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Couples Massage

If you’ve never had a couple’s massage, you have been missing out on one of the most delightful and memorable  experiences available. Sharing such a relaxing and memorable occasion provides opportunities for connecting and bonding with your loved one in a unique and meaningful way while receiving all the benefits of a custom massage.

Our couple’s massage is offered in a private room - see picture of our couples room above - on side-by-side heated massage tables with two of our therapists who work on each individual at the same time. 

There is an initial consultation with the massage therapist prior to any treatments to review your session goals and answer any questions you may have. At that point, the therapist will leave the room for a short time while you and your massage partner disrobe and lie down on the massage tables, with sheets and blankets covering you. For more info see First time? What to expect.

​Couple’s massage is a great way to introduce your significant other to the benefits of massage therapy. Many people who are unfamiliar with massage are reluctant to try it, but can be convinced if they don’t have to do it alone. Both massages will end at the same pre-appointed time. The massage therapists lets you know the session has ended, leaves the room while you dress, and then greet you at the door with fresh water.

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