Medical Massage
Medical massage is an advanced discipline of massage therapy. In reality, it is more of an orientation than a particular set of techniques. It is not general relaxation massage; it is anatomically precise and patient specific.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.
These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. Some of the same strokes are used as swedish massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
It is generally integrated with other massage modalities.
Myofascial Release
All muscles, arteries, bones, organs, etc. are held together by a "Saran wrap" kind of tissue called fascia. Myofascial Release works by the manipulation of the fascia that connects and surrounds muscles. Because the fascia is body-wide, a tension or trauma in one part of the body can affect another part. The fascia responds to the trained touch to release the adverse effects of inflammation, tensions and trauma.
Myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy is a program of recovery from acute and chronic pain syndromes by utilizing specific massage therapy, including the pressure of trigger points, to eliminate the causes of pain patterns. This approach brings about balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. It enhances the function of joints, muscles, and movement, and it releases endorphins, the body's own natural pain killers.
It is also used to locate and release spasms and hypercontraction in the tissue, eliminate trigger points that cause referred pain, rebuild the strength of injured tissues, assist venous and lymphatic flow, and restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics, and flexibility to the tissues.
Manual Lymph Drainage
Since the lymphatic system is designed to remove bacteria and toxins from the body, the strokes in Manual Lymph Drainage are intended to stimulate the movement of the lymphatic fluids in order to assist the body in cleansing. This is a gentle, rhythmical technique that cleanses the connective tissue of inflammatory materials and toxins.
The lymph build-up in the tissues and lymph vessels themselves is drained away back into the blood circulation. This technique is important in the treatment of swollen limbs also known as lymphedema. Aesthetic medicine also observes a noticeably faster decrease in swelling after liposuction and other cosmetic surgical procedures when used as a follow-up treatment. It's also a very useful technique to breakup scar tissue and adhesions for those with surgical and/or traumatic scars including burns.
Complete Decongestive Therapy
Lymphedema is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system. Lymphedema may be inherited (primary) or caused by injury to the lymphatic vessels (secondary). It is most frequently seen after lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation therapy, in which damage to the lymphatic system is caused during the treatment of cancer, most notably breast cancer. In many patients with cancer this condition does not develop until months or even years after therapy has concluded. Lymphedema may also be associated with accidents or certain diseases or problems that may inhibit the lymphatic system from functioning properly.
Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is a primary tool in lymphedema management consisting of Manual Lymph Drainage of the lymphatic ducts, short stretch compression bandaging, therapeutic exercise, and skin care. Initially, CDT involves frequent visits to a certified therapist with a doctor's prescription. Once the lymphedema is reduced, increased patient participation is required for ongoing care, along with the use of elastic compression garments. The treatment is very gentle and a typical session will involve drainage of the neck, trunk, and involved extremity (in that order), lasting approximately 40 to 60 minutes. Visit www.lymphnet.org for more information.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage has been found to reduce stress, decrease swelling in the arms and legs, and relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints. It's a popular complementary therapy during pregnancy for back pain, when choices for pain relief, such as medication, are often limited. Not only can massage be physically beneficial, but the human touch can be comforting and provide emotional support during pregnancy. Massage therapy has also been found to reduce anxiety and depression.
Specialized, advanced training in the anatomy, physiology, complications, precautions, and contraindications is required and sometimes a prescription from a physician is required prior to therapy.
Massage during the first trimester is not recommended. Please wait until you are at least in your second trimester before making an appointment.
Sports Massage
This special form of massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. It can also reduce recovery time, enabling an athlete to resume training much sooner than rest allow would allow.
Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. When an athlete sustains an injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. Therapists may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body. The use of hot stones for healing dates back to ancient times. It is well suited for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage.
A deep state of relaxation is reached within minutes of applying the first stones. It usually takes 15-20 minutes in a traditional massage therapy session. Many clients, especially those suffering from chronic neck, back and shoulder pain, find hot stones to be an excellent compliment to their regular massage therapy session.
Swedish Massage
One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin.
The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.
Reflexology
Popularized in the United States by physiotherapist Eunice Inghram in the 1930s, this is an acupressure type technique performed on the hands and feet and is based on the ancient Oriental theory that meridian lines or pathways carry energy throughout the body. Because each zone or part of the body has a corresponding reflex point on the feet, stimulating that reflex point causes stimulation in the natural energy of the related organ. Crystalline-type deposits and/or tenderness indicate a dysfunction, and pressure is applied to clear out congestion and restore normal functioning and health.
This technique is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress-related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate.
Chair Massage
Most office-related physical symptoms can be attributed to loss of circulation. Tight muscles caused by stress and sitting behind a desk all day can impede blood and lymph flow. The result is mental fogginess, decreased energy and susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome. Chair massage counters the circulatory problems inherent with office work—and provide a appreciated break for employees. Sitting in a massage chair opens up the back muscles, relieves strain on the neck and provides a gentle respite for eyes usually glued to a computer monitor.
When a ten or twenty minute relaxation session is needed, this is the technique for you. You are massaged fully clothed in a special chair designed to relax you. Because the chair is completely portable, you may want Rosemarie to come to your office or business to massage the staff or guests at a party.