Massage Forms and Definitions

Massage Therapy is a very general term that we use to describe any type of physical, hands on therapy. There are many types of massage and body work. The list below will help define some of the most commonly known forms of massage. It is important to note that because massage is both an art as well as a science the standards and efficiency of massage vary dramatically from practitioner to practitioner.

*Listed below are the types of techniques used in my practice*

Relaxation Breathing: I encourage my clients to breathe deeply and exhale slowly through the entire massage to enhance relaxation and improve circulation.

Swedish Massage: One of the most commonly sought and well known massage techniques. Swedish massage is a slow light pressure 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. The Therapist will use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibration, percussion, and tapping movements, with the application of oil or lotion 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.

$65.00 - 60 MIN.     $80.00 - 90 MIN.

Deep Tissue Massage: As it sounds, it is deeper and harder pressure that goes into the muscle to release tension and knots. Often thought to be a strong massage, however deep tissue/deep muscle massage is administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. It may also help with chronic muscle pain and injury rehabilitation, and may reduce inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis.

$80.00 - 60 MIN.     $100.00 - 90 MIN.

Trigger Point Myotherapy: Is based on the discoveries of Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons in which they found the causal relationship between chronic pain and its source. Myofascial trigger point therapy is used to relieve muscular pain and dysfunction through applied pressure to trigger points (knots of toxins). These points are defined as localized areas in which the muscle and connective tissue are highly sensitive to pain when compressed. Pressure on these points can send referred pain to other specific parts of the body. Trigger point myotherapy relies heavily on client / therapist interaction. Trigger point myotherapy is usually generalized to one area of the body, but can be integrated with other massage techniques. This is not one of the most relaxing forms of massage, although it is one of the most beneficial techniques.

$80.00 - 60 MIN.     $100.00 - 90 MIN.

Full Hot Stone Massage: Stones are used as tools to deliver an effective tissue and muscle massage at a pressure level comfortable to the client. The therapist applies either a lotion or oil to the client to help the stones move easier over the tissue, the heat from the stones aid in relaxing the muscles thus increasing the blood flow to the area being worked on which may further accelerate the healing process. The increase in circulation and the relaxation of the muscles can also aid in mental relaxation. Mental relaxation is key when a Therapist is attempting to work into the deeper laying muscles of the body.

     $85.00 - 60 MIN.     $115.00 - 90 MIN.

Salt or Sugar Exfoliation: Submerge your senses and envelope your body with the invigorating and healing ritual of the body scrub. It has been used for thousands of years as a way to detoxify through the skin and to stimulate the lymphatic system. Exfoliation enhances cell turnover while hydrating the skin, it promotes cell oxygenation, and assists in removing dead skin cells, debris and impurities from the body.

Please do not shave 24 hours before a scrub     $65.00 - 30 MIN.

 Mini Hot Stone Experience:  These are stationary stones placed along your spine and on areas of tension to aid in relaxing the muscles thus increasing the blood flow to the area being worked on which may further accelerate the healing process.

Add to any Massage $20.00

Dry Brushing: Dry skin brushing increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes, which greatly aids the lymphatic drainage of the entire body. When the body rids itself of toxins, it is able to run more efficiently in all areas. Dry skin brushing also rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.

Add to any Massage $20.00

Aroma Therapy: The use of essential oils (which are extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, woods, and roots) in body and skin care treatments is known as aromatherapy. Used as a healing technique for thousands of years by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, essential oils aid in relaxation and improve circulation. The essential oils are added to a base oil, such as almond oil, to be used during the massage. Each of the oils has its own unique characteristics and benefits.

Back Treatment with Hot Towels $20.00