Swedish Massage

Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (light touch), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (compression), and vibration. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. The development of Swedish massage is credited to Per Henrik Ling though the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes.

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. Some of the same strokes are used as classic 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.

Prenatal

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 been found to reduce anxiety and depression. I do not recommend massage in the first trimester.

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.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese word meaning universal life energy.  It is a gentle method of hands-on healing that taps into the energy referred to as ki in Japan, chi in China, and prana in India.  Reiki is not a massage, hypnosis or a tool for diagnosing illness.  Reiki is a technique that addresses both chronic and acute conditions, gently and powerfully promoting balance among the systems of the body.

Sports Massage

A sports massage can be used before, during, or after an athletic event  to have a positive impact on performance and recovery.  Sports  enthusiasts or active individuals can stay active with reduced injury as  a result of regular massage.  An orthopedic massage focuses on  techniques to address conditions of the general population such as  frozen shoulder syndrome, scoliosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, just to  name a few.  Just about anybody can benefit from these techniques as  most of us suffer from some type of ache or discomfort. Facilitated  stretches, heat or ice may be added to the massage for added benefit.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)

is a very specialized form of manual therapy. A therapist trained in NMT is educated in the physiology of the nervous system and its effect on the muscular and skeletal systems. The Neuromuscular Therapist also is educated in kinesiology and biomechanics and how to work in a clinical or medical environment.

By definition, Neuromuscular Therapy is the utilization of static pressure on specific myofascial points to relieve pain. This technique manipulates the soft tissue of the body (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) to balance the central nervous system. In a healthy individual, nerves transmit impulses (which are responsible for every movement, function and thought) to the body very slowly. Injury, trauma, postural distortion or stress cause nerves to speed up their transmission, inhibiting equilibrium and making the body vulnerable to pain and dysfunction. It is therefore necessary to stabilize low levels of neurological activity to maintain normal function and overall health.

Cranio Sacral Therapy (CST)

Craniosacral therapy (CST) or cranial-sacral therapy is a  form of bodywork or alternative therapy using therapeutic touch to manipulate the synarthrodial joints of the cranium. A practitioner of cranial-sacral therapy may also apply light touches to a patient's spine and pelvis.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping is a powerful detoxifying, pain relieving and energy building modality that people all over the world use for health maintenance.  There are a huge number of conditions that respond positively to cupping.  Cupping Therapy is the oldest and most globally practiced medical treatment in human history.  It remains popular throughout most regions of the world.