Swedish Massageis the most common type of massage therapy. Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage the topmost layers of the muscles. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration / shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain and joint stiffness. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation. By relieving muscle tension, swedish massage therapy can be both relaxing and energizing.
Deep Tissue Massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff “trouble spots” in your body. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons or other tissues deep under your skin. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is not uncommon for receivers of deep tissue massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two and sometimes even bruising can occur. Deep tissue work varies greatly. What one calls deep another will call light. When receiving deep tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling to your therapist. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic — relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries.
Neuromuscular Therapy is a form of soft tissue manipulation that aims to treat underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems. This medically-oriented form of massage addresses trigger points (tender muscle points that can refer pain elsewhere), circulation, nerve-compression, postural issues and biomechanical problems that can be caused by repetitive movement injuries.
Sports Massageis actually a form of Swedish massage that is delivered to athletes. Most commonly, Sports massage focuses on increasing blood and lymphatic fluid flow, reducing and eliminating pain as well as tender trigger points, and increasing Range of Motion of the joints. Developed to help with muscle systems used for a particular sport, sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training — before, during and after sports events. You might use it to promote flexibility and prevent injuries, or it may help muscle strains, aiding healing after a sports injury.
Prenatal Massage is similar to massage during non-pregnancy in terms of the goals (relaxation, pain relief, increased circulation and mobility, etc.). However, during pregnancy, your body goes through major changes. Due to the changes undergone during pregnancy, modifications are made. To accommodate swollen tender breasts and a growing belly, special pillows, positioning and techniques are utilized to ensure comfort for both the expecting mother and baby. With increasing weight, a changing center of gravity and the many other changes associated with pregnancy, prenatal massage can help provide relief and a sense of well being that is much deserved. Massage may be particularly helpful during a time when medication and other medical options may be more limited. *Prenatal Massage is only done in the second and third trimesters*
