The
term Swedish massage describes a system of massage developed
approximately 100 years ago. It involves a classic set of techniques
designed to increase circulation, mobilize scar and connective tissue
and induce a relaxation response in the parasympathetic nervous system.
Many other modalities have evolved from the Swedish techniques, and
often incorporate them to achieve a relaxing and therapeutic session.
Traditional Swedish uses oil or lotion during the massage, in addition
to stretching and compression.
Results from Swedish massage include increased flexibility and a renewed positive outlook on your day. You can expect to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. You may also feel warm, fluid and more open in joints and tendons.
Hernandez-Reif M, Field t, Krasnegor J, et al. (2000). Lower back pain is reduced and range of motion increased after massage therapy. Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation 22:191-195.
Deep
Tissue is a term that describes more targeted techniques designed to
release adhesions (you know them as knots), improve range of motion and
alleviate muscular pain.
Deep does not mean all the work uses strong pressure, but that it is accessing the deeper tissues of your bodys structure. The techniques of deep tissue are often combined with Swedish strokes to create a unified and balanced session, helping to relax the nervous system while decreasing the discomfort of chronically contracted or adhered tissues.
If you have a specific area of discomfort that you need focused, sustained and possibly intense work on, this is the kind of massage treatment for you.
Diego M, Field T, Sanders C, et al. (2004). Massage Therapy of moderate and light pressure and vibrator effects on EEG and heart rate. International Journal of Neuroscience 114:31-44.
Trigger
Point therapy is a modality that focuses on the source of chronic pain
or spasm in a muscle or muscle group. There are different theories as
to what a trigger point is, but many agree that they are key in
management of chronic pain and recovery from injury or physical trauma.
A unique characteristic of trigger points is their ability to refer pain to areas distant from their source. Many complaints in the hands, arms and head stem from trigger points in the neck muscles. Sciatica-like pain patterns can be referred from gluteal and hip flexor muscles.
When you are injured, your body quickly develops a protective pattern. Think of when you bang your knee, you automatically curl up to hold your knee. Imagine what your body does when you are in a car accident, or fall off your bike. Your body has a powerful memory, and will hold on to patterns for long periods of time. Trigger points develop within that pattern of protection. Through compression and stretching techniques trigger points can be released. The result is often relief to a much larger area of discomfort. We frequently combine trigger point work for a specific muscle into a Swedish or Deep Tissue session.
If you have an area of chronic discomfort or pain that has not been properly addressed, you may find trigger point therapy helpful.
Orthopedic
massage is a specialized approach to manual therapy. With proper
training, our therapist will assess, strategize and manipulate areas of
injury. The techniques help to reduce pain, realign scar tissue and
recover your range of motion. While orthopedic massage therapy is
generally used to help heal soft-tissue injuries, many athletes and
dancers receive orthopedic massages regularly to enhance performance.
Orthopedic techniques can be incorporated into a Swedish or Deep Tissue session. Note: As massage therapists, we do not diagnose any structural injury, nor do we prescribe treatment. If you have an injury, please receive diagnosis and advice from your health professional. We are happy to work with your orthopedist, doctor or other practitioner.
Literally
translated, the term myofascial means muscle connective tissue. Fascia
is the term for the tissues in your body that connect all other tissues
to one another. Every aspect of your body, down to every cell wall, is
connected to and surrounded by fascia. The fascia we are most able to
affect is that which attaches muscles, bones and skin. Postural habits,
injury, scar tissue and overuse will create patterns of holding in your
body.
The properties of fascia are changeable and vary from
nearly-liquid state to having the strength of steel wire. (All tendons
and ligaments are fascia, so we are lucky its so strong!) When fascia
is holding in an inappropriate area, it will constrict nerves and cause
pain and reduce range of motion.
Myofascial therapy addresses the muscles and joints in three dimensions, using pulls, stretches and broad compression to achieve movement. The techniques can be quite subtle or applied deeply into the body. Myofascial techniques typically employ long holds, giving the fascia the time needed to melt and release its powerful grip. The work can achieve very profound results in decreasing pain and increasing range of motion. Regular myofascial work can result in improved posture and gait and significantly improved circulation, especially in joints.
