Modalities
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is a western modality known for being a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. Swedish massage is performed on bare skin, using oil or lotion with an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve its circulation. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels, stimulation of both the circulatory and lymphatic systems, greater flexibility and improved muscle tone.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a relaxing and therapeutic Eastern massage modality focused on balancing body systems by ensuring Chi/Qi (energy) is able to move freely through the body's meridians. Shiatsu is performed over clothing, without using oil or lotion and combines acupressure with breathing and stretching. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include general relaxation, decreased stress levels, increased sense of well-being, increased energy, enhanced mental clarity, increased range of motion in joints and decrease in joint pain.
Deep Tissue
Deep Tissue is a modality that targets pressure to address deep muscle layers. Deep Tissue is done with minimal oil or lotion on an area of the body identified by the client as needing deeper, more targeted work and is often incorporated into a Swedish massage session. Benefits of Deep Tissue include breaking up muscle adhesions (knots), decrease in pain, increased range of motion, and assisting in postural realignment.
Myofascial Therapy (MFT)
Myofascial Therapy (MFT) is a massage therapy modality that targets a muscle or group of muscles that are causing deviations in posture or limiting range of motion. When a client expresses experiencing pain, discomfort or challenges with movement, an MFT assessment of client posture and range of motion is performed to identify the area or areas to be addressed and create a session plan. Specific stretches (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation or PNF stretches) are incorporated to retrain muscles for improved movement. After the bodywork, another assessment is conducted to evaluate progress and determine next steps. Benefits of MFT include muscle fiber realignment, lengthening of muscle fibers, scar tissue manipulation, improved range of motion, increased blood circulation, decreased pain, improved healing, and restoration of muscle elasticity.
Prenatal / Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal / Pregnancy Massage allows clients to receive safe, relaxing touch while accommodating the body's physiological changes during pregnancy. Massage can be provided in all trimesters as long as the client is healthy and the pregnancy is not classified as high risk. Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage is conducted in the side-lying position for both the safety and comfort of the client. Pillows and bolsters are used to increase the client’s comfort during the session. Benefits of Prenatal / Pregnancy Massage include stress reduction, relaxation, increased blood and lymph circulation, decreased swelling, reduced muscle pain and strain, emotional support through physical nurturing, and facilitation of post-partum recovery.