Types of Massages

With the help of a massage therapist, our patients experience massage therapy benefits that include relaxation of the muscle tissue, improved mobility, and decreased pain from motion.

Swedish Massage

The term Swedish Massage refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure against deeper muscles and bones, in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. This form of massage was created by Henry Peter Ling in Sweden. It involves the use of kneading, stroking, friction, tapping, and vibration, and may provide relief from stiffness, numbness, pain, constipation, and other health problems.
The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Other possible benefits include stimulation of circulation, an increase in muscle tone, and a balance of the musculoskeletal system. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load.

Trigger Point Massage

A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue that causes pain in other parts of the body. A trigger point in the back, for example, may trigger pain in the neck. The neck, now acting as a satellite trigger point, may then cause pain in the head. The pain may be sharp and intense or a dull ache. Trigger points are caused by muscle overuse or injury, and because the aches are associated with moving parts, the pain is commonly mistaken for arthritis.
Trigger point work is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of massage, the recipient actively participates through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.

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.