Definitions for Therapeutic Massage Techniques in our office include:

     Deep Tissue Work         Hypnotherapy                  Shiatsu and Acupressure         Tapotement 
     Friction                             Myofascial Release        Sports Massage                          Trigger Point Therapy
     Hydrotherapy                   Reflexology                      Swedish Massage 
            

Deep Tissue – releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, allowing for increased range of motion.

Friction (sometimes called Transverse Friction)– is one of the deepest massage strokes. It encompasses ever deepening, circular or crosswise movements applied to soft tissue causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other. The result is increased blood flow to the massaged area.

Hydrotherapy - The therapeutic use of water in it's 3 forms (ice, liquid and steam) to treat illness and injury by re-establishing balance within the body.  This therapy has been a mainstay since at least the beginning of recorded history to manipulate the bodies own healing power, by using temperature to create a specific response in the tissues, facilitating a return to optimal health.

Hypnotherapy - Used in stress & pain management cases, this form of hypnotherapy involves breathing into deep relaxation with the body's natural rythm to create an optimal state of physiological wellness for the individual.

Myofascial Release – is a form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascial tissues. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscular tension.

Reflexology – massage based around a system of points in the feet thought to correspond, or "reflex," to all areas of the body. This technique is also used as an assessment tool prior to therapeutic massage, guiding the therapist to problem areas of the body. 

Shiatsu and Acupressure – Eastern-based systems of finger-pressure which treat special points along acupuncture "meridians" (the invisible channels of energy flow in the body).

Sports Massage – massage therapy focusing on the muscle groups relevant to a particular sport. It is designed to help strengthen and lengthen these tissues resulting in a more cohesive sports performance.

Swedish Massage – a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints.  It is used for de-stressing and relaxation.

Tapotement – is executed with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand with short, alternating taps to the client. It is used to bring fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients to a specific area of the body, for better function.

Trigger Point Therapy (also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) – applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break the cycles of spasm and pain.