Swedish Massage
Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Sports Massage
Swedish Massage
The Swedish doctor Per Henrik Link developed the Swedish Massage in the 1700's. A "Swedish Massage" uses a variety of techniques designed specifically to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones; rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.
Increasing oxygen in the blood flow and releasing toxins from the muscles is the main purpose of Swedish Massage. This type of massage flushes the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes this shortening recovery time from muscle strain. It also increases circulation without increasing the heart's load. It stretches tendons and ligaments, keeping them supple and pliable. This technique also soothes the nerves themselves through the stimulation of the skin and nervous system. It is suggested as a component for stress management because it reduces both emotional and physical stress.
The benefits of a properly performed Swedish Massage are that it feels good, relaxes and invigorates, affects and soothes the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation.
Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy is a time of physical, structural, and emotional changes. Many of these changes and discomforts can be relieved through appropriate massage therapy. If your pregnancy is low risk, massage therapy can be beneficial throughout the nine months. If, however, your pregnancy is not low risk, you will need to consult with your doctor or nurse midwife to assess if massage is appropriate. If so, you will be required to supply a written release from your doctor.
Pregnancy massage may include, but is not limited to, light or deep tissue, myofascial release, circulatory and other techniques to relieve the discomforts caused by added stress on your joints, muscle strain caused by changes in posture, and emotional stress caused by changing hormones.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. This is the type of massage many of my clients request. The purpose of this technique is to release chronic tension in the body using slow strokes and finger pressure on the contracted areas. The slower strokes and direct pressure in this technique work by massaging across the grain of the muscle rather than with the grain. This massage focuses on specific areas and may be sore during and after the massage. This soreness usually disappears in a couple of days and relief from the chronic muscle tension should be felt.
The purpose of this technique is to "unstick" muscle fibers and release chronic patterns of tension. This type of massage is relaxing while also being therapeutic. When muscles are tense, they become enflamed and build up toxins in the muscle fiber, negatively affecting oxygen and blood flow through the body. Deep tissue massage releases muscle tension and flushes toxins from muscle fibers so that oxygen and blood will circulate properly.
Although many of my clients enjoy relaxing Swedish Massage, most of my clients request this type of massage as this technique is my specialty.
Sports Massage
This is a technique that is rapidly gaining popularity. This type of massage utilizes a system of movements that include gliding, compression, stretching and other innovations. I also incorporate a range of movements into my Sports Massage to help athletes maintain flexibility. A sports massage focuses primarily on the management, manipulation, and rehabilitation of the body's soft tissues. It improves blood circulation which allows athletes to train more efficiently and is known to improve training and injuring prevention. As in Swedish Massage, this type of massage flushes toxins from the bloodstream and improves circulation to the muscles, thus supplying the tissues with more oxygen. The use of Sports Massage can detect deep tissue damage and imbalances earlier and these problems may be such that they can be corrected before a larger injury ensues.
Sports Massage used prior to a sporting event can enhance performance by stimulating circulation, relieving stress, and making muscles more supple. Because this type of massage addresses relaxation of the mind, ridding the body of toxins, such as the lactic acid that builds up in the muscle fibers, and improves circulation, it may assist an athlete's performance.
I raced as a semi-pro cyclist in Australia. I also cycled for days at a time, riding thousands of kilometers to raise money for mentally challenged and sick children. I understand what muscle strain and lactic acid can do the the muscles. Our cycling team always included a massage therapist traveling with us to flush lactic acid and relax tired, strained leg muscles so that we were able to get up the next day and make another 130K trek on our bikes. Without proper sports massage, we would have never been able to make six day, 130K per day rides. My experience as an athlete helps me to understand the purpose and benefits of Sports Massage.
