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Types of Massage

Total BodyWorks: Massage Therapy offers: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Cupping Therapy, Prenatal Massage, Chair Massage, Aromatherapy, Raindrop Technique, and Paraffin Wraps.

Deep Tissue Massage


Deep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is also not uncommon for receivers of Deep Tissue Massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly. What one calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling.[2]

Prenatal Massage


Prenatal massage is similar to massage during non-pregnancy in terms of the goals (relaxation, pain relief, increased circulation & mobility, etc.). However, due to the changes undergone during pregnancy, modification are made. To accommodate swollen tender breasts and a growing belly, special pillows, positioning and techniques are utilized to ensure comfort for both the expecting mother and baby. With increasing weight, a changing center of gravity and the many other changes associated with pregnancy, prenatal massage can help provide relief and a sense of well being that is much deserved.[1]

Hot/Cold Stone Massage


A stone massage uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massaging strokes. The hot stones used are commonly river stones which over time, have become extremely polished and smooth. As the stones are placed along the recipient's back, they help to retain heat which then deeply penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension.[2]


Swedish Massage

Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation. The development of Swedish massage is credited to Per Henrik Ling, though the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes. The term "Swedish" massage is not really known in the country of Sweden, where it is called "classic massage".[2]

Reflexology

Reflexology is a system of massage used to relieve tension and treat illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and head linked to every part of the body. During a reflexology session you wil receive a reflexology chart while the therapist works on the hands or feet.

Cupping Massage

Cupping massage is the suction and negative pressure provided by silicone cups that can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and sedate the nervous system (which makes it an excellent treatment for high blood pressure). Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, rheumatism, and even cellulite.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is a Swedish massage therapy using massage oil or lotion that contains essential oils (highly concentrated plant oils). During an aromatherapy massage, you inhale these essential oil molecules or absorb them through your skin. Young Living essential oils are used in this massage to be diffused and/or put on the skin with a massage oil or lotion. There are many different oils to choose from depending on your needs.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a type of gentle massage which encourages the natural circulation of the lymph through the body. MLD uses a specific amount of pressure and rhythmic circular movements to stimulate lymph flow. MLD activates fluid circulation, drains toxins, proteins, fats and extra fluids from the body, stimulates the immune syste, stimulates the parasympathetic system, reduces pain and reduces muscle spasms.


Raindrop Technique

Raindrop technique combines aromatherapy, reflexology, and more to create a healing and cleansing massage. The purpose of the therapy is to bring total balance, a sense of harmony, and body wellness including mental, physical, and emotional through the techniques used. This massage uses 9 different Young Living essential oils to create healing and cleansing while working on the feet, back, neck and shoulders.

Paraffin Foot or Hand Wrap

Paraffin wax treatments are a luxurious treat that can help you achieve baby-soft skin. Either your hands and/or feet are submerged in the wax, wrapped in plastic and left to soak for 15-30 minutes. Paraffin wax treatments are great for winter, when skin is prone to dryness and cracking. It also also great for those with arthritis as it creates a warm environment for the joints to relieve pain.

Chair Massage

Chair massage is a portable chair that provides quick relief of the back, neck, and shoulders while the clothing stays on. It is often seen in malls and can be used to provide employees a massage as an employee appreciation gift. Sessions usually last 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes in length.

[1] Content Copyright ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC dba MassagePlanet.com
[2] Content Obtained from Wikipedia.com.