What Is Massage?

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Massage is defined by Mirriam Webster as: : manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for therapeutic purposes.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/massage

In the West, basic training for massage therapists is in Swedish massage, which combines a variety of techniques such as effleurage (gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading), friction, and tapotement (light percussion). Other massage modalities, typically learned through continuing education programs, may encompass some, most, or all of the basic techniques, or draw on other skill sets.

Below are a few of the more common styles of massage therapy (often referred to as bodywork) and how they work with the body:

**Bodywork modalities we provide:

** Deep Tissue Massage

A category of massage therapy set apart from other modalities and used to treat specific skeletal and muscular disorders and complaints. It may employ both a dedicated set of techniques that are intended to achieve a measure of relief and/or a slow, deep penetration of the deeper layers using standard massage strokes.

** Neuromuscular Therapy

In accordance with common principles of anatomy and physiology, scientific and detailed techniques of massage therapy and movement are applied.  These are intended primarily to relieve pain patterns in the body, and to restore optimal postural balance and ease of movement.  Objective analysis of posture patterns offers insight into appropriate soft tissue strategies to be utilized.

** Lymphatic  Drainage Therapy

A gentle, hands-on approach to assist proper flow of lymphatic fluid and reduce localized swelling. This can be especially useful in decreasing excessive sensitivity in inflammatory or acute conditions, which can speed up the healing process.

** Trigger Point Therapy

Discovered and mapped by Dr. Janet Travell, Trigger point therapy is designed to deactivate trigger points in muscles – which by definition, refer pain to other areas of the body. The first stage is to eliminate the referred sensation, followed by decreasing the irritation in local tissues, followed by freedom from all pain signals!

** Sports massage

Massage combined with assisted stretching to address particular issues which an athlete or weekend warrior may experience with their particular sport or activity. Sports massage focuses on the muscle groups that are most associated and stressed after working out. Each session is targeted to meet the unique needs of the client based upon his or her physical activity. The client often remains clothed.

** Prenatal Massage

Designed especially for pregnant women, this can assist the mother-to-be through all stages of  pregnancy.  It can help to release general discomforts and/or joint pain, provide emotional support and relax and prepare mom for her upcoming childbirth.