Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common and well-known technique.  Swedish massage consists of five basic strokes including effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction (heat), tapotement (percussion), and vibration (oscillation).  Many massage therapists utilize Swedish massage as the foundation for their work, blending other techniques to address the specific needs of the client.  In general, Swedish massage is the manipulation of the body’s soft tissue (i.e., skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments) by way of flowing techniques using the hands and arms. Varying degrees of pressure and stretching movements are incorporated.  The many benefits may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is typically a Swedish-based massage therapy; however, the session may include elements of sports massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy, or other styles.  In general, deep tissue is a classification of many different types of work that all have one thing in common: depth of pressure. Most forms of massage therapy have a treatment-oriented goal and seek to affect the intrinsic layer of muscle tissue. Deep tissue is particularly effective in treating chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitation, and inflammation. Techniques that use deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. As with all forms of massage therapy, it is important for the client to communicate his or her needs regarding pressure. Any bodywork that explores deeper pressure should always be within the client’s comfort zone. 

Sports Massage

Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. It can be useful pre-event, post-event, and for injury treatment. Pre-event is generally fast-paced and stimulating, it helps to establish blood flow to warm up muscles. Post-event massage is intended to calm the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste products out of the body, and can reduced recovery time. When an athlete sustains an injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing.

Structural Integration

Based on the work of Dr. Ida Rolf, structural integration seeks to restore the body to its natural state of alignment and balance in gravity.  Gravity is the most enduring force that we encounter in life. The stress of daily activities, unhealthy movement patterns, emotional stress, and physical injuries can create patterns that pull the body out of alignment. This misalignment creates inefficiency and imbalance, resulting in stiffness, pain, and fatigue. Therapeutic intervention is directed toward the myofascial system – the ligaments, muscles, tendons, and connective tissue.  Treatments are offered in seven or ten session series, progressing from superficial toward deeper structures. Advanced sessions are also offered.

Feldenkrais Method

Developed by Moshe Feldenkrais, this method is an educational system centered on movement and establishes new connections between the brain and body through movement re-education. The effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method lies in its ability to access the nervous system's own innate processes to change and refine functioning. It is beneficial for those wishing to improve their movement, reduce pain or limitations in movement, and for general well-being and personal development. In Functional Integration, a teacher uses hands-on manipulation to guide the student toward new movement patterns.  One of many goals is to make impossible movement possible, good movement better, and better movement graceful.

Rubenfeld Synergy Method

Founded by Ilana Rubenfeld, the Rubenfeld Synergy Method offers a gentle way to address what is happening both physically and emotionally, by combining talk with gentle touch and compassionate listening. With the support of the Synergist, one begins to see that our physical and emotional experiences are connected. When we express what is on our minds and in our hearts, we are able to feel both physical and emotional relief. The Rubenfeld Synergy method uses many avenues, including verbal expression, movement, body posture, sensory awareness, imagination, sound, humor, and caring touch to access feelings.