Therapeutic massage focuses on the assessment and treatment of the structures of the body including muscles, ligaments, tendons and connective tissue by way of manual therapy.
Our therapists are skilled in a variety of massage therapy treatments and techniques and base each treatment on a solid assessment. Some of the most common treatments and techniques include:
Swedish massage is what most people think of as the classic ‘relaxation’ massage. In fact, Swedish massage refers to a series of massage strokes that are aimed at the uppermost layers of tissue and are geared toward promoting relaxation, improving circulation and relieving mild muscle tension. Swedish massage techniques are almost always used at some point during a massage, regardless of the purpose of your visit.
Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the focus is on the deepest layers of muscle, tendons and connective tissue.
Deep tissue massage is effective in treating those painful, stiff "trouble spots" and can be addressed in many different ways, depending on your therapist’s individual training and continuing education.
Massage during pregnancy is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Massage encourages circulation, relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy such as backaches, stiffness, leg cramps, headaches and swelling and is particularly helpful when medication and other medical options may be limited.
Our therapists take extra care to ensure our prenatal clients are comfortable. We use the professional bodyCushion Support System for all prenatal massage appointments. These specially designed cushions ensure proper support and comfort so you can relax (face down or on your side) throughout your pregnancy!
Myofascial release is a manual technique that massage therapists use to manipulate connective tissues in body. This technique involves sustained stretching to a body area with a moderate amount of pressure, to release muscular tension. Myofascial release is an excellent technique to gain mobility, flexibility and pain relief.
Neuromuscular therapy is a form of soft tissue manipulation that is aimed at treating the underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems. This form of massage addresses trigger points (tender muscles points), circulation, nerve compression, postural issues and biomechanical problems that can be caused by repetitive movement injuries.
Trigger point therapy is a type of soft tissue manipulation designed to alleviate pain by applying deep pressure (usually with a finger or thumb) on specific points of the body. Trigger points are often what we feel as ‘knots’ in a muscle and can be uncomfortable because they are sensitive to pressure. When trigger points are effectively released it is felt as a ‘good hurt’ and can cause a significant decrease in symptoms.
Receiving massage with trigger point therapy on a regular basis can help naturally manage pain and stress from chronic injuries.
Geriatric massage is specifically designed to address the needs of the elderly and our massage therapists are qualified to treat a variety of conditions that affect our older population. Your therapist will use gentle techniques to help increase circulation, improve balance and flexibility, increase joint mobility, improve posture, reduce the pain of arthritis and encourage overall well-being.
Used as a complement to traditional, Western medicine, massage can promote relaxation and may reduce the symptoms of cancer as well the side effects of treatment including pain, swelling, fatigue, nausea and depression.
An oncology massage is a client-specific, customized massage session designed to meet the unique and changing needs of someone in treatment for cancer, or with a history of cancer treatment. The changes that make it an "oncology massage" are typically related to session length, pressure, positioning and areas of specific compromise or concern such as mediports.
A registered massage therapist can provide safe and effective massage for any person at any stage of their cancer journey: during and after treatment, in remission, cure or at the end of life.
MLD is a gentle, non-invasive manual technique that involves a light pumping action designed to encourage the proper movement of lymph fluid throughout the body.
Lymphatic drainage helps reduce inflammation, bruising and swelling by directing or re-directing lymph fluid to assist in the drainage of tissues. It also detoxifies the body and boosts the immune system. It is the recommended treatment for lymphedema and is proven to be effective as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other therapies.
Cary Cowan, RMT has completed his MLD certification through the Dr. Vodder school and is now taking patients.