Therapeutic Services
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Swedish
Swedish is the most well-known and widely practiced form of therapeutic massage. This type of massage therapy focuses on muscle relaxation, targeting superficial muscles and increasing blood circulation. Swedish massage combines effleurage which is used to soothe and warm up the muscle tissue, and petrissage by kneading, rolling, lifting, wringing, etc. to further alleviate stress and tension. The benefits of Swedish massage include: natural pain management, increased blood flow, muscle injury rehabilitation, increased flexibility/range of motion, lower cortisol levels reducing stress and improving the immune system.
I listen in on your body’s specific rhythm and adjust my pressure to its reaction and needs, which may vary widely across the body and/or on a day-by-day basis. Typically in Swedish sessions, manual pressure will be in the light to medium and medium to firm ranges — using more palms and fingers than forearms and elbows.
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage is mainly used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries. Maintaining slow, controlled pressure, we work deeply into inner muscle layers and connective tissues. This form of massage therapy aims to break up scar tissue and promote faster healing and recovery by reducing inflammation and increasing nutrient and oxygen supply with improved blood circulation in stagnant areas holding tension and inflammation. Manual pressure will range from firm to deep with more use of knuckles, forearms, and elbows always to your tolerance and comfort.
My attention will be to the areas of your chronic or acute discomfort, alleviating tension and pain across the body.
Cupping
Cupping combines massage movements and negative pressure with the use of a suction device on the skin. A cup is positioned at the area to be treated and, depending on the type of cups being used; a vacuum is created within the cup to draw the skin and underlying tissue into the cup. The produced vacuum creates a suction effect that increases blood and lymphatic circulation systemically and to the local area, relaxes muscle tissue and support, draws stagnation, pathogenic factors and toxins out of the body and releases a myriad of pain causing factors.
The intended suction can range from light to heavy. This, along with the movements performed and areas treated by the therapist will produce stimulating (toning) or sedating (draining) effects. I assess the condition (physical, mental and emotional) of my clients, before the procedure, so I can employ the proper application of the cups to produce the desired outcome. I am a Certified Cupping Therapist, or CCT, by the International Cupping Therapy Association.
If you’re interested in learning more about cupping and its history, visit ICTA’s website here.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Scraping uses instruments to break down muscle adhesions and scar tissue and to massage trigger points with the goal of increasing range of motion. I use RockBlade’s Mallet and Mohawk tools made out of surgical-grade stainless steel, which can be found here. IASTM has been in several medical studies (here) and has been found to improve soft tissue function and ROM in acute or chronic sports injuries to soft tissues, while also reducing pain. Such positive effects can be helpful in the fields of sports rehabilitation and athletic training.