Swedish, Trigger Point, and Ashiatsu are some of the wide variety of massage techniques we offer.
Swedish massage consists of long, slow strokes creating a very relaxing experience. Kneading, friction, compression, and stroking are all used. The goal is to work the muscles into total relaxation. This massage is one of the most popular of of the massage therapies. Benefits include the promotion of muscle relaxation, improved circulation and blood flow, a reduction of stress and anxiety and an overall improved sense of well-being.
Symptoms of painful trigger points or stress points are muscle soreness and decreased flexibility in the area. These points are specific areas in the muscle and tendons which cause pain when pressed, and which may radiate pain to a larger area. Trigger points may be caused by sudden trauma, or may develop slowly over time from the stress and strain of working out, physical exertion or from repeated use of a particular muscle area. Treatment of trigger points consists of identifying and locating these areas. Your therapist will apply targeted pressure and compression to dissipate the area and the adjacent muscle fibers. Benefits include a reduction of stiffness and pain in the general area, tension relief, improved circulation and flexibility.
Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the superficial muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, and patients who have sustained injury. Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints) and employs a dedicated set of techniques and strokes to achieve a measure of relief, through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas. Deep tissue massage helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue. This massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage and you should feel better within a day or two.
Heavily exercised muscles may lose their capacity to relax, causing chronically tight muscles, and increased loss of flexibility. Loss of flexibility is often linked to muscle soreness, and can lead to injury, muscle pulls and tears. In addition, it also causes a reduction in blood flow through these areas, which can lead to increased pain. Sports massage was originally developed to assist athletes in preparation for competition and training, and as a recovery treatment after a big event. This massage emphasizes the prevention of injuries to the muscles and tendons and helps reduce recovery time post competition. It is also good for individuals with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion.
Myofascial release is a hands on soft tissue release technique which often includes structural and range assessments to determine which tissues may be causing dysfunction and pain. Fascia is the thin layer of connective tissue between the skin and the muscles. Deep fascia holds the muscles together but also separates them into functional groups. Fascia, when functioning properly, allows muscles to move independently of each other without impingement on surrounding nerves and blood vessels.
The objective of myofascial release is to identify shortened and or restricted myofascial tissue and adhesions between muscles and muscle groups. Using steady directionally focused pressure, fascial restrictions and adhesions are reset, resulting in a reduction to total elimination of pain, it increases the range of motion and rebalances the body's musculoskeletal system.
Massage is a vital supplement to rehabbing after surgery and can help break up and eliminate scar tissue. Massage will increase blood flow and circulation. It will also help the body pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. This allows the surgical area(s) to become more flexible and heal at an accelerated rate.
Pregnancy (or prenatal) massage helps to reduce swelling, decrease stress, and relieve aches and pains. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage are trained in proper positioning and support the woman's body during the massage.
Thai massage incorporates both acupressure and stretching techniques that utilize the strength of the therapist’s fingers, thumbs, elbows, arms and feet on the muscles, pressure points and energy lines to clear energy blockages and balance the body’s energy. The process relieves muscle tension, reduces stress and improves circulation.
Ashiatsu massage is a technique in which the massage therapist uses parallel bars mounted in the ceiling above the table to deliver a deep tissue massage using their feet. Since the therapist's foot can provide a broader point of contact, the compression on the muscle tissue is smoother and more continuous. This results in a more efficient experience for both the massage therapist and the patient since more pressure can be applied in a shorter amount of time.
Click below to view the article on Ashiatsu at IMTC in the Marblehead Reporter
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Experience relaxation with either a loved one or a friend. Choose to be side-by-side or in private rooms with your own massage therapist team at your service. Choose any of our massage services and allow us to ensure you leave feeling restored and refreshed.