Swedish massage - is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It uses a firm but gentle pressure to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation. Swedish massage employs five different movements: long, gliding strokes, kneading of individual muscles, friction, hacking or tapping, & vibration.

Deep tissue - Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as "adhesions.") 

Neuromuscular therapy - Neuromuscular therapy, also known as trigger point therapy, consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. The massage therapy pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow. Once applied to a muscle spasm, the pressure should not vary for ten to thirty seconds. 

Myofascial Release - is a very effective, hands-on technique, which provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. Fascia is located between the skin and the underlying structure of muscle and bone. It is a seamless web of connective tissue that covers and connects the muscles, organs, and skeletal structures in our body. Muscle and fascia are united forming the myofascia system.

Injuries, stress, inflammation, trauma, and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia. Since fascia is an interconnected web, the restriction or tightness to fascia at a place, with time can spread to other places in the body, like a “pull” in a sweater. The goal of myofascial release is to release fascia restriction and restore tissue health.

Shiatsu massage -Shiatsu is an old, traditional, Japanese healing method. Shiatsu means “finger pressure.” But unlike the massages of the West, where kneading and friction is used, in shiatsu pressure and stretching is the key. The shiatsu practitioner uses palms, fingers, thumbs, knuckles, elbows, knees and the feet, to work on the body’s acupuncture points, along what they consider the body’s meridians or energy channels. It’s a form of “touch communication”, and is a safe and effective preventive medicine. It helps to balance a person’s energy flow and strengthen the vital organs.
 

Manual Lymph Draining (MLD) 

Our massage therapist, Julie McGilivray L.M.T, C.L.T. completed a 160 hour course for this certification.  

 

MLD is a gentle, rhythmic soft tissue mobilization technique designed to assist the body in cleansing.  MLD's precise manual maneuvers direct drainage within the superficial and deep lymphatic vascular network thereby removing toxins and enhancing immune function.  

MLD technique was first introduced by Dr. Emil Vodder in Europe in the 1930's and is becoming widely recognized in the United States as a treatment for many pathologies.  The most widely respected form of this technique requires advanced training.  

 

General Benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage: 
-Reduction in edemas(swelling) and lymphedemas of various origins
-Stimulation of the immune system
-Detoxification of the body
-Relief of chronic pain
-Promotes deep relaxation

Common Indications for Manual Lymph Drainage:
-Lymphedema (Both Primary and Secondary)
-Pre and post Surgery: prepares tissue for intervention and reduces post-surgical swelling and fibrosis formation
-Traumatic edemas such as torn muscles and sprained ligaments
-Sinus Congestion and Allergies
-Fibromyalgia
-Chronic Pain Syndrome
-Rheumatoid Arthritis
-Wound healing
-Dermatological Conditions
-Detoxifications: seasonal cleanse, fasting, dieting, tobacco withdrawal, and toxic chemical poisoning