Bodywork

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as chronic muscle pain, injury rehabilitation, and the following conditions:2? Low back pain Limited mobility Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls) Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome3? Postural problems Muscle tension in the hamstrings, glutes, IT band, legs, quadriceps, rhomboids, upper back Osteoarthritis pain Sciatica Piriformis syndrome4? Tennis elbow Fibromyalgia Upper back or neck pain3? Not all of these benefits have been scientifically proven. But if you are interested in a massage to prevent sports injury, address sport-specific concerns, or to help with muscle recovery after sports, consider getting a sports massage.5? Top 9 Most Popular Types of Massage What to Expect Deep tissue massage techniques are used to break up scar tissue and physically break down muscle "knots" or adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) that can disrupt circulation and cause pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation. While some of the strokes may feel the same as those used in Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage isn't a stronger version of a Swedish massage. At the beginning of a deep tissue massage, lighter pressure is generally applied to warm up and prepare the muscles. Specific techniques are then applied. Common techniques include: Stripping: Deep, gliding pressure is applied along the length of the muscle fibers using the elbow, forearm, knuckles, and thumbs. Friction: Pressure is applied across the grain of a muscle to release adhesions and realign tissue fibers. Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during a deep tissue massage. You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on tense areas. After the massage, you may feel some stiffness or soreness, but it should subside within a day or so. Be sure to contact your massage therapist if you have concerns or if you feel pain after having a massage. Drinking water after the massage may help to flush the metabolic waste from the tissues. 11 Massage Questions You Want Answered Do Deep Tissue Massages Hurt? At certain times during the massage, you may feel some discomfort or even some pain as the massage therapist works on areas where there are adhesions or scar tissue. Pain isn't necessarily good, and it's not a sign that the massage will be effective. In fact, your body may tense up in response to pain, making it harder for the therapist to reach deeper muscles. You should always tell your massage therapist if you feel pain during the massage. The therapist can adjust the technique or further prep the tissues if the superficial muscles are tense. Side Effects and Precautions Deep tissue massage may not be safe for people with blood clots (e.g. thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis), due to the risk that they may become dislodged.6? If you have blood clots or are at risk of forming blood clots, it's essential that you consult your doctor before getting a deep tissue massage. If you've had recent surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or have another medical condition, it's wise to check with your doctor before starting massage therapy. Some people with osteoporosis should avoid the deeper pressure of this type of massage. Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed or infected skin, skin rashes, unhealed or open wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, fragile bones, or areas of recent fractures. Massage may cause bruising and rarely, hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside of blood cells), venous thromboembolism, and a condition known as spinal accessory neuropathy.7? In a case report, an 85-year-old man had a mass in the side of his neck, which was found to be a blood clot (known as external jugular vein thrombus). He had been receiving deep tissue neck massages during the past year, and the cause was determined to be local trauma. If you have any condition, it's important to consult your primary care provider first to find out what type they recommend. For example, people with certain conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, may not be able to tolerate the pain of a deep tissue massage. If you are pregnant, you should check with your doctor if you are considering getting a message. Deep tissue massage (or any strong pressure) should be avoided during pregnancy,1? but your doctor may suggest a massage therapist trained in pregnancy massage instead. Deep tissue massage may also result in bruising. Case reports have reported venous thromboembolism, spinal accessory neuropathy, hepatic hematoma, and posterior interosseous syndrome after deep tissue massage. A Word From Verywell Deep tissue massage is more than just a massage with deep pressure. The goals and techniques are different from a Swedish massage. While it may help with certain conditions, remember that massage doesn't always have to hurt or make yo

Cupping Methods

What does cupping therapy do? TCM teaches that it is the stagnation of qi and blood that causes pain and disease. Cupping invigorates local circulation of qi and blood in the area being treated, resolving swelling, pain, and tension. By drawing impurities to the surface, it removes toxins. From a Western physiology perspective, cupping loosens connective tissue or fascia and stimulated blood flow to the surface. Cupping stimulates tissue relaxation and better cell-to-cell communication. The research of U.S. physiologist and acupuncturist Helene Langevin has documented cell-level changes using an ultrasound camera. She has demonstrated that techniques like cupping, acupuncture, and massage relax tissue and reduce markers of inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers) are reduced, and cytokines that promote healing and relaxation are increased. What are the benefits of cupping? The benefits of cupping include local pain relief and muscle relaxation. Cupping improves overall health by removing the energy blockages that TCM practitioners identify as barriers to the flow of healthy energy or qi. For athletes, cupping may help increase blood flow to a particular muscle region or help reduce pain. Numerous athletes from the Olympics in Rio 2016 used cupping. This was easily seen by circular markings on some of the U.S. swim team members.

Certified Graston Technique Provider

Clinical Applications Here is list of some of the most common conditions treated with Graston Technique® therapy. Ankle Pain (Achilles Tendinosis/itis) Wrist Pain (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) Neck Pain (Cervical Sprain/Strain) Fibromyalgia Hamstring Injuries Hip Pain IT Band (Iliotibial Band) Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylosis/itis) Back Pain (Lumbar Sprain/Strain) Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylosis/itis) Knee Pain (Patellofemoral Disorders) Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Tendinosis/itis) Scar Tissue Trigger Finger Women's Health (Post-Mastectomy and Caesarean Scarring) Overview of Graston Technique® Therapy Soft tissue injuries can be debilitating and frustrating. Graston Technique® (GT) therapy is successful in effectively treating all soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic, acute or post- surgical. GT therapy can help you enjoy life again. Our unique technique and instruments enable the treatment of scar tissue and fascial restrictions during rehabilitation that allows for faster rehabilitation and with greater success when the goal is restoring range of motion, eliminating pain, and restoring normal function.

Hot Stone Massage

People often describe hot stone massage as comforting and deeply relaxing. The warmth is soothing for people who tend to feel chilly. The heat of the stones relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work deeper while using lighter pressure. Preliminary studies have suggested that massage, in general, may provide benefits to people with conditions including prenatal depression, pain syndromes such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, hypertension, autoimmune conditions, and aging-related conditions including Parkinson's and dementia.1? People often use hot stone massage for the following conditions: Anxiety Back pain Depression Insomnia What to Expect During the massage, the therapist places stones on specific points on the body. While the points may vary depending on the areas of muscle tension and the client's health history, the stones are generally placed in the following areas: Along both sides of the spine In the palms of your hand On your legs, abdomen, feet Small stones may be placed between the toes or on the forehead. After the stones are placed on your body, it may take a few minutes for the heat to penetrate the sheet or towel so you can discern whether the stones are too hot. The therapist applies massage oil to the skin. Holding stones in both hands, the therapist uses gliding movements to move the stones along the muscles. The therapist uses Swedish massage techniques on the back, legs, neck, and shoulders while the stones are in place or after they have been removed. The length of a typical hot stone massage is between 60 and 90 minutes. Hot stone massage has continued to evolve, with many massage therapists and spas offering their own versions of the massage. To Get the Most out of Your Massage

Active Release Technique

What is active release technique? Active release technique (ART) treats your body’s soft tissue by combining manipulation and movement. The technique’s been around for more than 30 years. ART entails identifying, isolating, and targeting the affected area to break up scar tissue. This promotes blood flow and faster healing of injuries. ART can be used to treat problems with your: muscles ligaments tendons nerves It was first used by Dr. P. Michael Leahy, a chiropractor, to treat soft tissue disorders in elite athletes and has since been used to treat millions of people. A number of healthcare providers are trained in ART, including: chiropractors physical therapists massage therapists physicians These providers use ART to treat back pain, headaches, and other symptoms caused by soft tissue conditions and injuries. What body parts are treated? ART can be used to treat pain and other symptoms caused by injury or damage to: Fascia. This is fibrous connective tissue that protects and supports muscles and organs throughout your body. Inflammation across a band of fascia tissue can cause extreme pain and stiffness. Plantar fasciitis is a common fascia tissue condition. Major muscle groups. Strains and pulls from overuse or trauma can affect any of your major muscle groups. This includes muscles in your neck and shoulders, back, and hamstrings. Tendons and ligaments. Tendons connect muscles to bone and ligaments connect bone to bone. Injury to either can cause pain and decrease range of motion. What conditions are treated? lower back pain chronic neck pain tension headaches shoulder strains, including frozen shoulder carpal tunnel syndrome shin splints sciatic nerve pain plantar fasciitis bursitis tennis elbow How active release technique works ART works by breaking up adhesions, which are dense collections of scar tissue that form when muscles and connective tissues are injured. When the scar tissue binds between your muscles, it limits flexibility, causing pain and stiffness in muscles and joints. Sometimes adhesions can also entrap nerves. The manipulation of the soft tissues through ART breaks up the adhesions so your muscles, joints, and nerves can move freely again. During an ART session, your healthcare provider will feel the area and identify the location of the scar tissue. They’ll use the technique to isolate and target the area, manipulating it to break up the scar tissue and restore proper blood flow so the area can heal. Signs you may have scar tissue The following are signs that you may have an accumulation of scar tissue that may benefit from ART: stiffness in your neck, elbow, hands, knees, or back increased pain when exercising sharp pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel pain, numbness, and tingling in your fingers reduced flexibility and limited range of motion decreased strength inflamed joints tingling, numbness, or weakness Treatment goals The goal of ART is to break up the adhesions and restore your range of motion and improve your pain. By breaking up scar tissue, muscles and joints are able to glide and move freely again without pain and stiffness. Benefits of active release technique ART offers many benefits for anyone who has pain and other symptoms caused by soft tissue injuries either from sports, overuse, or trauma. Benefits include: increased flexibility increased range of motion decreased lower back pain improved chronic neck pain relief of tension headaches management of carpal tunnel management of shin splints management of plantar fasciitis management of tennis elbow improvement of sciatic symptoms Active release technique vs. similar treatments There are other soft tissue treatments similar to ART. Here’s a look at each one and their key differences: Deep tissue massage. ART combines active movement with pressure, similar to a deep tissue massage. Rolfing. In this type of therapy, manipulation and deep stretching of the soft tissues are used to improve alignment and posture. Graston Technique. This patented technique is very similar to ART. It also targets adhesions and improves blood flow but uses handheld instruments to provide tissue mobilization. NeuroKinetic Therapy. This corrective protocol uses a system of muscle tests to identify failures which are then corrected using adjustments. It does this by changing the programing of your motor control center, the part of your brain that’s responsible for coordinating your body’s movements. Dry needling. Trigger points are hard “knots” in a muscle that can cause widespread pain. In dry needling, a thin needle is pushed through your skin to stimulate a trigger point, which may release the tight muscle to improve pain and stiffness. It’s often used with other treatments, such as physical therapy. What to expect from active release technique ART involves very precise pressure and can be very painful. If you have a low tolerance for pain then you’ll likely find a treatment session to be uncomfortable. It can w

Prenatal Massage

Anyone who's ever had a professional massage knows that both body and mind feel better afterwards — and the same goes for prenatal massage, which can feel extra wonderful when extra weight and changes in posture stir up new aches and pains. Here’s everything moms-to-be need to know about getting a massage during pregnancy. What is a prenatal massage? Prenatal massages are adapted for the anatomical changes you go through during pregnancy. In a traditional massage, you might spend half the time lying face-down on your stomach (which is not possible with a baby belly) and half the time facing up (a position that puts pressure on a major blood vessel that can disrupt blood flow to your baby and leave you feeling nauseous). But as your shape and posture changes, a trained massage therapist will make accommodations with special cushioning systems or holes that allow you to lie face down safely, while providing room for your growing belly and breasts. Or you might lie on your side with the support of pillows and cushions. Can pregnant women get massages? Prenatal massages are generally considered safe after the first trimester, as long as you get the green light from your practitioner and you let your massage therapist know you’re pregnant. But you’ll want to avoid massage during the first three months of pregnancy as it may trigger dizziness and add to morning sickness. Despite myths you might have heard, there’s is no magic eject button that will accidentally disrupt your pregnancy, and there isn't much solid scientific proof that specific types of massage can have an effect one way or the other. Some massage therapists avoid certain pressure points, including the one between the anklebone and heel, because of concern that it may trigger contractions, but the evidence on whether massage actually can kickstart labor is inconclusive (to nonexistent). It is a good idea to avoid having your tummy massaged, since pressure on that area when you're pregnant can make you uncomfortable.

Relaxation

Just like its name, relaxation massage centers on the relaxation of a client. It focuses mainly on giving the client quality time to recover from the daily stresses of everyday life. When you want to receive a relaxation massage, you can expect the treatment to involve: Long smooth gliding strokes that are both rhythmic and flowing Pressure that is deeply relaxing, but not painful A treatment designed to relax and soothe you, but not to relieve chronic pain or other underlying conditions A therapist who also takes the massage environment into account – look for soothing music, warm towels, and occasionally using essential oils to enhance both the environment and the effects of the massage THE BENEFITS OF RELAXATION MASSAGE Just like any other massages, the benefits received from a relaxation massage usually lasts several days after receiving the treatment. Relaxation massage can offer the following benefits: Lowers blood pressure – at least for a while Improves peripheral circulation Improves skin tone and appearance Improves gastrointestinal motility (bowel movements will become more regular) Reduces muscle tension such as the relief of muscle tension headaches Relieves any stress-related symptoms. This can include providing a boost to the immune system after undergoing regular treatments