Neuromuscular Therapy
This comprehensive program of soft-tissue manipulation balances the body’s central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system. Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) can help individuals who experience distortion and biomechanical dysfunction, which is often a symptom of a deeper problem. It is also used to locate and release spasms, eliminate trigger points that cause referred pain, rebuild the strength of injured tissues, assist venous and lymphatic flow, and restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics, and flexibility to the tissues. NMT often dramatically increases flexibility, balance, strength and vital life energy by interrupting the pain pathways, improving circulation of the system of muscles that are in a deeper level and upgrading the health of the body on all levels.
Paraffin Dip
Warm paraffin infuses the skin with heat and moisturizing emollients that increase circulation, opening pores and softening the skin. The deeply penetrating heat relieves the pain of arthritis, tendonitis, muscle spasms and joint stiffness. We offer hand and/or feet dips. It is a nice addition to a massage or can be done on its own.
Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal massage uses specific techniques that can reduce discomforts of pregnancy as well as enhance the physiological and emotional well being of both mother and fetus. Massage offers a safe, all-natural method of relief for common complaints including: fatigue, headaches, lower back pain, neck/shoulder tension, swelling of the extremities, and mood swings. It can also increase circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress on weight-bearing joints. Depending on how far along the client is, this type of massage can be done using a “prego” pillow (for comfort when lying on her stomach) or in a side lying position. Massage is helpful both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. It is recommended to wait until the second trimester before getting a massage. It is always best to consult with your Doctor prior to receiving a prenatal massage.
Quantum Touch
This hands-on healing method offers a subtle approach for achieving proper alignment of the body. Principles behind Quantum-Touch involve intention, attention, breath, and innate body intelligence. Using various breathing techniques and meditations, a light touch is applied to activate the body’s own healing process.
Raindrop Therapy
Raindrop Therapy combines detoxifying essential oils, hot packs and massage. Antimicrobial essential oils are used to reduce inflammation by killing the viral agents, thus bringing the body into structural and electrical alignment. The oils (primarily thyme, oregano, wintergreen, cypress, peppermint, and basil) are dispensed like little drops of rain onto the back and massaged along the vertebrae. Raindrop Therapy brings balance to the body while also boosting the immune system and aiding in detoxification.
Reiki
Reiki is an energetic healing practice that draws upon universal life force and utilizes gentle hands-on touch. In a reiki healing session, the practitioner, trained to access and serve as a channel for the life force (ki or chi), places her hands on or just above the client’s body in order to activate healing energy within receptive points on the body. Viewed as a powerful tool in stress management and relaxation, Reiki advocates report success in treating a variety of acute and chronic complaints. It is considered beneficial for debilitating chronic conditions because of the enhanced energy it gives people.
Soft Tissue Release
Soft-tissue release (STR) is a powerful injury treatment technique. STR has been given clinical application for chronic low back pain and whiplash injuries. STR deals directly with the reasons for soft tissue dysfunctions and subsequent referred pain and nerve entrapment. In acute conditions, STR affects the insidious way scar tissue is formed, and in chronic conditions, STR breaks up the fibrotic and adhered mass of scar tissue to quickly allow the muscle to return to its natural resting length. Once the muscle or muscle group has returned to the original resting length, there is an immediate release from the pain induced by the inflammation response. The client is placed in a particular position so that the muscle begins to stretch in a very specific direction or plane. When the exact location of the injury has been defined, a determined pressure is applied directly into the affected tissue or along a specific line of injury. At the same time, the client is given a set of instructions to engage the antagonist of the muscles involved. The muscle is extended from a fixed position in a determined direction under a pinpoint of pressure. Decrease in pain and increase in range of motion are often immediate, offsetting any minor discomfort experienced.
Sports Massage
A form of massage which utilizes specific strokes to help athletes obtain maximum performance and physical conditioning by increasing power, endurance and mobility both before and after an event or exercise. It is also especially helpful for people who are very active for work. Sports massage can accelerate the healing process, increase range of motion, reduce adhesion and reduce swelling, bruising and pain. Sports massage may incorporate similar techniques to Swedish massage but will include more soft tissue techniques, stretching and deep tissue. Sports massage is helpful for anyone who routinely stretches their physical limits through movement.
Swedish Massage
One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage incorporates a variety of techniques including broad strokes, kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. Swedish massage relaxes muscles; increases circulation; removes metabolic waste products (which shortens recovery time from muscular strain); stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple; stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves; helps the recipient obtain a feeling of well being. Helping reduce emotional and physical stress, it is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management and overall wellness.
Swe-Thai Massage
Swe-Thai is a complete head to toe massage routine consisting of specially developed techniques that reduce stress and strain on your body while allowing you to deliver a highly therapeutic massage. Swe-Thai combines advanced and specific soft tissue therapies with Thai style techniques and stretching for maximum results. Swe-Thai massage effectively treats general neck and back disorders, increases flexibility and induces deep relaxation. The Primary Theory of Swe-Thai Massage is that the combining of two forces will produce the desired pressure allowing for little or no stress on the therapists body.
Thai Herbal Linen Balls
Thai Herbal Ball massage incorporates the use of heated compresses containing a collection of medicinal aromatic herbs traditionally grown in Thailand. They are most often steamed to stimulate the herbs then pressed or rolled on the body. When used in conjunction with a massage, the heated balls allow the muscles and joints of the body greater movement and flexibility. The herbs themselves are absorbed through the skin and used in the body to facilitate further release of energy blockages thereby improving energy imbalances within the body. Some of the herbs have drawing properties that allow removal of inflammation and swelling typical with injuries.
Thai Massage
The client’s body is taken through passive yoga stretches as part of the massage. The client is fully clothed in loose comfortable clothing. Thai massage is practiced on a firm mat on the floor instead of on a table, facilitating the effective use of the practitioner’s body weight. The sen (energy) lines are worked, with gentle rocking, rhythmic compressions and deep stretches by the therapist’s palms, thumbs, elbows, forearms and/or feet. Because it can release muscles deep in the body, it is very effective for reducing pain and tension. This technique is both relaxing and energizing.
Trigger Point Therapy
A trigger point is an area of a muscle that when compressed produces pain or other neurological sensations either within the area touched or in another area of the body. A trigger point can be caused from injury, poor posture, repetitive motion, or emotional stress. Trigger point therapy is used to relieve muscular pain and dysfunction through applied pressure to trigger points of referred pain and through stretching exercises. When releasing the muscle of its tension, the client’s comfort level is always addressed; feedback between the therapist and client is essential. The intention is to interrupt the pain cycle in a particular area of the body.