Massage Styles

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The field of massage is pretty diverse. There are a number of techniques that fall under the heading of massage, these are the techniques I use as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and Neuromuscular Therapist to relieve you of stress and pain:

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Reflexology | Reiki

Swedish Massage: This is the type of massage most people think about when they want a massage. Swedish massage includes gliding, kneading, and striking strokes as well as friction strokes, stretching, joint movements, gentle shaking, and rocking. Generally, the massage is full-body and is very relaxing and has therapeutic benefits. Swedish Massage technique can also focus on one area of the body such as the back if that is the client's desire. Swedish Massage sessions are typically 1 hour to 90 minutes, but can be shorter or longer as desired.

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Neuromuscular Therapy: Also called NMT or Trigger Point Therapy. NMT is a system of soft tissue manipulation techniques that seek to balance the nervous system with the musculoskeletal system. This is one of the methods I use to help clients experiencing pain and it's very gentle and effective. Stated in simplest terms, I release trigger points in muscles, and help correct muscular imbalances that can cause pain and discomfort. NMT also addresses nerve pain caused by pressure from soft tissues including muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. NMT is effective in helping with conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD), Back pain, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia (FMS), and Migraines.

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Myofascial Release: This technique, while not strictly massage, is another gentle and highly effective technique used by the therapist to help facilitate release of restrictions in your fascia (a widespread connective tissue) that can cause tightness and pain. If you feel that you could relieve your discomfort or pain if you could "just stretch that area" then Myofascial Release could be just what you're looking for. The gentleness of Myofascial Release makes it the treatment of choice for many who suffer from Fibromyalgia, Functional Scoliosis, Lupus, and Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

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Sports Massage: Sports Massage is generally used to help improve athletic performance. Most often the Sports Massage is focused on the muscles and tissues most often used in the athletes sport, i.e., runners focus on their legs. The techniques used are similar to Swedish Massage but are often somewhat deeper and combined with specific stretching. Sports massage may also incorporate NMT, and Myofascial Release. Exactly how it is done depends on whether the massage is being used to prepare for an event, recover from an event, or assist in treating an injury.

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Deep Tissue Massage: Deep Tissue Massage is a term that gets thrown around quite a bit. Deep Tissue Massage is a massage of the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissues of the body. Deep Tissue Massage is used to provide a more therapeutic effect by massaging all layers from superficial (closer to the skin) to deep (closer to the bone). It relaxes the muscles, rids them of built up metabolic waste, and helps release adhesions between muscles and connective tissues. It can also be useful in preventing scar tissue build up from injuries to muscles and connective tissues. NOTE: Deep Tissue Massage is the most incorrectly performed type of massage in the world. Many massage therapists believe (erroneously) that they must use extreme pressure to reach deep tissues. Extreme pressure is not necessary and is likely result in pain to the client. It also has the potential for causing injury. If the pressure being used by the therapist is causing you severe pain, tell them to use less or stop.

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Reflexology: Usually applied to the feet and/or hands, Reflexology stimulates points on the body/feet/hands called "reflexes" that correlate to other parts of the body. Practitioners believe that the entire body is reflected in the hands and feet and can be affected through massage of "reflex" points. Try it, you will be pleasantly surprised!

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Reiki: In Reiki the practitioner channels a form of life energy that is used to help people in healing. Many people receiving Reiki feel a tingling or temperature variation during sessions, and report a feeling of well-being afterward. While difficult to put into words, once you experience Reiki you'll want to do it again.

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The massage therapy and bodywork sites listed below are presented to assist you in finding the appropriate massage therapy or massage therapist for your needs:

Website Assistance and Massage By Ben Crabtree, RMT, CNMT