Our Services > Massage Therapy & Myofascial Release
Massage Therapy
& Myofascial Release
Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and tone the body. Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues (the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone.
Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the organs themselves. Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body. Massage is used in conjunction with chiropractic to make a healthier you!
Why Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is the assessment and treatment of the soft tissues and joints of the body by hands-on manipulation.
Massage can be defined as the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes. It uses a system of strokes that include gliding, kneading, friction, pressure, tapping and vibrating. In addition, massage therapists may engage in active and passive movements of the joints, use auxiliary mechanical devices, apply heat and cold in various forms, and instruct clients on exercises to achieve improved muscle tone circulation, and range of motion.
An excellent form of preventive health care:
Massage therapy melts away stress and tension, relieving associated headaches and muscular aches and pains. Massage therapy aids in the healing process from injury or over-use, and is an excellent form of preventive health care. Its purpose is to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function and relieve pain. Massage therapy modalities include hydrotherapy, remedial exercise, myofascial and trigger point therapy. Massage therapy compliments chiropractic care perfectly.
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 Benefits of Massage
Supports your fitness program
• Relieves tired and sore muscles
• Improves flexibility of joints
• Increases range of motion
• Reduces anxiety of competition
• Improves posture
• Improves rehab after injury and surgery
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
Alleviates problem conditions
• Tension
• Muscle pain
• Stress and anxiety
• Discomfort during pregnancy
• Relieves tension related headaches
Combats the negative effects of ageing
• Improves blood and lymphatic drainage
• Helps lower blood pressure
• Improves immune system functioning
• Relieves stiff and sore muscles
• Promotes healthy vibrant skin
Complements other health givers
• Chiropractic care
• Physical and Occupational Therapy
• Psychotherapy
Special treatments
• For mothers-to-be
• For travelers
• For children in sports and school activities
• For caregivers
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Conditions Helped with Massage
• Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Nausea in Cancer and HIV
• Multiple Sclerosis/Muscular Dystrophy
• Chronic Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Anxiety & Panic Attacks
• Migraine Headache
• Back Pain
• Insomnia
• Premature Infant growth & development
• Allergies
• Depression and Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Asthma and Bronchitis
• Circulatory Problems
• Insomnia
• Sports Injuries
• Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
• Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Musculo-Skeletal Disorders
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Types of Massage Strokes
 Effleurage is a succession of strokes applied either firmly or lightly. Usually applied in long strokes either toward the heart or away. Any part of the hand, arm or fingers can be used to apply this stroke. Its effect is to increase blood flow, relieve fatigue, improve nutrition to tissues and sooth and sedate the nervous system when applied lightly.
Petrissage is a movement in which skin and muscle is squeezed, pinched or rolled with a firm circular pressure. Kneading, rolling and grasping are terms that may be used to describe the technique. The effect is to relieve muscle cramps and spasms, stimulate nerve endings, improve circulation and prepare tissues for deeper work.
Friction is done with small, concentrated circular movements in order to penetrate into the tissues. Pressure here can vary from light to heavy, but the main effect is to move the tissue under the skin. This can aid in relieving tense or knotted areas and improving circulation to areas on the body.
Compression is the application of pressure with a rhythmic action of the fingers, palms of the hands, fists or forearm. It can be performed over clothing, like before a workout to legs or at the office to your shoulders. It is very versatile depending upon the depth of pressure and tempo of the stroke. As the others, it also increases circulation, relieves fatigued muscle and moves the muscle fibers to warm them up.
Direct Pressure is exactly what it says, the application of pressure to specific areas with the thumb, fingers, or elbow to trigger points or tsubos on the body. This helps them to relax and release to increase comfort. The release of direct pressure should be slow and gradual to allow the skin and muscle to adjust.
Tapotement is rapidly striking the body with cupped hands, finger tips, the heel of the hand or any other part of the hand. It sounds like it would be uncomfortable, but it really is a great way to finish a massage when done correctly. The stroke is used for many reasons. It can relax tissue and sedate the nervous system; it can awaken the nerves and the muscle and prepare them for work or activity. It improves blood flow to the tissues and improves the sense of touch. In hospitals, this stroke is used to aid respiratory patients in their recovery. Other terms which could be used to describe the technique are hacking, beating, chopping, or tapping.
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Things to Know Before You Go
 • Be honest about your medical history and medications. Sometimes massage is not a good idea and could hurt you.
• If you are in doubt about any aspect of your health or have any questions about increasing your circulation, consult a medical doctor before beginning a massage therapy routine.
• If you're pregnant, there are certain areas that are safer left alone. Your therapist can explain these areas to you.
• It's best NOT to eat before a massage. You could feel ill if you do.
• It Is best to drink plenty of water before and after your massage. That's what keeps us all going and it will help improve your circulation after the massage!
• A shower before your massage is always best. It helps to open your pores, remove some of the daily pressure and makes the massage more pleasurable for you and the therapist.
• If you're running late...CALL! Your lateness could impact another appointment and may cause you to be rescheduled...Your time is valuable to you.
• You are always in control of the sessions. If there is something that isn't right, let your therapist know right away so it can be corrected.
• Please note: Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine.
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What to Expect During Your First Treatment
Massage sessions usually last an hour, although 30 and 90 minute treatments are available. The therapist will interview you over the phone to determine whether massage is indicated for your particular needs. Once the interview is completed an appointment is scheduled.
Upon arrival to the office, the therapist will ask you to fill out a history form and ask you to identify the areas you feel tension and areas you wish no work done. The therapist may touch you to more accurately identify trouble spots and will then determine the best massage technique for your particular needs.
Next, the therapist will discuss the plan for the treatment, what your expectations of the treatment will be and how best to get those results. They will show you the table and ask you to undress to your comfort level and recline on the table under a blanket or drape. For Swedish, Deep Tissue or work on specific problem areas (like a shoulder or lower back) the therapist will suggest what you should remove. It is not always necessary to fully undress.
The room should be comfortably lighted, warm and inviting. Music is generally soft and relaxing. The therapist will leave the room or close a divider for you to change comfortably. Upon returning to the room, a pillow or bolster under you knees will be offered for comfort. If the therapist starts you face down on the table, a pillow below your abdomen to relieve back stress may be used. Of course, the use of these items is up to you. If your treatment is Shiatsu or Reiki, you will remain clothed. It is suggested you wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing for these treatments. You will be asked to remove your shoes.
The sequence of the massage will be different for each client and situation. In general for Swedish relaxation, the face, neck and upper torso will be massaged with or without cream or oil, (Again, you can make requests that these not be used.) then the abdomen may be massaged. For some, this may sound uncomfortable. Issues of uncovering the belly are common. It is not necessary to show the therapist your stomach. The work can be done through the drape. Abdominal massage is very effective for digestion, deepening relaxation and back problems.
From the abdomen, the arms, legs and feet are massaged. It is important to remember, ONLY THE AREA BEING MASSAGED IS UNCOVERED. The other areas should be comfortably draped, warm and relaxed. Passively stretching and moving the arms, legs and neck through a range of motion after work is completed on the muscles is common. These range of motion or passives should be to your comfort level, never painful or too tight.
Once the front of the body is completed, the therapist will help you reposition for work on the back. Again, you should remain draped and comfortable. A bolster or pillow under the ankles and abdomen if needed for comfort. The back treatment is performed from one side, then the top of the table then the other for complete coverage of the musculature. Special attention may be paid to the specific areas that are identified as especially tense or knotted. The upper and lower back and hip area are massaged before we move on to the legs. Sometimes, we may use a heating pad, hydrocolator or ice pack to your tender spots before or after the massage to improve the treatment and your comfort.
The session may be completed with gentle rocking, light finger strokes, compressions or tapotement (tapping with the hands). These ending strokes are unique to the situation and the therapist. Be open to try new things, they will make each session with your therapist more interesting and can energize or sedate you depending on the goal you set for your treatment.
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