Massage Therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.  Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress.

Therapeutic massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body tissues. This can assist the elimination of waste products, speed healing after injury, and enhance recovery from disease.

Swedish

This is the most common type of massage therapy in the United States. It is also known as Swedish massage or simply massage therapy.  It entails long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil. Swedish massage therapy can be very gentle and relaxing. If you've never had massage before, this is a good one to try first.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs.  The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, balancing and more. One of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy massage is lavender.   Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions or conditions with an emotional component.

Hot Stones

Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body.  The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.  Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage.

Reflexology

Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage. Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet.

Sports

Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity. But you don't have to be a professional athlete to have one.  It is also used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.  A combination of techniques is used. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is a bodywork technique that involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is a highly specialized stretching technique where the therapist places their hand firmly upon a muscle while passively stretching the muscle, forcing the muscle fibers to stretch against resistance.  Myofascial Release Technique is great for rehabilitating injured muscles and tendons.