Different Types of Massage
The techniques of massage and bodywork come from various healing traditions that originate from around the world. Many of these techniques improve the functioning of the human nervous, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems. Other forms of bodywork focus specifically on movement of the lymphatic or cerebrospinal fluids of the body.
Karen suggests that you try several techniques to discover which one(s) best suits you. Listed below are a few different techniques that Karen is trained and certified in. (Click to learn about additional types of massages.)
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS), The Spa Method - AIS: The Mattes Method is a scientific stretching method developed by Aaron L. Mattes. The Spa Method is an approved version of his method developed and taught by Bruce Baltz, LMT. AIS is a manual technique that combines a series of short, controlled stretches with intervals of relaxation, which overrides your muscles tendency to contract when stretched tight. AIS benefits you with increased circulation resulting in faster healing times. It will reduce overall risk of injury and improve posture. You will achieve greater muscle strength and a deeper capacity for muscle relaxation. Please note that it may be necessary to wear comfortable clothing for some AIS sessions.
Deep Tissue Massage - Techniques which utilize deep tissue/deep muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require more advanced training and more thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the therapist from reading deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation, and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.
Myofascial Alignment Technique - Myoskeletal alignment technique (MAT) is a type of bodywork which blends the principles of osteopathy and structural integration to relieve chronic pain, and to reduce the potential for the emergence of pain which could become chronic over time. This technique is often integrated into regular massage and bodywork sessions. In a session of myoskeletal alignment technique, the practitioner works to lengthen tight, strained muscles with the goal of releasing tension and allowing those muscles to function more normally. At the same time, weak muscles are encouraged to grow stronger with the use of gentle, focused stretches which work those muscles. The muscles and fascia will also be manipulated to release pain and to encourage proper musculoskeletal alignment.
Myofascial Release - Myofascial release is the three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions. Myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.
Neuromuscular Therapy - This comprehensive program of soft-tissue manipulation balances the body's central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue). The therapist locates and releases spasms and hyper-contraction in the tissue, eliminates trigger points that cause referred pain, rebuilds the strength of injured tissues, assists venous and lymphatic flow, and restores postural alignment, proper bio-mechanics, and flexibility to the tissues.
Positional Release - This technique combines compression, extension, movement, and breath to give therapists a tool to provide relief from pain, treating such conditions as carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic low back pain, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, tennis elbow, knee pain, shin splints, frozen shoulder, hammer toes, piriformis syndrome, tendinitis, trigger finger and much more.
Sea Salt Glow - Body exfoliation is a service we should all consider every few months, or every few weeks during the summer. Our skin becomes dry and begins to break down with the build up of residues from soaps, detergents and lotions and environmental pollutants. Body Exfoliation helps polish away dull, dry skin. It also stimulates our circulation, which in turn feeds our skin and causes it to look and be healthy again. The first step to any successful body care program, gentle or deep, exfoliation eliminates dead cells, superficial toxicity, impurities and sebum accumulation. Exfoliation will render the skins roughest areas soft and smooth resulting in a more youthful skin. Salt Glows exfoliation is done with Dead Sea Salt that works beautifully on dry, dehydrated skin. Mineral Sea Salt, rich in sodium bicarbonate, are mixed with essential oils and a carrier oil such as grape seed extract and gently rubbed over the body using a light, circular motion. This treatment leaves your skin soft, supple and tingling with renewed life. A brief shower with warm water is used to remove the sea salt mixture. Do not shave/wax or sun-tan the day of or the day after a sea salt glow.
Sports Massage - Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are three contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment./preventative. Pre-event massage is delivered at the performance site, usually with the athlete fully clothed. Fast-paced and stimulating, it helps to establish blood flow and to warm up muscles. During the massage, the athlete generally focuses on visualizing the upcoming event. Post-event massage is also delivered on site, through the clothes. The intent here is to calm the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste products out of the body. Post-event massage can reduce recovery time, enabling an athlete to resume training much sooner than rest alone would allow. When an athlete sustains an injury or wants to prevent an injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing and prevent muscles from malfunctioning. An experienced therapist can aid in optimal performance of an athlete.
Swedish Massage - A treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation.
Vacuum Therapy - A treatment where suction and vacuum pressure is used to soften tight muscles and tone attachments, loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue, bring hydration and blood flow to the body's soft tissue, move deep inflammation to the skin surface for release, and drain excess fluids and waste by opening lymphatic pathways. The technique is incredibly versatile and a wide variety of movements can be customized from lymphatic drainage to deep tissue release.
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