Sports Massage is a type of massage designed for highly active people who engage in athletics. Engaging in sports is harsh on the body and can often lead to injuries in both the short and long term. Sports Massage enhances performance and prolongs a sports career by helping to prevent injury, reduce pains and swelling in the body, relax the mind, increase flexibility, and dramatically improve recovery rates. Sports Massage is also highly effective in aiding the rapid recovery of an athlete from an injury by encouraging greater kinesthetic awareness and in turn promoting the body's natural immune function.
As a massage therapist in this area, I've seen a great deal how using pre and post sports massage can effect the overall performance and recovery of an athlete. As a runner myself and an avid sports enthusiast I highly recommend massage therapy for prompt recovery. The sports massage is done fully clothed and in most cases performed with quick jostling motions and some heat/cold therapy at times to aid in circulation and recovery. I recommend daily stretching and the use of foam rollers, heat/cold therapy and perhaps you might think of integrating a daily mind/body/spirit nurturing practice of your own. I personally practice a form of yoga which focuses on proper alignment principles.
'Nuat Boran' or Thai Bodywork, is more energizing and rigorous than most other forms of massage & bodywork therapy. It's also called Thai Yoga Massage , because I use my hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like postures and stretches. My clients say Thai bodywork is like doing yoga without doing any of the work. No lubrication is applied, so you are fully dressed during the session. A single Thai bodywork session will help you release stress and relieve pain, and help you function more effectively at work and home.
Ancient Thai bodywork is referred to as 'Nuat Boran' and is a practice which integrates the Body, Mind and Spirit of both client and therapist. This form of massage is meditative and usually lasts a full two hours. The form of meditation is called METTA which is simply a focus on loving kindness. The client is placed in four different positions on the mat and the therapist may use essential oils and herbs to highten the healing effects of the massage. Nuat boran focuses on the SEN or ENERGY LINES of the body to release and cleanse the body. The massage looks like a nurturing dance and is often said to feel as if the therapist is performing yoga on the client. Overall this massage is one of deep relaxation, healing and greatly improves the clients flexibility.
Swedish Massage is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. It combines oils or lotion with an array of strokes such as effleurage, rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve its circulation. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibility.
Neuromuscular therapy is a system of massage techniques that were developed in the 1930's by Dr. Stanley Lief in England. It uses a holistic approach towards healing, emphasizing and stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself. Neuromuscular therapy also enhances the function of joints and muscles, and accelerates the overall healing process by facilitating the release of endorphins.
My understanding of neuromuscular massage is based upon my exposure to it in massage school training. Recently I've re commited myself to this practice and plan to take further continuing education classes. I feel that the benefits from this therapy when applying seven key princples within my own practice of this form of therapy, have resulted in the success of countless massage sessions. Being aware of the seven key principles has made me a more effective practitioner, especially for clients with chronic pain and athletes suffering with various muscular issues. Here are the seven key principles as defined by my initial school training and my own personal work experience:
1. Ischemia- Lack of blood flow within the muscles
2. Trigger points- Ischemic soft tissues in the body that, when stimulated, refer high neurological activity into other parts of the body, thus creating secondary pain
3. Nerve compression & nerve entrapment- Pressure on a nerve by an osseous or cartilaginous structure or pressure on a nerve by soft tissue
4. Postural Distortion- Imbalance in the muscular tonus system resulting in movement of the body off the coronal and midsaggital planes
5. Biomechanical Dysfunction- Imbalance in the musculoskeletal system resulting in faulty movement patterns
6. Nutrition- The capacity for the body to absorb nutrients relies a large part on the condition of the blood flow to the musculoskeletal system.
7. Emotional Wellbeing- Mind, Body & Spirit integration
A typical massage therapy table session vs. a body work mat session requires that I leave private time for the client to get undressed and on the table with drapping. Because of these fifteen minutes of intake, analysis, private time and centering I typically need 90 minutes for this type of massage session. An effective treatment requires communication and education before, during and after the session. I emphasize the importance of alignment based movement therapy and heat/cold therapy after recieving a massage. It is of great importance that my clients understand the benefits of drinking plenty of water and of course, getting plenty of rest!
Hot Stone Therapy or 'The Magic Of Hot Stone Massage' (as my teacher, Eric Stephenson referred to it) is a style of massage where heated stones are placed at specific sites on your body to deepen relaxation and promote circulation in your muscles. Muscles that are heated with these stones release tension and stress much more deeply and quickly than with a traditional massage. The overall experience is very relaxing, nurturing, and rejuvenating. By placing the stones underneath the hands soreness, tension and stress melt away. The body becomes naturally sedated because of the gentle heat of the stones. Toxins are released as blood flow increases. There is a science and an ancient art to this type of massage making it a clear choice for one who seeks detox, deep relaxation and the nuturing aspects of energetic cleansing.
Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don't get too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during the session. A lot of my clients recieve deep tissue and seem to benefit from it. I often perform range of motion stretches along with the deep pressure, especially for athletes. I recommend the use of a warm epsum salt bath in conjunction with ice for the prevention of inflammation in areas of muscle soreness. Keep in mind that each person, condition and situation will be different. The key with a deep tissue therapy session is open communication and therapy techniques done out of session to maintain overall health.
Reflexology is a type of bodywork that focuses on applying pressure to the specific nerve zones in your feet. Unlike other foot massages that intend to mostly relieve tension in the feet themselves, reflexology is a far more in-depth science that aims to harmonize your entire body. According to reflexology, every part of the human body is mapped into your feet. Reflexology treatments have been found to be highly effective for conditions such as allergies, headaches, and depression.
Though I am not a certified reflexologist many of my clients come for a session and ask for this modality. Many clients say it relaxes them and help them to release toxitity, negative energy and helps them to become more focused. Many say the result is a calm body with clarity of mind.
Pregnancy Massage is a style of bodywork designed specifically for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical and emotional changes. Using various techniques specially developed for the expecting mother, Pregnancy Massage helps release the pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the relief of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, and improved breathing and relaxation.
Though I am not a certified pregnancy massage therapist I learned basic side-lying massage/adaptive massage in my initial school training. I find that during the third trimester women often benefit the most from this modality of massage. Helping them out with relieving low back, hip, wrist and ankle swelling and pain. It is of importance to remember that circulation is key when pregnant and that Bolsters and pillows are very helpful. Bolsters are used side lying throughout the massage and light pressure is applied. Communication is key with this type of massage.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle yet powerful technique that is effective in releasing neck pain, back pain, and mental stress (among other things). It does this by optimizing the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spine and around the skull. Developed by physician William Sutherland, this therapy provides a very soothing and relaxing healing experience.
I've personally taken the Craniosacral level one course designed by John Upledger, MD. Dr. Upledger has developed this therapy to help humanity release and heal from within. I also have some understanding of the practice of Somatic emotional Release which is key to the overall experience of Craniosacral Therapy work. The power of presence in the practice of Somatics overall is an absolutely healing experience. Recently, through my teacher certification program, I came to understand Somatics more fully.