Swedish Massage is the most common and best known type of massage. It involves long, fluid strokes of muscles and tissues with pressure that varies from light to medium to firm. This type of massage is considered to be one of the most relaxing styles. Your massage therapist will adjust the pressure according to your sensitivity and preference.

Swedish massage uses five styles of strokes. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber or with the fibers) and vibration/shaking.

Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis.

This treatment incorporates a variety of eastern and western massage styles ranging from light, soothing relaxation to deep-tissue and myofascial work on specific areas. Your concerns and preferences decide which modalities will be most helpful and may include a blend of Swedish, shiatsu, and structural integration techniques.

Deep Tissue Bodywork is a therapeutic technique used to reduce or eliminate bodily pain and discomfort. This technique often goes very deep into musculoskeletal tissue; however, the term “deep” mostly refers more to its penetrating effects. Deep Tissue is designed to relieve muscles of scarring and adhesions that cause pain and limited range of motion, reduce pain and swelling after injury, and increase ease and range of motion.

A large number of athletes (competitive and weekend warriors) are incorporating Sports Massage into their regimen. The benefits of Sports Massage include improved circulation, flexibility and range of motion, decreased recovery time from competition and training, injury prevention, increased muscular efficiency and increased physical awareness derived from anatomical and functional education.

Efficient circulation supply to musculoskeletal tissue increases delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen, which helps increase bodily productivity and removal of metabolic waste. By breaking scar tissue and adhesions, muscles and tendons are released from inefficiency and are free to glide the way they were designed.

Cupping is a massage modality that finds its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. The practice uses glass or silicone cups to create a vacuum seal on areas of the body.

Some clients who received cupping sessions found that it relieved chronic pain and helped improve range of motion to injured areas. The clients who experienced this pain relief reported that the effects lasted longer than the pain relief associated with other massage modalities.

Cupping can be incredibly relaxing. The work is performed in soothing setting and the therapists touch is very light. The therapist might move the cups around the body, mirroring the strokes that you would receive during a standard relaxation massage. While the goal of the session is to target different areas of the body, a cupping treatment can improve your general sense of relaxation.

Pre- and postnatal massage, possibly the most effective resource available to ease the discomfort and increase the enjoyment of pregnancy.  Prenatal massage is performed side lying, supported with firm bolsters, or using a body cushion, allowing the soon-to-be-mother a chance to lay face down comfortably.  Postnatal massage is designed to help the body’s recovery process and to give relief to the new mother.

Prenatal massage is designed to aid with sleep, digestion, physical pains, and trimester specific issues. Work ranges from light to medium pressure, and focuses on such problems as swelling, sciatic pain, and low back pain. As you get closer to “the big day,” your massage therapist will work to assist the natural stretching of tissues and to prepare your muscles for delivery.

Postnatal massage offers relief to the new mother from sleep deprivation and the neck-and-shoulder aches associated with nursing and carrying a newborn. The work can range from light to deep pressure and focuses on strengthening muscle tissue, assisting circulation, and regaining normal posture and weight-bearing within the body’s framework. Your therapist can also address any concerns you have about re-starting your normal exercise routine and help you achieve your recovery goals.