Types of Massage

Types of Massage

person getting massage

Read about the many types of massage offered at About Body LLC

Uses an advanced method of soft tissue therapy for breaking the stress-tension-pain cycle using advanced concepts in massage therapy. Neuromuscular therapy is effective for many soft tissue pain problems including neck and back pain, hip, knee and shoulder pain, numbness and tingling in the arms, hands and legs. Can help treat headaches, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel and fibromylalgia syndrome.

Eight Principles Addressed by Neuromuscular Massage Therapy Include:

man rubbing neck

– Structural Stress-Postural Distortion
– Functional Deficit
– Weakness
– Restricted Range of Motion
– Poor Biomechanics
– Ischemia
– Trigger Points
– Nerve Compression / Entrapment

Uses kneading and long, smooth strokes on the superficial layers of the muscles to improve blood circulation and range of motion, and relieve muscle tension.

A form of massage which utilizes specific strokes and stretches with methods such as compression, pressure-point therapy, cross-fiber friction, joint mobilization, and hydrotherapy. These techniques are aimed at either preparing the muscles and joints for athletic activity or assisting in recovery from the stress and strain associated with sports activity. It helps to obtain maximum performance and physical conditioning with less chance of injury or pain. It increases power, endurance, and flexibility both before and after an event or workout.

stone massage

Experience a therapeutic relaxing massage combined with deep heat therapy. Heated basalt stones are placed on the body and used to massage the body, providing a nurturing and enhanced therapeutic effect. Oils are added to use the stones to release tension, restore balance and increase positive energy flow. The heated stones gently encourage physical healing, mental relaxation and sore muscles to relax and surrender as circulation increases, bringing a sense of well-being and harmony.

man massaging legs in lymphatic massage

Therapist blends soothing, gentle, rhythmic, precise massage-like movements to accelerate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body. Assisting this flow boosts the immune system and filters out toxins and other microbes that could potentially be dangerous to the body.

apple blossoms

Massage therapy for cancer clients is based in both compassion and specialized massage treatments to help people manage their experience with cancer. Clients of massage therapy express benefits including improved relaxation, sleep which improves their energy level, and immune function as well as relieving anxiety, pain, fatigue and nausea. They claim that massage helps “take the edge off” of acute pain and in some cases relieve it entirely.

Therapists are trained to meet people where they are in their experience with cancer and apply a highly individualized massage treatment to comfort, nurture, and support them in their process. The treatments are modified according to the full spectrum of cancer-related issues: the physical, psycho-social, and emotional consequences of cancer. In addition, the person’s individual goals are considered and aspects of the disease and cancer treatment side effects. Goals for receiving massage can include the desire for a respite – a relaxing pleasurable experience in the midst of everything that is going on – relieving nausea or other symptoms such as pain or peripheral neuropathy, and helping them get though the remainder of their cancer treatments. Getting massage from someone who understands everything that is going on, can be a part of your healing process.

hand holding carnation for mastectomy massage

After a mastectomy, clients may experience tightness emanating from the surgery site as the result of scar tissue which can cause pain and restrict the range of motion in the arm and shoulder. Massage helps to bring back the circulation of the nerves in the shoulders and arms. Therapy can help to minimize scar tissue and other symptoms.

prenatal massage

Modern investigation and research is proving that prenatal massage therapy can be a very instrumental ingredient in women’s prenatal care. Studies indicate pregnancy changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles and shoulders. Massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, improve labor outcomes and improve newborn health.

Other Benefits: Reduce back pain, joint pain, edema, muscle tension, headaches, stress, anxiety, swelling and nerve pain. Improve circulation, oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles, sleep better and regulate hormones.

CranioSacral Therapy, developed by John Upledger, is a very, very light, unobtrusive, hands-on modality that focuses on removing restrictions along the spinal column of the body. Through a series of diaphragmatic releases and subtle holds, there is a softening of the fascia and tissue, allowing for the release of any restrictions that may be impeding the function of the spinal cord, or the lubricating flow of the surrounding cerebral-spinal fluid. This protocol encompasses the whole spinal cord from the pelvis to the occiput, thus improving the functioning of the Central Nervous System.

a woman getting craniosacral therepy

By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

– Migraine Headaches
– Chronic Neck and Back Pain
– Motor-Coordination Impairments
– Colic
– Autism
– Orthopedic Problems
– Scoliosis
– Chronic Fatigue
– Infantile Disorders
– Learning Disabilities
– Emotional Difficulties
– Stress/Tension-Related Problems
– Fibromyalgia / Connective-Tissue Disorders
– Neurovascular / Immune Disorders
– Central Nervous System Disorders
– Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
– Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
– Post Surgical Dysfunction
– Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)

SER, or Somato Emotional Release, is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. SER1 offers applications designed to enhance results using CST and other complementary therapies.