INTEGRATED
Whether you seek relief from chronic pain, stress reduction, or enhanced athletic performance, each Integrated Session is customized to support your journey towards optimal health and vitality.
Deep Tissue
There are similarities between Myofascial and Deep Tissue massage; but the real difference is the use of pressure, and how the therapist manipulates the tissue(s). Deeper bodywork is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension by focusing on the fibers and layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding bones, joints and muscles).
The effect; removing tension, pain from muscle triggers, and realigning a multitude of layers. The point of what deep tissue work is all about lies within the adhesions, AKA knots of built-up and waste within our muscle tissues. An adhesion is a band(s) of painful, rigid tissue in muscles, tendons, and ligaments commonly referred to as a“knot”
SWEDISH
Swedish massage is typically gentle and relaxing, it can be beneficial for most people. Everyone working in an office hunched over a computer or sitting in traffic on a daily basis can benefit from the healing elements of Swedish massage, if only to address stress, anxiety, and the pressures of our fast-paced society. You should consult with your massage therapist regarding any injuries or concerns you have, the depth of the pressure, skin sensitivities, or areas that may need more attention.
Multiple studies have found that Swedish massage is an effective way to help relieve anxiety. One study tracked the anxiety and vital sign levels of ICU patients before and after a 30-minute Swedish massage, and found that anxiety was reduced and vital signs improved immediately post-massage. Because Swedish massage can help reduce stress and anxiety, it can help improve your sleep. One study found that massage therapy improved the quality of sleep in breast cancer patients. Better sleep, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety. One of the biggest benefits of a Swedish massage is that it really helps to elevate your mood. Studies show that massage can increase serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin, which all help to elevate your mood and general well-being. It can also help reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes stress, which we could all should reduce at this time.
Myofascial Release
A Specialty Massage Technique that focuses on applying specific pressure & glide to loosen tough membranes and increase mobility. It is an approach used to combat chronic pain.
Unlike sporadic muscle soreness, myofascial pain is a syndrome causing constant pain signals to be sent throughout the body. Certain sensitive areas (trigger points) can be targeted in the muscles, connective tissue, and other areas of the body.
The most common cause of myofascial pain is the repeated contraction of a particular muscle. This can be caused by numerous physical, mental, and even emotional stressors. The affected band of muscle will then restrict the sufferer’s movement and cause pain when stimulated. At Mind Your Body our Licensed therapists are extensively trained in identifying and relieving the pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome.
Trigger Point
A therapeutic technique using pressure to isolate and release tension in tight muscle tissues to relieve specific referral pains. soft tissue covering the muscles – can become stressed from overuse or torn through trauma.
If the trauma or overuse is extensive, painful adhesions can form and prevent muscles from functioning properly. These adhesions are called trigger points. Muscle stiffness, tenderness, and lack of mobility can occur with the formation of trigger points. In addition, these adhesions can cause extreme discomfort and trigger pain to radiate throughout the body.
To combat adhesions, massage therapists employ trigger point massage therapy. Also known as Neuromuscular Therapy, trigger point therapy relieves pain by applying pressure on particular myofascial points. Trained therapists use isolated pressure to manipulate the fascia. Clients seeking trigger point massage therapy are asked to practice deep breathing while identifying exact pain points. Once located, practitioners then apply various degrees of pressure with their fingers, knuckles, or elbows. After release, the practitioner may perform stretches to realign the muscle’s fibers.
There are numerous benefits to trigger point therapy including: an increased range of motion, decreased muscle stiffness, fewer headaches, improved flexibility and circulation, and fewer muscle spasms. If clients seek trigger point therapy on a regular basis, they also benefit from better chronic pain and stress management long-term. Trigger point therapy is recommended for clients with chronic pain, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic migraines, athletic injuries, or bursitis.
ESALEN
Esalen Massage is a unique form of Bodywork developed over the last 40 years at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. This technique is known for its long, integrating strokes, creating an experience of deep relaxation supporting the natural ability of body and mind to self-heal. Esalen Massage was designed to give the client a sense of deep relaxation and integration of body, mind, and spirit.
Personalized treatment: Esalen Massage is a unique massage treatment combining different facets of all sorts of massage styles based on your needs and the experiences of your massage therapist. Instead of getting a typical Swedish massage, or the same style of deep tissue massage that the next guy gets, you’ll have a unique massage suited specifically to your needs. Your therapist will draw on his or her experiences gained by helping others with similar and different needs. Esalen Massage has more freedom to meet your needs instead of straining to follow a list of Modality rules.
HOT STONE-LOMILOMI
The stone massage is a form of alternative medicine massage therapy and bodywork involving the placement of a number of heated stones to the body for the purpose of pain relief, relaxation and therapy. There are many variations and techniques used in the application of stone massage therapy, deriving from a variety of traditional practices. Stone massages are primarily used to alleviate physical pain issues, however, are also used to promote emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Stone massage and similar practices involving the placement of objects of different temperatures have been dated back to ancient civilizations as a form of healing and therapy. Cultures including Native American, Hawaiian and many South Pacific nations have practiced similar methods and technique to provide physical and spiritual ease. The traditional Hawaiian healing massage ‘Lomilomi’ involves the use of warmed Volcanic stones in order to increase areas of blood flow in the body and provide a healing. Similar practices in China have also dated back 2000 years involving the use of heated stones to stimulate internal organ function. Such traditional practices have evolved and influenced the application of modern stone massage practices.