Massage Types
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage involves smooth & flat volcanic rock called basalt, which ate unique because they retain heat. The stones are immersed in hot water and are used to apply regular massage techniques with. This allows the therapist to get deeper into the muscles without more pressure, helping their client to relax yet further. However, the therapist will also place the stones on specific parts of the body, to furthermore release the tension of certain areas.
Sports Massage
Sports massage therapy is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the sports massage technique are specific to the athlete's sport of choice. Focusing on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements.
Sports massage therapy can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Here we use manipulative therapy techniques, active isolated stretching (AIS) , and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques in order to promote flexibility, reduces fatigue, improve endurance, prevent injuries, release tension, and prepare their body and mind for optimal performance.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is Swedish massage therapy using massage oil that contains essential oils (highly concentrated plant oils). During an aromatherapy massage, you inhale these essential oil molecules or absorb them through your skin. They are thought to promote beneficial changes in your mind and body by affecting the limbic system, a region of the brain known to be involved in emotion.
Each essential oil used in aromatherapy is said to have different properties. For example, some calm and make you feel relaxed while others energize. Here are some widely used essential oils and their purported properties:
Calming & Sleep: Lavender
Uplifting: ylang-ylang
Energizing: lemon or orange extract oil
Decongesting: eucalyptus or peppermint oil
Skin Clearing: Tea Tree
Stress & Anxiety: Lemon Grass
Swedish Massage (Regular Massage)
The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing.
Common Strokes:
Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
Friction: deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff "trouble spots" in your body. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage may be therapeutic; relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.