Massage Therapy

SWEDISH MASSAGE

Duration: 60-90 minutes
Good For: relaxation, minor pain management, people who are new to massage

Swedish massage is a gentle type of full-body massage that’s ideal for people who are new to massage, have a lot of tension, or are sensitive to touch. It can help release muscle knots, and it’s also a good choice for when you want to fully relax during a massage.

For this massage, you’ll remove your clothes, though you may choose to keep your underwear on. You’ll be covered with a sheet while lying on the massage table. The massage therapist will move the sheet to uncover areas that they are actively working on. The massage therapist will use a combination of kneading, long, flowing strokes in the direction of the heart, deep circular motions, vibration and tapping, and passive joint movement techniques.

HOT STONE MASSAGE

Duration: 90 minutes
Good For: people who have muscle pain and tension or who simply want to relax

This type of therapeutic massage is similar to a Swedish massage, only the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. It eases muscle tension, improves blood flow, and relieves pain by using heated stones. Hot stone massage may help ease muscle tension, improve blood flow, alleviate pain, promote relaxation, and relieve stress

During a hot stone massage, heated stones are placed on different areas around your whole body. Your therapist may hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body using Swedish massage techniques using gentle pressure. Sometimes cold stones are also used. You don’t wear clothes for hot stone massage unless you’ll feel more comfortable wearing your underwear. You will be covered with a sheet. Hot stone massage may relieve more muscle tension than a Swedish massage because of the added heat. This type of massage in usually more expensive than a Swedish massage.

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

Duration: 60-90 minutes
Good For: people who want to have an emotional healing component to their massage

This type of massage can help boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, relieve muscle tension, and relieve pain. Aromatherapy massages combine soft, gentle pressure with the use of essential oils.

Your massage therapist will usually decide which essential oils to use, but you can let them know if you have a preference. Essential oils are diluted before being applied to the skin. During the massage, you’ll be given a full-body massage while inhaling essential oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin. Sometimes an aromatherapy massage will only focus on your back, shoulders, and head. You won’t wear any clothing other than underwear, which is optional. Aromatherapy combines the gentle touches of Swedish massage with the addition of essential oils. Do not use this type of massage if you’re sensitive to smell or essential oils.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Duration: 60-90 minutes
Good For: chronic muscle problems (such as soreness or tension), injury, or imbalance

Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It can help relieve tight muscles, chronic muscle pain, and anxiety. During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve tension from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked during this massage or wear your underwear. While deep tissue may be more intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain or soreness. Avoid this type of massage if you’re overly sensitive to pressure.

SPORTS MASSAGE

Duration: 60-90 minutes
Good For: those who have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport

Sports massage is a good option if you’re prone to injuries because it can be used to help prevent sports injuries. You may also use sports massage to increase flexibility and performance. Additionally, sports massage can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, and muscle tension. A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may focus on the parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be alternated with soothing strokes depending on your needs. You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. If you prefer to wear clothing, make sure it’s thin, loose, and allows the therapist access to your muscles. Loose shorts and a tank top are options. This type of massage may also help improve flexibility and sports performance, and reduce your risk for injury.

SWEDISH GYMNASTICS MASSAGE/STRETCHING

Duration: 60-90 minutes
Good For: anyone looking to increase flexibility and mobility, reduce pain, and restore function

Swedish Gymnastics Massage/Stretching can be applied at any time during a session, expanding treatment options and adding a kinesthetic element. Stretches involve a muscle (and synergist) drawn to fullest length. Types are of stretches and joint mobilizations are passive movements, active movements, active-assisted movements, and active-resisted movements.

REFLEXOLOGY

Duration: 30-60 minutes
Good For: people who are looking to relax or restore their natural energy levels

Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on different pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. You can wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to your legs. Reflexology focuses on pressure points in your feet, hands, and ears. This is a good option if you’re uncomfortable being touched over your entire body. You can also be fully clothed during this type of massage.

SHIATSU MASSAGE

Duration: 60-90 minutes
Good For: people who want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and tension

Shiatsu is a Japanese type of massage that promotes emotional and physical calm and relaxation, helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. It may relieve headache and reduces muscle tension.

Shiatsu massage works the whole body, but your therapist may focus on areas of your body that need extra attention. During the massage, your therapist will use their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage certain points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used. You can be fully clothed during this massage. Shiatsu is a good option if you’re looking for a relaxing massage. It may also help release minor tension.You can be fully clothed during this type of massage.

PRENATAL MASSAGE

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Good For: pregnant women

Prenatal massage can be a safe way for women to get a massage during pregnancy. It can help reduce pregnancy body aches, reduce stress, and ease muscle tension. You can get a massage at any time during your pregnancy. However, many facilities, especially in the United States, do not offer massages to women in their first trimester due to the risk of miscarriage during this time. Prenatal massage uses mild pressure similar to Swedish massage. The therapist will focus on areas such as your lower back, hips, and legs. You can be fully or partially undressed depending on your comfort level. During the massage, you’ll either lie on your side or on a specially designed table with a cutout for your belly. If you’ve had pain in your calves or other parts of your leg, see a doctor before you have a massage. This type of massage focuses on gentle pressure and is good for relaxation and mild tension relief.