A variety of massage techniques are available at Vitality Bodywork. During a typical treatment session, I customize the massage for each client and combine a variety of the techniques described below to provide the maximum benefit.

Swedish Massage:

A system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints. It is used to improve circulation, relieve muscle pain and tension, increase flexibility and induce relaxation.

Deep Tissue:

This technique releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.

Neuromuscular Technique:

A specialized technique using constant localized pressure is applied to “trigger points” (painful irritated areas of muscle) in order to break the cycles of spasm and pain. This is also known as Myotherapy or Trigger Point Therapy.

Sports Massage:

Massage of foundation tissues, directed specifically at the muscles, used in athletic activities. This is a deep muscle massage often used around the joints. It combines classical Swedish style with trigger points, compression and neuromuscular techniques to reduce soreness.

Injury Treatment:

Techniques include a wide variety of methods for the rehabilitation or restoration of function often resulting from injury or overuse.  Modalities in this category used are systemic deep tissue, myofascial, connective tissue, sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, and hydrotherapy (hot & cold packs).

Pregnancy Massage:

Massage during pregnancy is therapeutic bodywork, which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience. Typically the massage is performed with the client in a side-lying position, which is both comfortable and relaxing.

Benefits of prenatal massage include:

• Emotional support and nurturing touch

• Relaxation and decreased insomnia

• Stress relief on weight-bearing joints, such as ankles, lower back and pelvis

• Neck and back pain relief caused by muscle imbalance and weakness

• Assistance in maintaining proper posture

• Preparing the muscles used during childbirth

• Reduced swelling in hands and feet

• Lessened sciatic pain

• Fewer calf cramps

• Headache and sinus congestion relief

(From: pregnancytoday.com)

Thai Yoga Massage:

Thai Massage is an interactive manipulation of the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines. These movements help to:

• Adjust the skeletal structure

• Increase flexibility

• Relieve muscular and joint tension

• Stimulate internal organs

• Balance the body's energy system

The effect is uniquely relaxing as well as energizing. Receiving a Thai massage is a bit like doing yoga without putting forth any effort while also getting acupressure treatments.

Sessions typically last between ninety minutes and 2 hours, and are performed on a floor mat with the client dressed in comfortable loose-fitting clothing. Thai Massage uses two primary procedures - applying gentle pressure with the hands and feet, and a wide variety of passive stretching movements.

With these techniques, applied in a quietly meditative atmosphere, space is created in the musculoskeletal structure, the body begins to open and regain flexibility and ease of movement, while the mind gently returns to calm alertness. Tension and metabolic wastes are released from the joints, muscles, and connective tissue and the breath slows and deepens. The body’s energy meridians, called sen lines, as well as the internal organs, are stimulated by pressure on peripheral reflex points.

(From: thai-massage.org)

• Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation

• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness    

• Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy    

• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue   

• Reduces muscle spasms  

• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion

• Enhances athletic performance; Treats injuries caused during sport or work   

• Promotes deeper and easier breathing   

• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids   

• Reduces blood pressure   

• Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain   

• Enhances the health and nourishment of skin  

• Improves posture   

• Strengthens the immune system   

• Treats musculoskeletal problems   

• Rehabilitation post operative   

• Rehabilitation after injury

• Fosters peace of mind   

• Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness   

• Helps relieve mental stress 

• Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately   

• Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity   

• Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch

• Fosters a feeling of well-being 

• Reduces levels of anxiety   

• Creates body awareness   

• Increases awareness of mind-body connection