Bodywork Techniques
- Acupressure -
A form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In acupressure, the same points on the body are used as in acupuncture, but are stimulated with finger pressure instead of with the insertion of needles. Acupressure is used to relieve a variety of symptoms and pain.
- Craniosacral Therapy -
A therapy that uses gentle manual pressure applied to the skull, spine, and membranes to restore rhythmic flow to the craniosacral system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid, and surrounding membranes.
- Deep Tissue Therapy -
Focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Slow strokes and deep finger pressure, directly on the contracted areas of muscle and fascia, helps reduce chronic tension, stress and sore, aching muscles. Pressure or friction is applied across the muscle fibers to help break up and reeducate scar tissue to assume a more functional role.
- Myofascial Release -
A form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscular tension. Myofascial Release is especially beneficial in instances of notable asymmetry across the body. This distortion often presents in ones’ posture and gait.
- Neuromuscular Therapy -
This is an umbrella term given to a set of modalities focused on harmonizing the musculature with the neurological system. While this type of therapy has been found to be highly effective in recovery from injury, it would also readily peak the interest of a healthy athlete/weekend warrior in its performance enhancement capacity. Neuromuscular therapy involves varying levels of concentrated pressure, generalized compression and targeted stretches that aim to relax and then reeducate muscles as to a healthy level of tonus or more functional, usually more elongated, resting state.
- Prenatal Therapy -
Helps a pregnant women to relax tense muscles and reduce stress and anxiety associated with labor. It also works to relieve pain. The expanding womb puts a lot stress on the shoulders, abdominal area and back muscles of the mother, and lower back pain is very common during pregnancy. A prenatal massage therapist can apply pressure to specific sore spots to relieve tension and pain.
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation -
A method of stretching muscles to maximize flexibility that involves a series of contractions and relaxations with assisted stretching during the relaxation phase.
- Sports Therapy -
This is a type of therapy geared towards athletes and resolving the particular stresses they place on their bodies. A sports-massage therapist is trained in applying techniques to help athletes avoid injuries, enhance their overall performance in preparation for activity, and cool down after exertion. Sports massage concentrates on increasing range of motion and flexibility, relieving muscle soreness, and promoting a quick recovery from muscle overuse.
- Swedish Massage -
Refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and working the tissue in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. It involves the use of friction, kneading, stroking, tapping, and vibration to provide relief from stiffness, numbness, pain, constipation, and other health issues. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Other possible benefits include stimulation of circulation, an increase in muscle tone, and a balance of the musculoskeletal system.
- Thai Bodywork -
While this style of massage has deep rooted influence from various parts of Asia including India and China, it has taken over 2500 years for it to develop into what it is today. The theoretical basis for this style of bodywork is the existence of the “energy body” which includes 72,000 “sen” or energy lines through which life force flows. Through compressions, pressure on specific points and stretches to release blockages, a free flow of energy is restored.
- Trigger Point Therapy -
Applies concentrated finger pressure to “trigger points” (painful, irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain. It appears that most muscular pains have trigger points that cause the muscle to go into spasm. Trigger Point Therapy involves activating a given trigger point so as to fatigue the muscle yo the point of relaxation while simultaneously resolving the pain. Pressure is generally applied with fingers, knuckles, and elbows. This form of therapy is often followed by stretching the muscles. The basic idea is that the trigger point which is the source of the pain is not always where the patient feels the pain. The trigger point could be several inches away from the place where they feel the discomfort or pain.
