Medical Massage Therapy

Cupping is a type of alternative therapy used by AOM (Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), massage therapy and other healthcare practitioners. Cupping is accomplished by having a cup applied to the skin; the pressure in the cup is applied so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup.

This aids in breaking up scar tissue into manageable pieces, stretches fascial tissues to healthier lengths, allowing musculature underneath to expand and receive proper nutrients and hydration. This technique allows for pain relief, better range of motion and great for athletes and post-surgical management.

Deep Tissue Massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. The term “deep tissue” is often misused to identify a massage that is performed with sustained deep pressure.

Deep Tissue Massage is a separate category of massage therapy, used to treat particular musculoskeletal disorders and complaints and employs a dedicated set of techniques and strokes to achieve a measure of relief. It should not be confused with “Deep Pressure” massage, which is one that is performed with sustained strong, occasionally intense pressure throughout an entire full-body session. Deep Tissue Massage is applied to both the superficial and deep layers of muscles, fascia, and other structures.

This is a manual technique applied to the superficial tissue in the body above the muscle layers. It is very relaxing and is used to promote healthy flow of lymph, the clear fluid that flows throughout our bodies. The body system responsible for our immunity is lymphatic system.

Since the lymphatic system is the “garbage collector” of our body, this type of massage helps locate any imbalance/blockage in the system and re-establish healthy flow moving metabolic wastes out of the body.

The Vodder Technique is used in these sessions with diaphragmatic breathing to help re-route fluid from unhealthy areas of the body to regions that can process the fluid appropriately. This is very helpful for patients with cancer, lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, post-surgical swelling and sluggish lymphatics due to large scarring or trauma.

All muscles, arteries, bones, organs, etc. are held together by a Saran wrap kind of tissue called fascia. Developed in the late 1960’s by John Barnes, Myofascial Release works by the manipulation of the fascia that connects and surrounds muscles. Because the fascia is body-wide, a tension or trauma in one part of the body can affect another part. The fascia responds to the trained touch to release the adverse effects of inflammation, tensions and trauma.

Neuromuscular Massage Therapy is a specialized form of massage that involves firm, sustained, and controlled pressure over painful, tight bands of muscle called trigger points.

Oncology Massage is not a technique. It is a comprehensive approach that involves thorough assessment and adjustments made by the massage therapist to standard massage modalities. Vodder Technique for manual lymphatic drainage is a very important component of these sessions as patients navigate their cancer journey and remission stages of life.

Deep tissue, along with many standard types of massage are not suitable for an individual with a diagnosis of cancer, so it is important to manage your bodywork with a licensed massage therapist who has understanding and education in cancer care.

Patients who have surgery can be seen for manual lymphatic drainage the day after surgery.

This service provides an acceleration in:

• healing ecchymosis/bruising
• reduce diffusion distance, which allows for nutrients and oxygen to reach the surgical sites appropriately
• creates an analgesic effect
• reduces swelling and promotes movement and range of motion, essential for the patients pending rehab process.

This process has shown to help accelerate a patient’s healing time, and overall pain management. Scar tissue management is also a benefit of this technique/service.

Relieve the aches and pains associated with 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy through Prenatal Massage Therapy. Our experienced licensed massage therapist will position you to maximize massage strokes and minimize discomfort.

Prenatal massage therapy benefits also include:

• Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
• Benefits to the circulatory system
• Reduces musculoskeletal strain and pain
• Contributes to developing flexibility and kinesthetic awareness
• Fosters nurturing maternal touch and healthy bonding 

This special form of massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used including classic Swedish strokes, cross-fiber friction, pressure-point work, and joint mobilization.

Falling or injuries for car accidents, sporting events, daily chores and so much more can cause an injury that swells or causes bruising that is uncomfortable and can take days or even weeks to get back to feeling normal. If you incur an injury that does not involve a fracture or dislocation, did you know that proper techniques in bodywork can cut your healing time, bruising and swelling in half?

The production of cellular waste and swelling post injury can be processed our of your system much quicker with traumatic edema techniques, that can be performed immediately after an injury takes place. This is very gentle work that can get you back to doing what you love in a fraction of the time.