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 muscular-skeletal disorders and complaints and employs a dedicated set of techniques and strokes to achieve a measure of relief. 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 superficial muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity (such as athletes), and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is not uncommon for receivers of deep tissue massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly. 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, and that is not performed to address a specific complaint.

Sometimes confused with pressure point massage, this involves deactivating trigger points that may cause local pain or refer pain and other sensations, such as headaches, in other parts of the body. Manual pressure, vibration, or other treatment is applied to these points to relieve myofascial pain.

Trigger points were first discovered and mapped by Janet G. Travell (President Kennedy’s physician) and David Simons. Trigger points have been photomicrograph and measured electrically.

In 2007 a paper was presented showing images of Trigger Points using MRI. These points relate to dysfunction in the myoneural junction, also called neuromuscular junction (NMJ), in muscle, and therefore this modality is different from reflexology, acupressure and pressure point massage.

Pregnancy Massage is a form of bodywork designed specifically for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time in which a woman’s body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical, mental, and emotional changes. Using various techniques specifically for the new mother, Pregnancy Massage helps alleviate discomforts experienced throughout the pregnancy.

The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the reduction of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, improved breathing and relaxation, and relief from uncomfortable digestive issues.

Honor this special phase in life while promoting a healthy, less stressful pregnancy. This is safe and nurturing for expectant mothers.

Sports massage focuses on muscles relevant to the event. For athletes who train continuously, the goal is to enhance endurance, lessen the chance of injury and shorten the time needed to recover from an event. Sports Massage may utilize a variety of techniques such as classical Swedish, trigger point therapy, and hydrotherapy. Prior to an athletic event, Sports Massage may be used with stretching in order to help athletes to loosen, warm and prepare their muscles so that their performance and endurance might be enhanced. Following an athletic event, Sports Massage may be used to relieve pain, prevent stiffness, and return the muscles back to their normal state. Sports Massage may also be used for injury rehabilitation.

Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation. The term “Swedish” massage is actually only recognized in English speaking countries. Elsewhere the style is referred to as “classic massage”.

Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist will use the stones to massage. The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are also used because they are so smooth due to the river’s current smoothing them over time.

Stones are immersed in water and heated. The stones may be placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes. The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.

NMT (NeuroMuscular Therapy) is a comprehensive program of soft tissue manipulation that helps to correct postural imbalances as well as muscular imbalances. The goal is to relieve the pain and dysfunction by alleviating the underlying cause. NMT emphasizes the role of the brain, spine, and nerves in muscular pain. It uses advanced concepts in pressure therapy to break the stress-tension-pain cycle. It aims to relax muscles and release compressed nerves so that circulation can increase and the body will return to normal neuromuscular integrity and balance.

“Scar tissue can put an enormous amount of strain on the fascial system; especially in cases where the person has had multiple surgeries in the same area….The other important thing to remember about scars is that most scars look fairly neat and uniform on the surface. However, underneath the scar you have tissue that is laid down in an irregular fashion, which helps to strengthen that vulnerable/”injured” area. In some people, there is an excessive amount of scar tissue laid down (adhesions- A fibrous band of scar tissue that binds together normally separate anatomical structures). So in other words, the scar is just the “tip of the iceberg”. – JFB MFR

Scars are predominantly composed of connective tissue, which is made up of collagen, a fibrous protein commonly found in bones, ligaments and cartilage. Scar tissue is matured collagen. It forms to fix the continuity of the tissue, but it is less elastic, and therefore is less structurally sound than the original tissue. External scarring occurs from cuts, wounds or surgery, but a scar can form with any tissue damage, externally as well as internally.

Imagine how much more good can occur when the brain and the body are being refreshed in tandem, on a regular basis? Rested workers are relaxed and ready to get down to business. In addition, massage puts them in a good mood and makes you look like the “hero” – the better to engage with customers or do whatever they do – and leaves them feeling quite upbeat about your company.

How would it be to offer patrons chair massage at your event? Health Fairs, Fundraisers, Charity Events you name it, we can be there to help relax and sooth your clients/customers.