Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension and restrictions in the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method of releasing adhesions in muscle, tendon and ligament tissue that occur due to malalignment, repetitive motion, and lingering injuries. Adhesions can cause pain, limited motion, and inflammation. Controlled, direct deep pressure or friction is applied to the targeted tissue to break down the adhesions and areas of restriction. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to ensure that you don't become too uncomfortable. It is also important to understand that certain forms of deep tissue work may not be appropriate for a particular injury or pathology, so you will want to discuss your specific needs thoroughly with your massage therapist prior to your deep tissue massage. Keep in mind that soreness is fairly common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to promote flushing and removal of built-up fluid and metabolic waste products that will have been released from the deep tissues during the session.
Sports Massage is a type of massage designed for highly active people who engage in fitness activities and athletics. Training for and participating in athletic competition is demanding of the body and can lead to acute and chronic injuries. Sports Massage enhances performance and prolongs an athletic career by helping to prevent injury, reducing pain and swelling in the body, increasing flexibility, relaxing the mind, and dramatically improves recovery rates. A variety of techniques will be selected based on the specific sport or activity you are engaged in and the timing of your session; treatment can be done pre-event to enhance performance, post-event to aid in recovery, and during training on a regular basis to improve flexibilty, increase the flow of oxygen and nutrition to the tissues, enhance elimination of metabolic waste products from the tissues, and reduce recovery time between workouts. Sports Massage is also highly effective in promoting the athlete's rapid recovery from injury, encouraging greater kinesthetic awareness and enhancing the body's natural immune function.
Orthopedic Massage is a research and outcome based comprehensive approach that integrates a broad spectrum of techniques such as myofascial approaches, muscle energy techniques, trigger point therapy, and friction to treat soft tissue dysfunction, pain, and injury. Orthopedic massage practitioners have advanced competencies in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and kinesiology. Using this specialized training and sharply developed clinical reasoning skills, the orthopedic massage practitioner determines the most effective and appropriate treatment for each unique condition. Orthopedic Massage consists of four main components; orthopedic assessment, matching the physiology of the tissue pathology to the physiologic effects of the treatment, treatment adaptability, and understanding of the rehabilitation protocol.
At your inital session the orthopedic massage practitioner will perform a thorough evaluation consisting of a history, observation, palpation, range of motion and resistance testing, and specialized orthopedic tests. Based on the evaluation findings, he or she will design and carry out a treatment plan that addresses your specific pathology and symptoms-there are no "treatment routines" in orthopedic massage. Session duration may range from thirty to ninety minutes, and frequency can vary based on your pathology and symptoms.
Orthopedic massage is a valuable adjunctive treatment to physical and occupational therapy, and chiropractic care.