Spotswood Trail Offers a Wide Variety of Massage Modalities
Massage Modalities
Swedish Massage
Long, soothing strokes to relieve stress and encourage deep relaxation.
Deep Tissue/Neuromuscular/Trigger Point
The pressure used is much firmer and more specific than in Swedish. The therapist works closely with the client to find the depth needed to achieve the release of muscular tension.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is designed to help sore and tense muscles relax so you’ll be ready for your next workout. Pre-event massage is a quicker massage to get the muscles ready for the activity. Post-event massage is slower, to help the muscles relax and ease discomfort after an event.
Active Isolated Stretching
This technique lengthens the muscle and releases fascia. Each stretch lasts no longer than two seconds and allows the muscles to lengthen and relax without triggering the protective stretch reflex.
Myofascial Release
Fascia is a sheet of connective tissue fibers, primarily collagen, that forms beneath the skin to attach, stabilize, enclose and separate muscles and internal organs. This slow, gentle technique stretches the body’s connective tissue to relieve muscular tension.
Massage Cupping
Massage cupping originated in China. By creating suction and negative pressure, massage cupping loosens fascia and connective tissue, thereby softening tight muscles and loosening adhesions. This process brings in fluids and blood to body tissues, drains excess fluids and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways, and dispels stagnation. Conditions that respond well to massage cupping include, but are not limited to, fibromyalgia, sciatica, TMJ, arthritis, sluggish colon, IBS, scars, and adhesions. Massage cupping is a gentle, non-invasive technique.
Thai Massage
Unlike a traditional massage, this bodywork is usually performed on a mat on the floor and involves heavy tapotement, deep kneading, and lots of stretching. The stretches resemble yoga poses. The therapist does the stretching! Thai massage decreases pain and increases flexibility.
Fibromyalgia Massage
The cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown. What is known is the chronic, debilitating pain experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers. By releasing the tight fascia around the muscles, the severity of pain can be reduced. Swedish massage techniques tend to be too superficial; deep tissue massage can create a fibroflare; and myofascial release is effective but can be very painful, especially around the Tender Points. This massage technique blends the best of several techniques while being conscientious about the needs of fibromyalgia sufferers.
Cancer / Mastectomy Massage
Gentle, relaxing bodywork techniques help reconnect the body after invasive techniques. These massage techniques are different than a standard massage. Less pain, more sleep and increased lymphatic flow are some examples of the benefits of this type of massage. Special cushions provide comfort for mastectomy clients. Please note: If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment, you will need a doctor’s release.
Manual Lymphatic Massage
This gentle therapy flushes the lymphatic system, especially after the removal of lymph nodes. Even when only one lymph node is removed, the lymphatic system doesn’t work as efficiently and becomes sluggish. Lymph nodes are an important part of our immune system and filters out infections. This technique uses slow movements and only the pressure of a dime.
Hot Stone Lymphatic Massage
This deeper lymphatic therapy uses hot gemstones and flushes the lymphatic system. This type of lymphatic massage reduces swelling in the extremities and relieves that sluggish, achy feeling.
Pregnancy Massage
Massage therapy during pregnancy can relieve the discomforts and depression brought on by hormonal changes. Reducing hormones associated with depression is tied to fewer birth and newborn complications. Combining pregnancy massage with prenatal care improves overall health including mood, cardiovascular health, swelling, back and joint pain, and better sleep.
For moms who are past the first trimester, this massage combines several techniques and uses special supports to help promote comfort during the session. Massage during pregnancy helps relieve muscle soreness, allowing mom to experience relaxation.
Specialty Massages
Raindrop Therapy
Raindrop Therapy uses Young Living essential oils. The oils are applied to the spine and to the feet. Hot towels are then applied to promote absorption of the oils and help detoxify and relax the body. A massage of the entire body is done afterwards.
Noninvasive Bodywork
Harmonizing heartfelt care with healing hands.
Unwind.
Relax.
Enjoy.
We all lead very busy lives and are always on the go. As a result, our nervous system is usually in the fight-or-flight mode (sympathetic nervous system). We may have a hard time turning off that fight-or-flight mode and going into a more relaxed state (parasympathetic nervous system). These techniques help us to be mindful, pause, take a breath and be still, and allow our bodies to sink into a relaxed state. These therapies are done fully clothed with very light touch.
Craniosacral Therapy
Subtle movements to the bones of the head, spinal column and sacrum help bring the central nervous system into harmony, which is effective for migraines, TMJ, and fibromyalgia. Craniosacral therapy gently works with the spine, skull, cranial sutures, diaphragm, and fascia, to release nerve constrictions and let cerebrospinal fluid flow freely.
Zen Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork (based on Traditional Chinese Medicine) applying finger pressure to specific points on meridians. Acupressure, kneading, tapping, compression and stretching are incorporated in this form of bodywork to help break up the underlying fascia.
Integrative Reflexology
Specific pressure is applied to reflex zones on your feet, hands, ears or face to affect your entire body. This modality will help reduce pain, enhance relaxation and sleep, and lower anxiety and depression. Integrative reflexology has been shown to reduce stress and cause positive physiological changes in the body.
