Hot Stone Massage (additional $10 plus your copay or $65 uninsured rate)
Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Smooth, flat stones are gently heated and placed on key body points thought to be energy centers to rebalance the body and mind. The massage therapist will also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body. The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired. Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and get it for relaxation. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system. Heated stones enhance the therapeutic benefits of your treatment. Your therapist will use the smooth, warm stones as tools, holding them in her hand as she does the massage, and placing them on different muscle areas throughout the session. The heat from the stones greatly increases circulation, warms the muscles thoroughly, and even relaxes deep muscle tissue.
Hot Stone Massage Therapy melts away tension, eases muscle stiffness and increases circulation and metabolism. Each hot stone massage therapy session promotes deeper muscle relaxation through the placement of smooth, water-heated stones at key points on the body. Our professional massage therapists also incorporate a customized massage, with the use of hot stones which offers enhanced benefits.
- Promotes deep muscle and tissue relaxation
- Alleviates stress
- Releases toxins
- Relieves pain
- Improves circulation
- Calms the psyche
Swedish Massage
A system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints. The four strokes of Swedish Massage are effleurage, petrissage, friction and tapotement.
This massage technique is characterized by its firm, yet calming pressure that improves blood circulation, eases muscle tension, and improves flexibility.
Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
A study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and published in The New York Times, found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.
- boosts immune system
- decreases cortisol levels
- improves range of motion
- decreases pain and muscle tension
- improves circulation
Deep Tissue - Therapeutic Massage
Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).
A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people's blood pressure fell after a single 45 to 60 minute deep tissue massage. Additionally, a 2010 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massage modalities like deep tissue reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.
A technique that releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on contracted areas, either following or going across the grains of muscles, tendons and fascia.
Although the techniques used by deep muscle therapy practitioners are very similar to Swedish massage, the strokes are applied with more pressure in order to stimulate the deeper muscles and surrounding tissues. A therapy such as deep tissue therapy depends largely on client-therapist trust. This is because deep tissue therapy is often uncomfortable, compared to a traditional relaxation style of massage (such as Swedish massage), and the therapist will only massage as deeply as the client is comfortable with. This means that the client must keep their massage therapist informed of their pain tolerance at all times during the session.
MKS - Myokinesthetic System
A method to decrease pain by addressing the nervous system. Neuromuscular re-education takes place by erasing the body’s memory of past trauma/patterns through passive range of motion and teaching new pathways through active range of motion. 1-4 treatments can have significant changes. The patient stays dressed and should mention they would like to start with MKS. This is followed by massage. MKS and massage build on one another.
- decreases muscle, nerve, joint, body pain
- alleviate headaches
- improve posture
- improves range of motion
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is massage therapy specifically tailored for the expectant mother's needs. It is also called pre-natal massage. The mother's body must be properly positioned and supported during the massage, using pillows and padding. Proper positioning ensures comfort and safety for the mother and baby. Also, some massage techniques, such as deep tissue work, cannot be used. Certain areas of the body should be avoided during pregnancy.
Prenatal massage refers to specific massage techniques that have been shown to reduce pregnancy discomforts and to enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus.
- Relieves headaches
- Relaxes muscle tension/ Reduces fatigue
- Alleviates backaches
- Relieves leg cramps
- Reduces swelling/edema
- Relieves pain
- Enhances sleep
FYI: Because we are a medical clinic, it would be inappropriate for us to accept tips. Please do not leave a tip after receiving Medical Massage. If a tip is left, it will be credited to your account for future use.