Read below to learn more about the specific massage techniques
Available at Island Escape Massage and Day Spa.
Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy
Developed in 1995 by massage therapist Ruthie Hardee, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy comes from the Japanese words ashi (foot) and atsu (pressure). It is an ancient form of bodywork associated with traditional shiatsu and some dynamics of traditional Chinese medicine.
Chair Massage
Chair massage or seated massage is one of the most popular ways to receive a massage. Normally, chair massage is performed “On Site” at various locations including health fairs, airports, shopping malls and some business setting. Clients remain fully clothed and treatment generally lasts for 15 to 30 minutes. Chair massage is usually limited to the back, neck and arms.
Connective Tissue Massage
Connective tissue massage is similar to myofascial release in that it involves working with the body’s fascia, or soft tissue, to relieve pain, tightness, and discomfort. The concept behind this type of massage is that restriction in one area of the body negatively affects other areas of the body. Therapists using this technique “hook” their fingers into the connective tissue and utilize pulling movements to lengthen the area. Benefits include pain reduction, tension relief, improved mobility and stress reduction.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage utilizes slow strokes, direct pressure and or friction across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs or elbows. Deep Tissue massage works by working deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains. It is designed to reach the fascia beneath the surface muscles.
Practitioners, like Kathy, must have a thorough understanding of the human body and have been trained to administer deep-tissue massage, as injury can occur if the technique is not performed properly. This technique is useful in treating chronic pain, inflammation, and injury.
Cupping
Massage cupping has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for several thousand years. Practitioners of this technique light an alcohol-soaked cotton ball and insert that lit portion into a bulb-like glass “cup” in order to create a vacuum. The cup is then placed in a stationary position upon the body or moved using gliding strokes, depending on the client’s needs. Massage cupping is ideal for performing deep-tissue massage and helps to drain toxins, loosen adhesions, facilitate blood flow, and stimulate the body.
Myofascial Release (MFR)
Myofascial release deals with the fascia, or connective tissues of the body. The fascia is interconnected to every other part of the body and actually helps to support the body’s very structure, including the musculoskeletal system. When injury, inflammation or physical or emotional trama occurs, the fascia can become tight and cause pain and or restricted range of motion. As its name suggests, myofascial release aims to release the fascia to its normal state by applying gentle pressure to the restricted areas. MFR can help with a number of conditions including chronic pain, headaches and stress related illnesses.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
NMT is massage applied to specific muscles, often used to increase blood flow, release knots of muscle tension, or release pain and pressure on nerves. This therapy is also known as Trigger-Point Therapy in that concentrated finger pressure is applied to “Trigger Points” to alleviate muscular pain.
Reflexology
This technique is based on a system of points on the hands, feet and ears that correspond, or “reflex,” to other areas of the body. Similar in theory to acupressure, reflexologists believe that applying appropriate pressure to these points stimulates the flow of energy, which in turn helps relieve pain or blockages throughout the entire body. A very pleasurable form of bodywork, reflexology is also used to ease stress and promote relaxation.
Soft-Tissue Massage
Soft-Tissue Massage is a generic term used for any type of massage used to treat the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, fascia and scar tissue. Common techniques used include Swedish, myofacial release, deep-tissue massage, trigger-point therapy and connective tissue massage.
Spa Treatments
This term refers to several types of treatments generally performed in resort and day spas. Some of these include manicures and pedicures, mud wraps, body scrubs, sea salt scrubs, parrafin treatments, hydrotherapy treatments, scalp treatments, facials, herbal and seaweed body wraps.
Swedish Massage
Generally regarded as the most common form of massage, Swedish massage involves a combination of five basic strokes and concentrates on the muscles and connective tissues of the body for improved circulation, relaxation, pain relief, and overall health maintenance and well-being. Swedish massage is also on of the less damanding techniques for massage therapists to practice as it usually does not involve deep-tissue work.
Trigger-Point Therapy
Trigger points are areas of soft tissue in the body characterized by local pain, tightness and tenderness. Often trigger points develop because of referred pain or pain from another source that has manifested itself in a trigger point. Trigger points rarely refer pain to other areas.
Trigger-point therapy seeks to first identify trigger points, then apply steady, appropriate pressure to the point to “release” it. This is usually followed up by massage to the surrounding area to help treat the cause of the trigger point. Clients are encouraged to drink a lot of water following a trigger-point therapy session to flush out any toxins released when the trigger point is released.
Give us a call to schedule an appointment with Kathy
850-936-0515
Learn which Technique is best suited to your individual needs.
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