What Massage Modality is Right for Me?
I want to schedule a massage but I am not sure what type of massage I need or want. No worries, our exceptionally skilled and licensed massage therapists will help you decide after their brief intake with you. Depending on how you are feeling and what pain you are experiencing, any and all of their training in massage therapy can help relieve pain and relax tight muscles. Let us describe the different modalities we offer at GTMC to help you understand what massage therapies may be used in your massage session and/or help you pick the right modality to schedule.
Craniosacral
Craniosacral therapy (CST), or cranial-sacral therapy, is a form of bodywork or alternative therapy focused primarily on the concept of “primary respiration” and regulating the flow of cerebrospinal fluid by using therapeutic touch to manipulate the synarthrodial joints of the cranium. Practitioners of craniosacral therapy assert that there are small, rhythmic motions of the cranial bones attributed to cerebrospinal fluid pressure or arterial pressure. The premise of CST is that palpation of the cranium can be used to detect this rhythmic movement of the cranial bones and selective pressures may be used to manipulate the cranial bones to achieve a therapeutic result.
Deep Tissue Massage
A technique aimed at affecting the various layers of fascia and loosening bonds between the layers of connective tissue.
* Hot Stone
Hot basalt stones with massage strokes to key points on the body, creating sensations of comfort and warmth. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity.
Lomi Lomi
Lomi Lomi means massage in Hawaiian; this simple touch means literally “to break up in small pieces with the fingers.” The lomi lomi massage technique is done with long flowing strokes upon the muscles of the body. The massage is done with loving hands, forearms and elbows.
Manual Lymph Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of gentle massage which is intended to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph from the tissues space body. The lymph system depends on intrinsic contractions of the smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymph vessels (peristalsis) and the movement of skeletal muscles to propel lymph through the vessels to lymph nodes and then beyond the lymph nodes to the lymph ducts which return lymph to the cardiovascular system. Manual lymph drainage uses a specific amount of pressure (less than 9 ounces per square inch) and rhythmic circular movements to stimulate lymph flow.
Myofascial Release
A technique for stretching the fascia and releasing the bonds between fascia, skin, muscles and bones.
Pre-Natal/Post-Natal Massage
A Swedish massage performed in the side-lying position. Pillows are strategically placed around her for comfort and relaxation during the massage. Each side of the body will be massaged and she will have privacy and a few extra moments to switch sides.
* Rain Drop Therapy
Powerful healing essential oils are used to oxygenate tissue, support glandular organs and immune health in a relaxing way. Oils are placed directly on the spine, legs and feet to access your relaxation response. Some immediate results include pain relief, mild detoxification and a calm nervous system.
Reiki
Reiki is an energy modality that doesn’t involve touch. The Reiki practitioner summons energy from the universe to heal or improve the health of their client.
Shiatsu
In Japanese means “finger pressure”; it is a type of massage consisting of finger and palm pressure, stretches, and other massage techniques. Shiatsu practitioners promote it as a way to help people relax and cope with issues such as stress, muscle pain, nausea, anxiety and depression.
Sports Massage
A massage using many passive joint movements, along with kneading, rolling and tapping. It is used primarily for the serious athlete who trains continuously.
Swedish Massage
A light to medium pressure massage used to increase relaxation, stimulate blood flow, and reduce tension and stress.
Structual Integration
Structural Integration is a type of alternative medicine which aims to align the human body in the gravitational field. It is essentially identical to Rolfing. The claimed benefit is that the increased use of balance at finer levels of the neuro-fascial-musculo-skeletal system allows for increased general well-being and physical adaptability and resilience as well as reducing biomechanically caused pain.
Often connective tissue (specifically fascia) is manipulated to allow body segments to shift to a more balanced position. Re-education of the client’s movement patterns and other modalities are commonly used in the belief that they can achieve or support the goal of improved alignment.
Trigger Point Therapy
A pain relief technique to alleviate muscle spasms and cramping. The therapist locates and deactivates ‘trigger points,’ which are often tender areas when muscles have been damaged, or acquired as reoccurring spasms or ‘kinks’ that worsens painfully when aggravated.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation (VM) is a gentle hands-on therapy that works through the body’s visceral system (the heart, liver, intestines and other internal organs) to locate and alleviate abnormal points of tension throughout the body.
Each therapist has a different style and pressure, please be sure to communicate any discomfort with pressure and/or draping during your session. Open communication between you and the massage therapist is a key element to a successful massage session for both of you.
* Please note Hot Stone and Rain Drop Therapy massage sessions are charged a different price than our other listed modalities. Please see our Service and Price list for the charge. Should you wish to have one of these sessions, please advise the receptionist when scheduling your appointment.