CHRONIC PAIN

We are often asked if massage can help with chronic pain issues. The answer is absolutely, yes!

In addition to our years of training and experience, according to an article on WebMD, "...we have found massage to be effective in chronic pain syndromes in arthritis and diabetes; in depressive disorders such as ones that involve addiction like eating disorders; in chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia and other autoimmune disorders..."

SWEDISH

One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.

DEEP TISSUE

Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitation, and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.

HOT STONE

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses smooth, heated stones, either as an extension of their own hands, or by placing them on the body while they massage other parts of the body. The heat can be both deeply relaxing and help warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply, more quickly. Our therapists are trained to ensure proper stone temperature and technique while melting your tension and soreness away.

What we call "spot stone" is the use of the hot stones in a therapeutic fashion on a particular part of the body. For instance, if you need a lot of attention on your right shoulder or it's your left calf that's giving you trouble, a "spot stone" treatment will help your therapist break up the knot (also called scar tissue) with the stone, rather than with an elbow or forearm. This can be a more effective and not to mention much more comfortable treatment technique!

AROMATHERAPY

The use of essential oils (extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, woods, and roots) in body and skin care treatments is known as aromatherapy. Used as a healing technique for thousands of years by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, essential oils aid in relaxation, improve circulation, help the healing of wounds, and much more. Specific essential oils are blended by the aromatherapist and added to a carrier oil (we use apricot kernel oil because its pH is close to that of our skin) to be used during the massage. Each oil has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Make sure to tell your therapist about all medications you may be taking (prescription and OTC alike) and if you are or think you may be pregnant.

THAI MASSAGE

Thai massage has been taught and practiced in Thailand for approximately twenty-five hundred years. Thai massage is practiced on a firm mat on the floor instead of on a table, instrumental in the effective use of the practitioner’s body weight. Except for the feet, the client remains fully clothed, so draping is not necessary. Thai massage also involves peripheral stimulating, meaning it acts as an external stimulant to produce specific internal effects. This point serves as the main division between Thai and Western massage.

SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are three contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment. Pre-event massage is delivered at the performance site, usually with the athlete fully clothed. Fast-paced and stimulating, it helps to establish blood flow and to warm up muscles. During the massage, the athlete generally focuses on visualizing the upcoming event. Post-event massage is also delivered on site, through the clothes. The intent here is to calm the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste products out of the body. Post-event massage can reduce recovery time, enabling an athlete to resume training much sooner than rest alone would allow. When an athlete sustains an injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing.

PREGNANCY

Performed by a trained perinatal specialist, many methods of massage and somatic therapies are both effective and safe prenatally and during labor and postpartum periods of women's pregnancies. Prenatally, specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and baby. Skilled, appropriate touch facilitates labor, shortening labor times and easing pain and anxiety. In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology, and emotions of the new mother and may help her to bond with and care for her infant. Our therapists have received specialized, advanced training in the anatomy, physiology, complications, precautions, and contraindications specifically for this modality.

Business/event Off-Site

Do you wish you could show your people just how much you appreciate them? Do you have a special event where you think massage would be a hit?We are happy to come to you!

We can have just a couple therapists or a whole team out to your location for your events. Email Dennis for details and to schedule your event. info@imprintmassage.com