Massages
Melissa offers the following massage techniques in her studio:
Neuromuscular Massage
Neuromuscular massage is a very anatomy specific massage modality. You really feel the massage therapist working each muscle group down to each individual muscle. In this process, muscle stripping, friction on the attachments and Trigger Point work is utilized.
This sort of therapy is used to treat chronic Myofascial pain syndromes. This refers to pain, tenderness, autonomic phenomena, and associated dysfunction due to active trigger points in related muscle groups or muscles. These trigger points are hyperirritable tissue within muscle bands that cause referral pain, motor dysfunction, nerve compression, and other autonomic phenomena, and are produced by overuse or improper use of a muscle group. For example, too many hours hunched over the computer can lead to tight muscles and trigger points in many shoulder and neck muscles. This can lead to chronic pain, motor dysfunction, numbness and tingling in hands and headaches, etc.
Oncology Massage
This is a massage specifically designed for those in diagnosis, treatment, or surviving cancer. Alterations in technique are made to accomadate certain treatments and to reduce side effects. Melissa has undergone very specific training especially for those going through Breast Cancer, as well as other forms. Learn more about Oncology Massage.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, lower back pain, and tight, sore shoulders.
Your massage therapist will use some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down bands of painful, rigid tissue in muscles, tendons, and ligaments to alleviate pain and improve circulation.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a type of massage therapy that uses firm but gentle pressure to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is a type of massage therapy that uses a combination of the above massage techniques to treat problems and injuries created by involvement in rigorous physical activities. Passive stretching and range of motion are also utilized throughout the session.
Regular sports massage can reduce the chance of injury through proper stretching and event preparation as well as through deep tissue massage. It can also shorten recovery time between workouts.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release therapy helps individuals with poor posture, physical injury, illness and emotional stress. Myofascial release therapy releases tension from the fibrous bands of connecting tissue (fascia). Through long, sustained pressure, constrictions in fascia are removed.
By releasing constrictions or blockages in the fascia, disruptions of the fascia network are freed and tension on bones, muscles, joints and nerves is relieved. Ultimately, myofascial release restores complete balance back to the body.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is massage therapy designed for women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. It is also called pre-natal massage.
Pregnancy massage has been found to reduce stress, decrease swelling in the arms and legs, and relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints. Pregnancy massage can be a popular complementary therapy during pregnancy for back pain, when choices for pain relief, such as medication, are often limited
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. Melissa will require permission from your doctor to participate in pre-natal massage.
TMJ Syndrome Massage
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome is the umbrella term for pain, dicomfort and acute inflammation in the jaw joint (where the jaw articulates with the skull). This massage is designed to loosen the muscles associated with this medical condition. After your dentist or doctor diagnosis you with TMJ disorder, we can get to work with releasing the related Trigger Points and Fascia. This includes muscles of the neck (posterior and anterior), scalp, face and even inside of the mouth. This massage is designed to give you immediate comfort from the stress of grinding and clenching your teeth.
Seated massage is a 10-15 minute massage, using compression, pressure points, and stretching to rejuvenate the employee and clear their mind for the rest of the day. The massage covers the head, neck, back, and arms.
This massage is done while the client sits in a cushioned massage chair that supports the face, chest, and legs. No lotion or oil is used and the client remains fully clothed.
