Massage therapy

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Massage

Therapeutic massage is the manipulation of the muscles and tissues of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, and stress.  Our massage therapy sessions are one hour in length. This time includes a 5 minute pre-interview, 50 minutes of hands-on time and 5 minutes at the end for you to re-dress.
Here at Back Benders we have several experienced, licensed and certified massage therapists.  Each uniquely specialized in the many different massage techniques offered.  Simply choose the one that’s right for you.
Swedish:  This is perhaps the most common type of massage.  Developed in Stockholm, this technique is characterized by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart.  Additional techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching.  Lotion is often used to reduce friction and stimulate the skin.  Swedish massage is exceptional for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
Deep Tissue:  Deep tissue massage uses strokes across the grain of the muscles, not with the grain as in Swedish massage.  The more intense movements and techniques such as deep finger pressure may be slightly uncomfortable and cause soreness that lasts a couple of days before resulting in the desired relaxation and pain relief.
Deep tissue massage is used to target knots and release chronic muscle tension.  Other benefits include reducing inflammation and helping to eliminate scar tissue.  The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).
Trigger Point:  A trigger point is a taught band of muscle that refers pain to a different area in the body.  For example, trigger point to the mid back can refer pain to the upper shoulders or neck which in return can cause headaches. Trigger point work is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release.  In this type of massage the recipient actively participates through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.
The result of trigger point massage is the elimination of toxins in the muscles and the release of energizing endorphins.  A significant decrease in pain is often found after just one treatment.
Shiatsu: Shiatsu (指圧) (shi meaning finger and atsu meaning pressure) is a Japanese therapy that uses pressure applied with thumbs, fingers and palms to the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching. It also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating and grasping.

Acupressure: Acupressure (a portmanteau of “acupuncture” and “pressure”) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique derived from acupuncture. With acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices.

Pregnancy Massage: Massage therapy is a wonderful, complimentary choice for prenatal care and a healthy way to reduce stress and promote general well-being.  Our professional therapists work to relieve the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, joint pain, and edema. In addition, by relaxing nervous tension, you can experience a better night’s sleep. Below are examples of how massage can help you throughout your pregnancy:
First Trimester
•    Relieve headaches
•    Help alleviate morning sickness
•    Reduce fatigue
Second Trimester
•    Alleviate backaches
•    Relieve leg cramps
Third Trimester
•    Reduce swelling/edema
•    Relieve pain from varicosities
•    Enhance sleep
•    Prepare pelvic muscles for birth process