MASSAGE MODALITIES AND TECHNIQUES

Briana Goldstrow, LMT

Services / Medical Massage Therapy / Massage Modalities and Techniques

Swedish Massage

Based on Western concepts of anatomy and physiology, Swedish massage is used to stimulate circulation, decrease muscle tightness, restore range of motion, and relieve pain. Techniques include effleurage, petrissage, compression, jostling, vibration, stripping, and friction.

Craniosacral Therapy

Influences the body's craniosacral rhythm, a process in which the head gently expands and narrows, and the spine gently lengthens and shortens in order to exchange and circulate cerebrospinal fluid. The technique involves holding this rhythm with a light touch to enable a release.

Myofascial Release

Focuses on the fascia, or connective tissue surrounding muscles in the body. Gentle manual pressure is applied to identify areas that feel stiff and fixed instead of elastic and movable. This sustained pressure helps to elongate the fascia and eliminate pain to restore motion in connected areas.

Lymphatic Drainage

Improves lymphatic circulation by helping your immune system to become more efficient at flushing waste and toxins from your body and reducing congestion. It is a gentle and slow treatment specifically focused on supporting the functions of the lymphatic system and can be applied to the whole body or can be localized to a particular area.

Shiatsu Massage

A practice with roots in traditional Chinese medicine and Eastern traditions of bodywork. Shiatsu techniques use kneading, pressing, soothing, tapping, and stretching at key points along the body's meridians to balance energy and stimulate corresponding organ functions in the body.

Reflexology

Focuses on the application of pressure to specific areas on the feet, hands, or ears. These points correspond to organs and systems in the body. Applying pressure brings awareness to the area and promotes self-healing.

Trigger Point Release

Identifies and deactivates concentrated pain points through palpation. There are universal trigger points, but individual points also develop due to acute trauma or repetitive physical actions.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Impacts the nervous system through soft tissue manipulation, and aims to assist in the overall function and alignment of the body. This technique is effective at reducing pain and tension in the body.