What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is a type of treatment in which a trained and licensed medical professional manipulates the soft tissues of your body - muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, skin - using varying degrees of pressure and movement. Massage has been practiced for thousands of years, and is used today to relieve symptoms of pain & discomfort, to heal injuries, to help with certain health conditions, and to promote overall wellness.

You can choose from many different styles of massage and techniques, depending on your specific needs. I offer a variety through my massage practice, including Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Techniques, Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Muscle Restore Technique, Reiki, and CranioSacral Therapy.

Massage Styles Explained:

Swedish Massage:


The most common type of massage that involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on the topmost layers of muscles. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish Massage can be both relaxing and energizing.

Deep Tissue:


This is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff "trouble spots" in your body. Slow, deliberate strokes are used to focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue techniques are very therapeutic - relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries.

Trigger Point Therapy:


TPT focuses on detecting and releasing focal, hyper-irritable spots located in a taut band of skeletal muscle. These areas often produce pain locally and in a referred pattern when compressed.

Muscle Restore Technique:


This is a very specific style in which pressure is applied to the end points of a muscle at the tendons and then along the muscle belly to restore the natural length and state of the muscle itself. This is helpful for areas that have become chronically "shortened" due to repetitive postures or motions.

Reiki:


Commonly referred to as healing energy, Reiki is a Japanese form of alternative medicine in which the therapist's hands are placed just off the body or lightly touching the body. The goal is to direct energy in order to help facilitate the person's own healing response. This universal energy supports the body's innate or natural healing abilities.

CranioSacral Therapy:

CST is a gentle hands-on technique that uses a light touch to examine membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). By normalizing this environment, the body has an ability to self-correct. CST promotes a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and is an excellent tool to boost health & immunity.

Myofascial Release:


This technique is an effective way to eliminate pain and restore motion by applying gentle sustained pressure into areas of myofascial connective tissue restrictions.
 

Neuromuscular Therapy:

A form of soft tissue manipulation that aims to treat underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems. This is often used to address trigger points, circulation, nerve compression, postural issues, and biomechanics problems that can be caused by repetitive movement injuries.
 

Your massage session:

All massage sessions at HEAL are customized to your specific needs and each treatment is tailored to be most beneficial for you! I do not have a rigid massage routine, but rather I try to "listen" to your body and adjust my style to match what it needs at that moment. In general, I typically include several different styles in one massage session in order to best support your body.

All massage sessions are by appointment only and are commonly scheduled for 30 to 90 minutes. Essential oils can be added to any treatment at no additional charge. These are selected based on your current needs and preference.

For pricing details or to schedule an appointment, contact me!
Heal Massage Therapy & Natural Wellness
Jennifer Schilling, LMT, CST, CKTP
Certified MELT Instructor & Yomassage® Therapist
33.013126