Swedish massage therapy is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
A study conducted by the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and published in The New York Times, found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.
Additional Swedish massage techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Before and during your Swedish massage session, communication is encouraged with your professional massage therapist so that your massage is customized to your specific needs.
Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).
A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people's blood pressure fell after a single 45 to 60 minute deep tissue massage. Additionally, a 2010 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massage modalities like deep tissue reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.
Please talk with your professional massage therapist to see if a deep tissue massage therapy would be beneficial for you.
Sports massage therapy is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the sports massage technique are specific to the athlete's sport of choice. Focusing on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements.
Aspects of sports massage therapy are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage therapy can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed sports massage promotes flexibility, reduces fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries and prepares their body and mind for optimal performance.
One of the key benefits of Sports massage therapy compared to other modalities is its ability to target muscle-tendon junctions. A 2010 study in the journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that even a 30-second massage improved hip-flexor range of motion. Another study conducted by Margaret Jones, Ph.D. of the American College of Sports Medicine, demonstrated a notable trend toward decreased muscle soreness in the athletes who received massage either before or after exercise.
For anyone participating in regular physical activity, Sports massage therapy every week or two may be a great addition to your normal regimen. It's best to talk with one of our professional massage therapists to find a plan that will work best with your schedule, level of activity and budget.
Foot Reflexology massage can be a deeply relaxing and therapeutic modality for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, ankle injuries or even everyday work and play. At Massage Envy, your massage therapist will apply traditional Swedish and sports massage techniques to the foot, calf and upper leg. This will not only help relieve the pain, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis and common forms of arthritis, but can also decrease stress and anxiety in the entire body. In addition, a variety of stretches can be beneficial. With pain and sensitivity in the foot, heel and calf areas, be sure to communicate your pain levels with your massage therapist during your treatment. It is also a good idea to rest after receiving the reflexology massage.
If you enjoy the therapeutic benefits of foot Reflexology massage, you should know that the benefits are compounded when utilized as a frequent therapy. The more you go, the healthier you feel. With a Massage Envy membership, you can enjoy these benefits as often as you'd like. Monthly dues include a one-hour massage session and unlimited additional one-hour sessions at the low membership rate. To make things even easier, there are hundreds of Massage Envy and Massage Envy Spa locations nationwide. So you can relax, rejuvenate, and continue to grow healthier wherever you go.
Cranial sacral therapy (also known as craniosacral therapy) is a gentle, noninvasive form of bodywork that addresses the bones of the head, spinal column and sacrum. The goal is to release compression in those areas which alleviates stress and pain.
Cranial sacral therapy seeks to restore the natural position of the bones and can decrease stress from chronic injuries as well as provide relief from migraine headaches, neck and back pain, temporomandibular joint disorder (the inflammation of the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull) and more.
According to the National Headache Foundation, approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. Often, migraines are triggered or exacerbated by stress and poor sleep. In a study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, researchers found that participants who received bodywork like Cranial Sacral Therapy had better quality sleep and fewer migraines than participants who didn't. Effects even lasted up to three weeks after therapy ended.
Another way to address pain in the head is through scalp massage, which can be extremely relaxing. "Many people don't realize we have muscles on our scalp," says Melissa Wheeler, a massage therapist and the teacher training coordinator for the National Holistic Institute in Emeryville, California. "Those muscles are responsible for making our facial expressions, and there can be a lot of tension there, especially when staring at a computer all day or when we are under a lot of stress." Not only that, but the scalp tends to get ignored on a daily basis. "It's tension we're not usually aware of," Wheeler says. "Many people feel that tension melt away when their head is massaged."
You can add Cranial Sacral Therapy to any massage session by asking your professional massage therapist before your session begins.
Massage therapy during pregnancy is a wonderful complementary choice for prenatal care. It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and edema (or swelling). In addition, massage reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages blood and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension-which aids in better sleep-and can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
At Massage Envy, our therapists take extra care to ensure our prenatal clients are comfortable. Sideline positioning with supportive, soft cushions is used which alleviates the extra strain on the lower back and pelvic areas when the pressure of massage techniques are applied. Extra strain in these areas can cause unnecessary back pain and discomfort. Through the second trimester of pregnancy, it is also acceptable for clients to lay on their backs with a small cushioned wedge placed under one hip which provides a slight elevation.. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, your therapist may utilize such massage techniques as reflexology, Swedish massage or certain techniques that address your specific requests and needs.
Here are benefits of prenatal massage:
Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from the variety of massage techniques offered by a Massage Envy professional massage therapist. However, women in high-risk pregnancies should consult their doctor or midwife before beginning one of our massage therapy programs. If at any time during the prenatal massage you experience discomfort, tell your therapist immediately.
Geriatric massage therapy is designed to address the specific needs of the elderly population. This type of massage for the elderly uses gentle and light application of massage techniques and can include passive stretching and a light oil or lotion to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. These techniques can help enhance blood circulation, combat depression, improve balance and flexibility, reduce the pain of arthritis, increase joint mobility, improve posture, and encourage overall well-being.
Geriatric massage can be especially helpful for maintaining and improving overall health as we age. It also has been shown to relieve anxiety and provide comfort, especially to touch-deprived elderly clients.
If you have a specific health condition, you should receive permission from your physician to proceed with massage. As with any population, there are certain conditions that are not recommended for massage, hence the importance of communication with your doctor. Once you have obtained permission, be sure to specify your preference for geriatric massage when scheduling your appointment.
Helpful Wellness Tip: Many clients who use geriatric massage have a friend or family member join them for their first visit to ensure they have a comfortable and relaxing experience. You may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear during your massage. Throughout the session, you will be properly draped or covered-only the area being worked on will be exposed.
Promotes circulation, helps aid tissue recovery and decreases pain.
Specifically designed to promote circulation, this warming blend of AromaTherapy includes clove, sweet birch, rosemary and cypress helps aid tissue recovery after physical exertion. Additionally, the unique combination of aromatics are traditionally used to decrease pain in muscles and joints.
Eases nervousness, irritability and apprehension
This relaxing blend promotes a sense of inner peace and harmony while easing nervousness, irritability, and apprehension. Known for their calming properties, lavender, chamomile and vetiver are combined with uplifting aromas of citrus and clary sage. The result of this Aroma Therapy technique? Pure tranquillity.
Reduces inflammation, calms the mind and promotes restful sleep.
A foundation of patchouli, grapefruit and sweet orange help highlight two unique lavender oils. First, English true lavender is used to both reduce pain and inflammation, and act as a mild antidepressant and calming agent. Next, lavender helps support the respiratory system, aid.
Enlivens the body and mind by increasing circulation.
Lively and fun, this Aroma Therapy combination of mint oils spun with rosemary enlivens the mind and body. Peppermint is high in natural menthol, which aids in pain relief and cools the body while increasing circulation. Research shows that it also stimulates the area of the brain that releases noradrenalin, causing people in one study to perform tasks more effectively that required sustained attention. restful sleep.
Our concentrated therapy combines a customized, full-body massage with warming and cooling thermal products to provide deep muscle pain relief from injuries and chronic conditions. With focus in one of three key areas, Deep Muscle Therapy is ideal for anyone who suffers from chronic pain or limited mobility due to athletic training, repetitive movements, and overuse.
For overworked legs & feet due to physical activity.
Relieves pain from plantar fasciitis, chronic ankle & knee injuries.
For persistent or chronic neck & back injuries.
Relieves overuse from physical work or activity.
For overworked hands/arms from physical or sports activity.
Relieves pain from carpal tunnel, tennis elbow & shoulder joint pain.