It is common in most sessions to use more than one of the types of treatments listed below. The types of treatment used will be discussed prior to the beginning of your session. There is usually flexibility in a session if it is determined by both Diane and the client that some different or additional treatment option or length of session is preferable or necessary. Deep tissue massage is often incorrectly requested. If you do not have a precise or specific area that needs intense work, then you should request a massage in which “deep *pressure*” is used, as opposed to deep tissue. This is an extremely common misunderstanding of terms.
Massage Types
Swedish/Relaxation Massage – is basically just that. A nice relaxing massage, which, although it might sound like it just feels good, is still very beneficial for your mental, physical and spiritual health. It’s effects can include a decrease in blood pressure, decreased stress levels, a decrease in pain levels, increased energy levels, and an over-all improvement in your sense of well-being. It is the “basis” for most massage sessions, often some of the other options listed below will be used in conjunction with a Swedish massage to achieve the desired goal of the treatment session.
Pain Management – would involve much discussion about a treatment plan which would most likely involve a combination of different types of massage, some strengthening and some stretching techniques to provide a customized “plan of attack” to increase your comfort level and, more importantly, decrease your pain level. If you are currently under a doctor’s care, there may be some discussion with your doctor regarding your treatment options and expectations, and to ensure no additional injury is caused.
Deep Tissue Massage – is used when you have a “specific” injury site that needs deep/intense work. It is most likely going to cause discomfort, if not pain, when performed. This type of massage is NOT performed on a whole body during a session. It is a very precise type of work, meant to address a specific problem site or area.
Sports Massage – which is often also referred to as “medical massage” – is used to work on specific muscles or parts of muscles that may have been over-worked, injured, or are “tight” and need to be loosened up.
Pregnancy Massage – is obviously used when a pregnant woman is worked on. It differs from other types of massage in that the client will typically be in a “side-lying” position and special care is taken to work cautiously and gently to ensure that no harm comes to mother or fetus.
Hot Stone Massage – is basically what it sounds like it is. It is a full-body massage using very warm, very smooth stones to apply heat to warm and relax your muscles and increase blood flow. The stones are used both in a relaxing, stroking manner and also to “dig in” to address trouble spots, depending upon what the client needs. This treatment often takes longer than a typical full-body massage. It is also a more expensive treatment (due to the time involved and additional labor/materials).
Trigger Point Therapy – is a type of therapy that is used when small, distinct spots of muscle tightness are found. Precise and sustained pressure is used, in conjunction with client input, to eliminate the problem spot. This treatment is most likely not going to be pleasurable during the treatment, but the end result is worth it.
Myofascial Release – is a very gentle type of therapy used to release fascial restrictions which are not properly addressed using “standard” massage techniques/strokes. The client can achieve surprisingly good results with minimal, if any, discomfort. Diane uses the John F. Barnes method of Myofascial Release. She has taken 3 classes thus far. https://myofascialrelease.com/about/
Massage Cupping – is an ancient form of alternative therapy using silicone or glass massage “cups” suctioned to the skin to release adhesions and restricted fascia or muscles, decrease inflammation, improve blood flow and decrease pain levels. It is said that 5 minutes of massage cupping is equal to 30 minutes of typical massage. Cups may be added to the massage session to increase results. (additional fee applies)
Chair Massage – is a type of massage that is performed with a clothed client sitting in a specially designed massage chair. This type of massage is typically done in a business or public setting because the client is able to remain dressed. Treatment sessions are much shorter in duration than a “table” (typical) massage.
Additional Treatment Options
Add Hot Stones – treat yourself and add a half dozen hot stones to your massage! Hot stones can be used on your problem areas to increase muscle relaxation and blood flow.
Raindrop Technique – is derived from an ancient Native American custom of applying oils to the feet, spinal area of the back and the whole back to kill possible bacteria and micro-organisms found in the cerebro-spinal fluid and spinal column, which is theorized to be the cause of some spinal scoliosis or misalignment. This technique is also believed to balance the mind and body, relieve sore & tired muscles, boost the immune system, oxygenates and realigns the body both structurally and electrically. It is preformed using a specific selections of oils, in a specific sequence, using specific massage strokes. It is extremely relaxing and the combination of the oils can have a very unique effect.
Reiki – is an ancient Japanese form of healing using energy. Directly translated, Reiki means “Universal Life Energy”. It is believed to effect a person on a mental, physical and spiritual level. Some people who receive Reiki treatments claim to achieve many of the same benefits as one would from traditional massage therapy, such as reducing stress, stimulating the immune system, increasing energy, and relieving the pain and symptoms of health conditions. Reiki is performed on a clothed client on a massage table, or can be used in conjunction with other Massage Therapy techniques during a session.