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Today, it is known that the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.

Massage
Therapy

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Types of Massage Offered by Optimal Wellness:

We strive to customize each massage experience to meet your needs on the day of your visit.  Each massage appointment may include a combination of techniques - simply discuss your wishes with your therapist on the day of your visit.

 

Swedish Massage - Is general systemic massage of the soft tissues of the body to induce a state of deep relaxation. It works mainly on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the body to increase blood and lymphatic circulation. It incorporates five main techniques: Effleurage (long gliding movements), petrissage (kneading), compression, vibration and tapotement (tapping).

Deep Tissue Massage - By using slow deep pressure, kneading, cross fiber friction and stretching of the muscle fibers, tendons, ligaments and fascia the therapist is able help loosen and release, the chronic and acute patterns of tension in the body. When those patterns are loosened or released, the circulation of blood and lymph fluids of the body are then able to repair the tissues. These techniques may be used firmly and cause some discomfort (good hurt), but should never cause any pain during a session.

Sports Massage - Is a massage technique designed specifically for athletes who engage in sports, exercise or fitness programs. The techniques used are usually deeper and more vigorous than an average massage. There is also very specific none invasive stretching done during these sessions. Sports massage can be used to ready the muscles for strenuous activity or to assist the body in recovering from the aftereffects of such an activity. But again, the massage should never hurt.

Hot Stone Therapy Massage - Is a therapy that uses Basalt stones of various sizes that are heated or cooled then using oils or lotions massaged and/or placed on specific areas of the body. The stones can be placed on tight muscles, trigger point, charkas, meridians or acupuncture points to help stimulate the area. The weight of the stone applies a compressive force on the point, and the stones hold heat and slowly release it on the body. 

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Reflexology - Is organized around a system of points on the hands and feet that are thought to correspond to the major joints and organs of the body. By using gliding, kneading and pressure on these points, the therapist is able to help realign areas of the body.   

 

This technique is great, for example, if you had injured your back or shoulder and the area is too tender and swollen to touch. The therapist can work on the reflex points that help with the back and shoulder.

Benefits Of Massage 
  • Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.

  • Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and
    shorten maternity hospital stays.

  • Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.

  • Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.

  • Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.

  • Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.

  • Increase joint flexibility. Lessen depression and anxiety.

  • Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.

  • Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.

  • Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.

  • Reduce spasms and cramping.

  • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.

  • Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.

  • Relieve migraine pain.

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Pregnancy Massage - It is very similar to Swedish massage, in that it is very relaxing and soothing to both the mother and the baby. There can be deeper stimulation to areas that are tight or sore but used with caution. During the massage the mother in lying on her side with specifically designed body cushions to help support her body for optimal comfort.

 

Massage while pregnant can help increase blood flow not only to the mother, but to the baby as well. It helps to keep the mother flexible, and helps with low back pain, leg pain and shoulder pain due to the extra strain on the body. Massage while pregnant can also help prepare the body for labor; it has been shown to help decrease labor pain and with regular massage the body will be more loose and flexible during labor.

 

Raindrop Technique - The Raindrop Technique™ involves the application of a series of essential oils, which are dispensed in small, rain-like drops about six inches above the body, mixed with a variety of massage techniques.  This technique is designed to bring the bodyback into structural and electrical  alignment.  Essential oils also help to dispose of toxins in the form of virus and bacteria that tend to lie dormant within the spinal column.

Trigger Point Therapy (Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) - Using a similar approach as a deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy uses concentrated finger pressure and cross fiber friction to release "trigger points." Trigger points are painful, irritated areas which keep the muscle both tight and weak. At the same time, a trigger point maintains a hard contraction on the muscle fibers that it is a part of. In turn, these taut bands of muscle fibers keep constant tension on the muscle's attachments, often producing symptoms in adjacent joints.

 

This type of therapy helps to break down trigger points and can help break the pain-spasm-ischemia cycle. By working on key trigger points, it is often possible to relax and alleviate pain in other areas of the body. When one trigger point causes pain in another area of the body, it is known as referral pain. With this type of massage, it is very important to let the therapist know if there is any pain felt during the session. A little discomfort or "good hurt" is OK and is typical with this type of treatment.

 

 

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