Types of Massage Therapy
Explore our range of massage therapies designed for women's health and well-being.
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Swedish Massage: Ideal for relaxation and stress relief.
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Deep Tissue + Myofascial Release: An intense and effective treatment for chronic muscle pain and tension.
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Prenatal Pregnancy Massage: Support your body during and after pregnancy.
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Hot Stone Massage (Add-On): A specialty modality using heated basalt stones to melt muscle tension.
Swedish Relaxation Massage is a timeless therapy that promotes deep relaxation, enhances circulation, and eases tension throughout the body. Our therapists use gentle, flowing techniques with light to medium pressure to provide a calming and restorative experience tailored to your needs.
​This massage style incorporates long, gliding strokes to soothe and relax muscles; gentle kneading and friction to release tension and improve flexibility; light stretching, compression, and jostling to enhance circulation and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
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Swedish Relaxation Massage has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol while boosting the production of serotonin and dopamine—hormones that elevate mood and promote overall well-being. Additionally, this massage can support the immune system by increasing lymphatic flow, helping your body fight off everyday illnesses.
Deep Tissue Massage and Myofascial Release can greatly reduce chronic muscle tension and pain in those painful, stiff "trouble spots" everybody has in their body. Common trouble spots are in the neck, upper back, lower back, and forearms. At Athena Bodywork, a Deep Tissue + Myofascial Release massage session will include warming up the tissue with heat packs and lighter massage strokes to promote circulation and help the muscles and fascia (the protective tough layer of tissue surrounding muscles, bones and joints) become warm and pliable. Then the therapist will slowly sink into muscle and fascia using slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on the specific trigger points, and restore pliability to the stiff, anchored areas within the myofascial tissues.
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An article that we think best describes our definition of Deep Tissue Massage was published by by the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and can be found here. An article explaining Myofascial Release can be found here.​
Prenatal Massage is specifically designed to support the changing needs of an expectant mother. Gentle and nurturing, this type of massage focuses on promoting relaxation, relieving tension, and easing the common physical discomforts associated with pregnancy.
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A prenatal massage session can look different depending on the needs and experiences of the expectant mother, but it may incorporate specialized techniques to improve circulation, reduce swelling in the feet and hands, and alleviate stress on weight-bearing joints like the hips and lower back. During the mother’s first and second trimesters, we offer the option of a pregnancy bolster that allows her to lay face-down for part of the session.
Prenatal Massage has been shown to help decrease stress hormones like cortisol, promote better sleep, and reduce muscle tension. Studies have also highlighted its ability to enhance mood and improve overall well-being, making it a valuable self-care practice for physical and emotional balance during pregnancy.
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For more information on the benefits of prenatal massage, you can explore resources like the American Pregnancy Association and recent research studies available through the National Institutes of Health.
*This is an add-on service for any other massage service. To schedule, choose your massage service, and then select "Add-On" when prompted.
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Round, smooth basalt stones are heated, oiled, and used in the palm of the therapist's hands to massage the body. Heat spreads deeply through your muscles, encouraging profound relaxation. Physiologically, the increase of bloodflow to muscle bellies flushes cellular waste by bringing fresh blood to stagnate areas. The result is a "detoxification" of muscular tissues, and relief of long-standing muscular tension, stress and fatigue.
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The combined effect on body and mind promotes a state of enhanced relaxation that washes away stress and sets the stage for re-energizing and rejuvenating the body, mind and spirit. It is a true healing session for your body and soul.
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This treatment is particularly effective for those with muscle tension caused by stress and anxiety. It is also well suited for conditions where massage would be beneficial, but the client is uncomfortable receiving firm pressure (e.g., fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, or connective tissue disorders).