Types of Massage Therapy
What are the types of massage do our massage therapists offer, and how can they help you?
At Athena Bodywork, we specialize in the following massage modalities:
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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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Hot Stone Massage (Add-On): A specialty modality using heated basalt stones to melt muscle tension.
Swedish Massage uses long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration and shaking motions to apply pressure between muscles and bones. The therapist concentrates on rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Swedish Massage techniques increase the level of oxygen in the blood, improve cellular waste removal, circulation, and flexibility. Studies have shown that Swedish Massage significantly decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. It has also been found to boost your immune system by increasing the production of lymphocytes--white blood cells which help to fights off common diseases like the cold and flu.
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.
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.
*This is an add-on service for a Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage. To schedule, choose either a Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage, and then select "Add-On" when prompted.
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.
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.
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).