What is the difference between medical massage and wellness massage?

Medical Massage is an outcome-based, physician-directed, and scientifically grounded healing modality.  The medical massage sessions are prescribed by a physician for specific issues and are limited to a physician-designated course of treatment, and can be compensated through billing insurance.   Medical massage practitioner are highly trained with advance continuing education.

Orthopedic Massage

Orthopedic massage involves therapeutic assessment, manipulation and movement of locomotor soft tissue to reduce pain and dysfunction. Restoring structural balance throughout the body allows us to focus on both prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunctions.

Relaxation Massage, Swedish

-         Swedish massage relaxes your tired, tension filled muscles, stimulates your circulation and lets you leave your worries behind.

*Prenatal Massage:

-         Pregnancy places strong demands on a woman’s body and is a time for the body to be nurtured and pampered. This massage not only relieves the tensions and aches caused by the extra weight and shift in the center of gravity to the body, but it reduces swelling, soothes the nervous system, acts as a tonic, reduces fatigue, and enhances energy.

*Reflexology:

-         Each zone or part of the body has a corresponding reflex point on the feet and hands, stimulating that reflex point cause stimulation in the natural energy of the related organ. Crystalline-type deposits and or tenderness indicate a dysfunction, and pressure is applied to clear out congestion and restore normal functioning and health.

*Trigger Points/ Shiatsu/Accupressure:

-      Uses rhythmic pressure from 3 to 10 seconds on specific points along the body’s meridians by using the fingers, hands, elbow, knees, and sometimes feet to unblock and stimulate the flow of energy. A session may also include gentle stretching and range-of-motions manipulations. Shiatsu is used to treat pain and illness, to relax the body, and to maintain general health.

*CranioSacral Therapy (CST):

-         This technique involves the CranioSacral system that is composed of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CST is used to loosen and release restrictions or “blockages” in the body that can contribute to pain and dysfunction; removing such blockages improves the functioning of the central nervous system and body as a whole.

  *Lomi Lomi Massage:

-         When a lomi lomi practitioner touches your body it is of total respect, non-judgment, compassion and with love. Different parts of the body are massaged at the same time. It is given in a rhythmic motion working with the body’s natural flow and rhythm.

*Fibromyalgia Massage:

-         Can ease musculoskeletal discomfort, pain and restriction, and is a critical component of a balanced FMS program. Practitioner is clinically trained and certified in pain management with Fibromyalgia clients.

*Stone Massage:

-         Special Basalt stones of varying size are heated, oiled and used to massage the body. The heat from the stones penetrates the muscles deeper and faster providing longer lasting results. This is a must for those really painful and tight muscles. This soothing and nurturing modality relaxes the body at its deepest level.

*Myofascial Release (MFR):

-         When injury, inflammation, or physical or emotional trauma occurs, the fascia can become tight and causes pain and/or restricted range motion. MFR aims to release the fascia and return it to a state of normalcy by applying gentle pressure to the restricted areas. MFR can help with a number of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and stress-related illness.

*Sports Massage:

-         This special form of massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used including classic Swedish strokes, cross-fiber friction, pressure-point work, and joint mobilization. It concentrates on the deeper muscle groups.