Specialty Massage Techniques
Specialty Massage Techniques – Rockford, IL
Massage with a Difference
Medical Massage
Each massage treatment is tailored to meet the needs of the patient and address any physical/health concerns they are having
Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique similar in principle to Acupuncture. It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through “meridians” in the body. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points with the aim of clearing blockages in these meridians. Pressure may be applied by hand, by elbow, or with various devices. Some medical studies have suggested that acupressure may be effective at helping manage nausea and vomiting, for helping lower back pain, tension headaches, and stomachache, among other things.
The mission of breathing training is to help people improve health and performance through the application of behavioral learning principles to breathing physiology.
The therapist will use a stripping technique on the upper and lower arm to release the tendons and muscle tissue. Other techniques that may help are cupping and manual lymphatic to help remove edema.
The therapist lightly palpates the patient’s body, and focuses intently on the communicated movements. A practitioner’s feeling of being in tune with a patient is described as entertainment. Patients often report feelings of deep relaxation during and after the treatment session, and may feel light-headed. This is popularly associated with increases in endorphin,
Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).
To learn about Fijan massage, please visit the Fijan massage page
Geriatric massage therapy is designed to address the specific needs of the elderly population. This type of massage for the elderly uses gentle and light application of massage techniques and can include passive stretching and a light oil or lotion to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. These techniques can help enhance blood circulation, combat depression, improve balance and flexibility, reduce the pain of arthritis, increase joint mobility, improve posture, and encourage overall well-being.
Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle type of massage that helps the body to better move lymphatic fluid throughout. The lymphatic system detoxifies and regenerates tissues, by filtering out toxins and foreign substances, to maintain a healthy immune system. Manual Lymphatic Drainage has many benefits such as; decreasing inflamation & pain, better efficacy of medicines and aid in anxiety & sleep.
Medical massage is outcome-based massage, primarily the application of a specific treatment targeted to the specific problem(s) the patient presents with a diagnosis and are administered after a thorough assessment/evaluation by the medical massage therapist with specific outcomes being the basis for treatment. It is also known as clinical massage or treatment massage.
We believe the true purpose of massage is to alleviate muscle pain through individualized pain management plans administered by advanced Medical Massage Therapists. We can help with nerve impingement, restricted range of motion, post-surgery rehab, frozen shoulders, sciatica and much more. So if you’re tired of going to place to place and getting nowhere, maybe you simply need a medical massage.
The therapist will put pressure on the trigger point located on the cranium and occipital (base of the neck) along with stretches to the neck and upper torso.
Myofascial release is a soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain. This therapy aims to relax contracted muscles, improve blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles. Fascia is a thin, tough, elastic type of connective tissue that wraps most structures within the human body, including muscle. Fascia supports and protects these structures. Osteopathic theory proposes that this soft tissue can become restricted due to overuse, trauma, or inactivity, often resulting in pain, muscle tension, and corresponding diminished blood flow. Fascia is a 3 dimensional connective tissue that spans your whole body, head to foot, without interruption. The fascia is made up of cologne fibers that surround individual muscles and muscle fibers, muscle groups, blood vessels and nerves. Fascia binds structures together, but also allows others to glide smoothly over each other. Each Myofascial Release Treatment session is performed directly on skin without lotion. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia. The specific releases to different parts of the body vary, but generally include gentle application of pressure or sustained low load stretch to the affected area.
The therapist will stretch the neck and upper torso the apply deep tissue and trigger point therapy to the neck region usually the shoulders are addressed as well. Individual treatment will vary depending on patient and history.
Oncology massage can only be provided by a massage therapist who has received training in the specifics of cancer and cancer treatment. This training is more about cancer and less about massage. When you are receiving an oncology massage, you are receiving traditional, established massage therapy techniques that have been adapted to account for your unique health situation. The changes that might be made to a massage that make it an “oncology massage” can fall under any number of categories, but typically they will be related to session length, pressure, positioning and areas of specific compromise or concern like mediports, bone metastases or skin reactions to treatment.
Pediatric massage is the complementary and alternative treatment that uses massage therapy, or “the manual manipulation of soft tissue intended to promote health and well-being” for children and adolescents. Pediatric massage therapy takes into consideration each child’s individual physical development, cognitive development and health care needs.
Massage for pregnant women reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages blood and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension — which aids in better sleep — and can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
If you are in your first trimester or have a high risk pregnancy, we will need a release from your doctor before your massage.
Raindrop Technique is the application or pure, therapeutic grade essential oils to the feet, spine and neck. The technique combines several massage modalities with seven specific essential oils to bring balance, alignment and rejuvenation to the body in a holistic, non-invasive manner.
During your session, the oils are applied neat (undiluted) first to the feet using the vita-flow technique. Then, the oils are dropped, one by one, directly onto the spine. The oils are massage into the spine using various modalities, specific to the oil used. Finally, hot compresses are applied to the back, bringing the oils deep into the body. Light stretching is provided before and after. Remember, as always, to drink lots of water after your session. You may experience detoxification, stress reduction, relaxation, heightened awareness and/or peacefulness, and some have even reported to being taller!
Shiatsu in Japanese means “finger pressure”; it is a type of alternative medicine consisting of finger and palm pressure, stretches, and other massage techniques.
Therapist will concentrate on range of motion. This therapy will vary depending on patients medical history and if there has been surgery post or pre-op.
We recommend a fascial or specific cupping to the face for sinus issues. Acupuncture works well for treatment in this area.
Sports massage therapy is geared toward athletes of every kind. The particulars of the sports massage technique are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice. Focusing on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements.
One of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
Thai Stretching Therapy is also referred to as Thai Yoga, because the practitioner uses their hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. People who try Thai stretching sometimes say it is a bit like doing yoga, but with the assistance of the practitioner to guide you into the poses, while also stretching, pulling and pressing. Muscle compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure are also used during Thai stretching.
Visit the Thai Stretching page
All of our massage have stretching incorporated into the treatment. Stretches will vary depending on the patients needs and tolerance.
Trigger point massage therapy specifically alleviates the source of the pain through isolated pressure and release. Clients actively participate through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort. Trigger point massage releases constricted areas in the muscles thus alleviating pain. You can experience a significant decrease in pain after just one treatment. Receiving massage with trigger point therapy on a regular basis can help naturally manage pain and stress from chronic injuries.
Many techniques are used to treat this issue. We recommend seeing one of our doctors to rule out or in medical issues that may be a trigger, this will help the therapist formulate a more proficient protocol.
