Techniques

Everyone’s needs are different. Choose from our extensive service list to find the right technique for you

Clinical Massage / Medical Massage

Various terms are used to describe therapeutic massage in the healthcare environment, with clinical massage and medical massage being the most common. Both tend to describe massage offered within the healthcare environment, serving people who are seeking preventive care or who have diagnosed medical conditions and are being treated at some level by a medical professional. It is an outcome based treatment specifically targeted to address conditions that have been diagnosed by an appropriate health care professional. Massage is included as an aspect of a total treatment program. In clinical/medical massage, the focus is not on what kind of massage methods to use, but on massage application that supports the diagnosis, the prescribed treatment, and the determined outcomes for the patient.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a sophisticated technique employed to target specific tissues. It is used to dismantle scar tissue and disintegrate muscle adhesions, also known as knots. These are tough, painful bands of muscle that can impede circulation and trigger pain and inflammation. The massage therapist typically initiates the session with gentler pressure to prepare your muscles. They then proceed to apply more intense pressure to untie the knots formed in the stressed and overworked muscles and connective tissues, also known as fascia. This method aids in breaking up adhesions and aligning tissue fibers, facilitating relaxation and addressing medical concerns.

Sports Massage

Sports massage therapy is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. 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 key benefits of Sports massage therapy compared to other modalities is its ability to target muscle-tendon junctions. Recipients have reported a positive change in hip-flexor range of motion as well as decreased muscle soreness. Athletes have discovered that specially designed sports massage promotes flexibility, reduces fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries and prepares their body and mind for optimal performance.

Muscle Energy Technique or Passive/Active Isolated Stretching (AIS)

Muscle Energy Technique is defined as a form of soft-tissue treatment in which the patient’s muscles are actively used, on request, from a precisely controlled position, in a specific direction, and against a distinctly executed therapist-applied counterforce. The key defining element is the use of an isometric contraction before subsequent stretching or moving of restricted tissues. It is used to treat soft tissue or joint dysfunction. Muscle energy techniques can be employed to reposition a dysfunctional joint and treat the affected musculature. Indications include, but are not limited to muscular shortening, low back pain, pelvic imbalance, edema, limited range of motion, somatic dysfunction, respiratory dysfunction, headaches, and many others.

Soft Tissue Manipulation

Soft tissue manipulation covers a range of treatments which aim to improve the mobility of stiff, immobile soft tissues and those with poor circulation due to inactivity, increased tension, or injury. Soft tissue injury covers any type of injury to your soft tissues such as sprains, strains, contusions, tendonitis, bursitis, and stress injuries. Among the soft tissues targeted by this therapy are muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, fascia, and blood vessels. It is used to help mobilize scar tissue and move fluids trapped in the tissues that cause pain and inflammation thereby preventing long term recurrence of inflammation.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular massage therapy applies firm pressure over painful, taut bands of muscle to release tension, facilitate blood flow, and promote healing of strain in a muscle. The pressure is usually applied consistently for ten to thirty seconds with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow. The lack of blood and nutrients causes an inability for that muscle to relax. The area is hypersensitive and can cause pain, fatigue, and weakness in the muscle. Neuromuscular massage techniques are medical in nature. The manual therapy techniques are highly specialized and are designed to correct pain and movement dysfunction by treating trigger points, muscle adhesions, and connective tissue patterns. The problems are normally caused by a specific trauma, repetitive movements, or even bad posture. Neuromuscular massage is considered an ongoing treatment – not just something a person does whenever they feel a bit achy.

Myofascial Release (MFR)

Fascia is the soft tissue component of the connective tissue that provides support and protection for most structures within the human body, including muscle. This soft tissue can become restricted due to disease, overuse, trauma, infection, or inactivity, often resulting in pain, muscle tension, and corresponding diminished blood flow. Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia, skin, and muscles with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and sense of balance. Myofascial release usually involves applying compression or tension in various directions, or by skin rolling.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

The lymph system is a specialized component of the circulatory system that is responsible for waste disposal and immune response. The lymphatic system transports fluid from around the cells through a system of filters. The lymphatic drainage massage is a specific therapeutic intervention that stimulates lymph movement. The pressure provided by this massage mimics the drag and compressive forces of movements and respiration that can move the skin to open the lymph capillaries. The depth of pressure, speed and frequency, direction, rhythm, duration and drag are adjusted to support the lymphatic system. After undergoing Lymphatic Drainage Massage, the client may feel listless, fatigued, or achy for 48 hours. To counter this effect and to support detoxification, the client should increase his or her water intake for 24 hours after the massage. Individuals that benefit most from this therapy are those that have high inactivity, such as sitting for extended periods of time daily. Interstitial fluid responds to gravity, causing swelling in the feet, hands and buttocks of a person who must sit for hours without moving very much.

Relaxation (Swedish) Massage

Swedish massage is the most common and best-known massage technique in the West. It is based on the Western concepts of anatomy and physiology, as opposed to energy work on “meridians” or sen lines in Asian massage technique. Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are sliding/gliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, friction and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing aches and pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. A great massage for beginners or someone looking for basic complete body relaxation. Massage receivers experience significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells, that are part of the immune system. A boost in the immune system helps fight colds and other common illnesses.

Prenatal Massage

Generally, a prenatal massage client positions herself on her side, bolstered by supportive and soft cushions which are used to alleviate extra strain on lower back and pelvic areas. Depending on how far along a woman is in her pregnancy, techniques such as reflexology, Swedish massage, or needs-specific techniques may all be utilized. The benefits of prenatal massage are numerous. It has been known to relieve headaches, reduces stress, encourages blood and lymph circulation, relax muscle tension, reduce fatigue, alleviate backache, relieve leg cramps, reduce swelling/edema, relieve pain, and enhance your sleep.

Note: Recommended only for women with normal, low-risk pregnancies, unless given permission by physician.

Geriatric Massage Therapy for Seniors
Elderly Care and Wellness Through Touch

Geriatric massage therapy is a specialized, gentle massage tailored for seniors, employing light strokes and passive stretching to alleviate muscle stiffness and joint pain. It enhances blood circulation, provides arthritis relief, and improves balance and flexibility. With a focus on the comfort and safety of elderly clients, this nurturing therapy promotes holistic wellness by not only addressing physical ailments but also reducing anxiety and fostering relaxation. It’s essential for seniors to consult their healthcare provider before engaging in geriatric massage to ensure it’s suitable for their health conditions.

Reflexology Massage

Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet that relate to every organ, gland, and system of the body. Reflexology is applied to specific areas (usually feet, hands, and ears) to promote a response from an area far removed from the tissue stimulated via the nervous systems and acupuncture meridian. The technique creates small muscle movements using primarily thumbs and fingers. The goal is to improve the function of organs and glands, and all systems of the body. Reflexology works with the overall function of the body by changing the soft tissue directly stimulated. Benefits include total body relaxation leading to the balancing of all internal and external body systems and improved circulation via stimulation to the nervous and energy systems. Reflexology helps relieve toe and foot pain, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis, and common forms of arthritis. It can also decrease stress and anxiety in the entire body.

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Ann Arbor, MI

(734) 707-7687
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Ann Arbor, MI 48103

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