Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is unquestionably one of the most recognised and popular massage techniques offered. During a Swedish massage your therapist will first apply oil or lotion to your body and then perform long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. These purposeful movements help to warm your muscle tissue, release tension and tight “knots” you may have been experiencing in your back, shoulders and neck. In addition, Swedish massage may also incorporate the use of other techniques; effleurage (long smooth strokes), petrissage (kneading, rolling and lifting), friction (wringing or small circular movements), tapotement (percussion) and vibration (rocking and shaking movements) to achieve better health. Swedish massage can be beneficial and especially helpful if you are recovering from an injury, among other benefits which includes:
- A significant decrease in the stress hormone cortisol
- An increase in the oxygen levels in the blood
- An improvement in overall circulation
- A release of chronic muscle tension
- An increase in joint mobility
Deep Tissue Massage
This massage involves applying medium to firm pressure, utilising slow more forceful strokes to target deeper layers of muscles and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles); good for chronic aches and pain, contracted areas such as stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness and sore shoulders.
A deep tissue massage is not a Swedish massage with deep pressure — the goals and techniques are different. While it may help with certain condition, massage doesn’t always have to HURT or make your body sore to be effective. Deep Tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem such as chronic muscle pain, injury rehabilitation, and the following conditions:
- Improves limited mobility
- Relieves back and neck pain
- Aids in sports related muscle recovery
- Postural problems
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatica
- muscle tension in the hamstrings, glutei, IT band, legs, quadriceps, rhomboids, upper back.
- Releases adhesion, break upscale tissue and realign tissue fibres
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage therapy involves the use and placement of heated basalt stones with swedish massage methods to achieve a deeper state of relaxation.
The heat from the stones relax the muscles, allowing the therapist to work deeper while using lighter pressure, which results in a
relaxation of muscle tension that accompanies a host of other benefits including:
- Improved circulation
- Chronic pain relief
- Increased metabolism
- Fewer muscle spasm
- improved joint flexibility
- improved mood
- encourages the body to detox and heal
- increases lymph flow and flush out waste
Thai Yoga Massage
Thai yoga massage is an age-old technique that is being discovered by many people as an effective and comfortable way to get the necessary stretching that we all need. Thai yoga massage uses passive-assisted stretching, whereas the therapist assist recipients to move onto their edge of flexibility, without exceeding their comfort level. The combination of movement, stretches and acupressure during this session provides a relaxing yet invigoration experience of energy work and tissue rejuvenation.
This technique is sometimes referred to as passive yoga or “lazy person’s yoga” since the client plays only the passive role. Thai yoga massage is usually performed on a soft floor mat rather than a raised massage table, which allows for many movements and procedures that are not practical or effective in table work. The client remains fully clothed except for the feet. Clothing should be light, comfortable and allows for flexible movements and deep stretching.
Benefits of Thai Yoga Massage:
- Relief pain and muscle tension
- Complete stretch of full body to relieve muscle tightness
- Increased flexibility
- Improve range of motion
- Increased energy levels
- Deep relaxation and pain relief
- Improve circulation and lymphatic flow
- Increased athletic ability due to muscle stretching
Pre-Natal Massage
While every pregnancy is unique, a women’s body changes as the baby grows, which can cause discomfort for the mother-to-be. As the abdomen grows outward and your body’s center of gravity shifts outward, for instance, your posture changes to realign your center over your hips. For some women, the stress on the joints and muscles results in low back, pelvis, neck,
shoulders, sciatica or nerve pain.
Fortunately for expecting women, prenatal massage helps to relieve those symptoms so that they can enjoy the miracle that is their unborn baby.
Mother’s-to-be must be past the first trimester to receive this massage. The therapist will perform this massage in side lying positioned rather than on their stomach or back. This is partially important during the later stages of pregnancy. Pillows, bolsters or padding may be used to support your back, knees and / or feet.
Prenatal massage aims to:
- Reduce stress
- Reduce swelling
- Alleviate cramps
- Relieve back, neck, sciatica and head pain
- Improve sleep quality
- Lessen stress on weight-bearing joints
- Minimise anxiety and depression associated with hormones
Massage Add-Ons
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release stretching is a collection of approaches and techniques that focus on releasing the restrictions of movement that originates in the tissues of the body. It focuses on how postural habits, specific activities, or lack of activity and compensation of prior injuries results in chronic stress and avoidance of full range of motions.
This process takes time and a specific area can be focused on for over 5 minutes or more. It all starts with a visual assessment of the clients posture and movement —- the therapist begins tests for range of motion to assess degrees of movement, pain associated with movement and targets restricted structures. Then a session is devised on what to target and what techniques are best to address those deficiencies.
Essential Oils
Essential oil treatment can be added to your massage for extra relaxation and natural healing purposes. Essential oils offer various health benefits from promoting relaxation and stress relief to helping heal dry or sun-damaged skin and other health benefits. Please discuss your needs with us so we can select the correct essential oil treatment for you.
Scalp Massage
A dedicated 20-minute scalp massage can be added on to your massage session for that extra special relaxing touch and to rejuvenate your scalp and hair follicles. Scalp massage lubricates and conditions your scalp, which can help to prevent flaking (dry scalp) naturally without unnecessary use of chemicals. The increased blood flow helps to relax your scalp which in turn improves circulation and helps to promote healthy hair growth.
Foot Massage
A dedicated 20-minute foot massage can be added on to your massage session for extra relief for your tired feet. Whether you’ve spent all day standing on a boat, walking on a beach, or just like to have a little extra attention for your feet, our foot massage add-on is sure to help rejuvenate you!