• Swedish Massage (also called Relaxation Massage) is the most common and well-known type of bodywork therapy, providing rest and mental repose using five basic massage strokes: effleurage (sliding or gliding), pétrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber), and vibration/shaking. Developed in Stockholm a couple of centuries ago, Swedish Massage has been shown to help reduce pain, joint stiffness, and promote increased circulation. It may also be referred to as Relaxation Massage since the primary focus is to calm the nervous system and promote a sense of well-being. Swedish Massage is typically performed using light to moderate pressure with less emphasis on working out soreness and knots in muscle tissue.

• Oncology Massage (also called Massage Therapy for Cancer Care or Oncology Support) is the modification of existing massage therapy techniques in order to safely work with complications of cancer and cancer treatment. Anyone who has ever received cancer treatment, from those in active treatment to those in recovery or survivorship, as well as those at the end of life, are best served by a massage therapist who has received training in oncology massage. Essential aspects of an oncology massage therapist's skill set are an informed understanding of the disease itself and the many ways it can affect the human body; the side effects of cancer treatments, such as medications, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation; and the ability to modify massage techniques in order to adapt for these side effects, as well as for the disease. Learn even more about Oncology Massage here.

• Prenatal Massage (also called Pregnancy Massage or Maternity Massage) is a popular therapy for expectant mothers and has been found to reduce stress, decrease swelling in the arms and legs, and relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints. Not only can massage be physically beneficial, but the human touch can be comforting and provide emotional support during pregnancy. Massage therapy has also been found to reduce anxiety and depression. The mother's body must be properly positioned and supported during the massage, using pillows and padding, to ensure the comfort and safety of the mother and baby. NOTE: Massage is often contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy and women with certain health conditions may not be able to receive prenatal massage at all. Please consult your physician prior to scheduling.

• Postnatal Massage (also called Postpartum Massage) is also of great benefit to new mothers, helping them recover from the physical and emotional stresses of labor and childbirth. It can reduce pain and trigger points developed during pregnancy, allowing the body to quickly transition back to its pre-pregnancy state. Massage alleviates fatigue and aids in the balance of hormones which play a significant role in postpartum depression. Since massage induces relaxation, it may also help regulate sleep, promoting proper rest to allow the mind and body to heal. Learn even more about Pregnancy Massage here.

• Deep Tissue Massage and Sports Massage both help to relieve severe tension in the muscle and connective tissue or fascia. This type of therapy is often recommended for individuals who experience chronic as well as acute pain, heavy physical activity, or anyone who has sustained a physical injury. This technique helps to release lactic acid build-up, while soothing soreness and muscle spasms. Deep Tissue & Sports Massage use some of the same strokes as traditional massage, but the movement is slower, the pressure is harder, and therapy usually does not include the entire body. Concentration is on areas of tension and pain such as stiff necks, sore shoulders, and tightness of the lower back. Athletes and others who are very active are prime candidates.

• Arthrossage is a type of medical massage for arthritis specifically designed to reduce pain, improve blood flow, and boost mobility, especially in the limbs, hands, and feet. Arthrossage differs from traditional Swedish or Deep Tissue massage because it's a clothing-on therapy that gently loosens and lengthens muscles and works the joints from the inside, increasing lubrication, flexibility, and range of motion. Arthrossage may also help relieve symptoms for those suffering from other types of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases like Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Fibromyalgia, and Gout. Depending on the severity, multiple therapy sessions may be needed to achieve beneficial results and long-term relief. Please consult with your doctor before requesting an appointment to make sure this type of treatment is safe and not contraindicated for your specific health condition.

• Trigger Point Therapy (also called Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy) is a bodywork technique that involves applying pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in specific parts of the body. This type of therapy is often combined with massage to help eliminate pain and to re-educate the muscles into pain-free habits. After several treatments, neuromuscular pain is reduced, range of motion is increased, tension is relieved, and circulation, flexibility, and coordination are improved. This type of therapy also helps alleviate pain in the upper and lower back, neck and shoulders, and extremities (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and other limb pain).

• Headache or Migraine Relief Massage (also called Occipital Cranial Release or Suboccipital Massage) is a specific type of trigger point therapy that focuses primarily on the occipital ridge, the region at the back of the head where the skull meets the spine. Massaging over the greater occipital nerve reduces the intensity of migraine attacks and helps loosen up the muscles in the upper region of the neck often linked to severe headaches. The suboccipital muscles, which connect the top cervical vertebrae to the base of the skull, provide fine motor function and enable various head movements, like tilting and nodding. If these small and deep muscles become tight, they can profoundly affect body coordination, restricting head movement, and limiting spinal flexibility. Jaw muscles can also contribute to migraines and cluster headaches since they work with and/or against the suboccipitals in a kind of push-pull relationship. Pressure in the sinus cavity can generate intense headaches as well. Gentle massage of the sinuses may be helpful in alleviating congestion and inflammation. Massage therapy administered in all these areas can eliminate or greatly reduce the pain associated with migraines caused by such triggers as allergies, tiredness, shoulder or neck tension, poor posture, physical overexertion, anxiety, depression, and emotional stress.

Canine Massage, a.k.a. Dog Massage, is the therapeutic application of hands-on deep tissue techniques to the voluntary muscle system for the purpose of increasing circulation, reducing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, promoting healing, and increasing range of motion in all breeds of dogs. Just as the popularity of less invasive approaches to health care in humans has gained in recent years, so too have these procedures and methods gained acceptance in the care and treatment of animals. And just as we have witnessed the recent advent of professionals like equine chiropractors, equine physical therapists, and equine nutritionists in the horse world, we are seeing these same professions develop in the dog "community."

Every dog owner and trainer - whether they own or work with dogs involved in competition (e.g., Greyhounds, Huskies, etc.), in law enforcement, in aiding the handicapped, or whether they just have dogs as family pets - wants, and in many instances, needs their canines to be free of muscle problems that can cause pain and inhibit their dogs' movement and performance. Because of the health-promoting qualities of massage, as well as its restorative properties, knowledgeable owners and trainers are incorporating this therapy as an integral part of their dogs' total and continuous health care program. Learn even more about Canine Massage here.

NOTE: Canine massage should only be used as a powerful complementary tool for behavioral purposes and overall well-being. Like other techniques, your dog may have some condition for which massage is contraindicated. Please consult your veterinarian before conducting canine massage to ensure that your dog has no physical problems which might be aggravated by such activity. Arthritis, fractures, cancer, and certain skin conditions are examples of situations when massage may not be an appropriate modality.  Canine massage is never a substitute for licensed veterinary care.