"I have been seeing Misty for over 3 years for low back pain. She has done a great job of keeping my back loose to avoid painful episodes.
"Using her massage in combination with Chiropractic has really helped. She knows the area I need focused on and listens to my concerns. Her Cupping and deep tissue massage techniques are awesome!!"
+ Tammy Chaffin
SWEDISH MASSAGE
Swedish massage therapy is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, 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, improving circulation + flexibility while easing tension.
Swedish massage techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands + palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Before and during your Swedish massage session, communication is encouraged with your professional massage therapist so that your massage is customized to your specific needs.
A study conducted by the National Center for Complementary + Alternative Medicine, and published in The New York Times, found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, + a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Deep tissue massage involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles + connective tissues. Utilizing similar strokes as Swedish, Deep Tissue techniques also use forearms and elbows. It is a type of bodywork that’s used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains + sports injuries. It can help to break up scar tissue, which can form following an injury and reduce muscle tension. It may also promote faster healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Deep tissue massage is best suited for people who engage in highly physical activities, such as running, or those who have an injury or chronic pain. If you have a low pain threshold or are looking for relief of muscle tension, Swedish massage is gentler + may be a better option. If you have an underlying medical condition, speak to your doctor before trying deep tissue massage.
