Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulations with physical, functional, and psychological purposes and objectives. There are two main categories of massage one being relaxation and the other being deep tissue (therapeutic). The difference between the two can be broken down as follows:

• Relaxation massage, otherwise known as Swedish massage, characteristically involves long sweeping strokes, with some kneading or compression techniques and is used more often on the entire body. Relaxation is designed to be soothing for one’s well-being and beneficial for all the systems in your body. The body system to note would be your parasympathetic nervous system, which is the system that slows your heart rate and blood pressure, aids digestion, and allows reparation of bodily tissues.

• Deep Tissue massages incorporate some of the Relaxation and Swedish techniques, but have the added component of using specific techniques to help specific problem areas in the muscles or joints.  Examples of deep tissue techniques include releasing trigger points caused by repetitive motion, breaking up scar tissue from old injuries, and loosening restrictions in the muscles and fascia that limit your range of motion and/or cause you pain. For better success, this massage generally works on a deeper level and can be known for some discomfort while the problem is being worked out. Often the discomfort is called, by the client, a good hurt and the massage therapist must keep regular communication with their client when the level of pressure has become too much. Deep tissue massage is recommended and can be very beneficial for those who suffer from pain or limited mobility on a regular basis or for those who have a high level of physical challenge or demand in their everyday life.

Conditions that benefit from Massage Therapy include, but are not limited to:

• Stress and anxiety/depression
• Headaches (migraine or tension related)
• Repetitive strain injuries ex. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Muscle tension and spasm
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
• Pregnancy
• Sport Injuries/Fractures/Edema
• Strains and sprains
• Kyphosis and Scoliosis
• Tendinitis
• Whiplash