Massage Therapy Techniques

Dan uses a variety of massage techniques. Any of these techniques may be used in each session as needed.

Main Techniques Used

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular Therapy, or NMT, is a deep and specific massage technique. It is used to address pain and muscle tension.

Learn more about NMT
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Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common massage therapy technique. It employs relaxing strokes such as the gliding over and kneading of the muscles. Swedish massage techniques are useful for warming up and relaxing the muscles so that they will benefit more fully from deeper or more specific therapies. If a client prefers only a relaxation massage, this technique would be used for the majority of the session.

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Other Areas of Interest

Myofascial Release

Fascia is located between the skin and the underlying structure of muscle and bone; it is a seamless web of connective tissue that covers and connects the muscles, organs, and skeletal structures in our body. Muscle and fascia are united forming the myofascia system. Myofascial Release is an indirect method of treating this tissue. It involves gently stretching the restricted fascia to allow the fascia to 'unwind' itself. The gentle traction applied to the restricted fascia will result in heat and increased blood flow in the area. Skin rolling is a myofascial release technique that comes in handy often.

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Structural Integration

Structural Integration is a more direct way of treating fascia, and tends to be deeper work. The practitioners may use knuckles, elbows, or other tools to slowly sink into the restricted fascia applying a few kilograms-force and then stretch the fascia. This is sometimes referred to as deep tissue work.

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Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic Massage is designed to boost the lymph/immune system as well as reduce edema. The lymphatic vessels are very superficial so pressure greater than the weight of ones hand is enough to compress them. Therefore the pressure used is very light. Long strokes are used in order to stimulate the entire lymphatic system. Dan occasionally uses this work to reduce swelling in the legs. Also it has been recommended that we all should receive 4 lymphatic massages a year, with the seasons, in order to keep this system functioning well.

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Aromatherapy

The aromatherapy that Dan is interested in employs exclusively the use of pure, organic essential oils. These are also known as volatile or ethereal oils, or simply as the "oil of" the plant material from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Many common essential oils have medicinal properties that have been applied in folk medicine since ancient times and are still widely used today. For example, many essential oils have antiseptic properties. Many are also claimed to have an uplifting effect on the mind. Often in treatment, Dan will use an unscented massage oil to which he has added some essential oil. However, unscented oil or cream is always available.

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Esalen Massage

This technique has its roots in the Esalen institute in Big Sur California. The name Esalen is derived from the Native American tribe called Esselen that once inhabited the land where the institute now sits (in addition to the surrounding 750 square miles.) An Esalen massage can be supremely relaxing, as it works on the principle that to feel good is therapeutic. It is designed to seamlessly integrate the body as a whole and the long Esalen strokes often come in handy when transferring from one area of the body to another. For those comfortable with the idea of massage, who are in need of pure stress relief and peace, Esalen massage is just what is called for.

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Trager

The Trager approach is the creation of Milton Trager, M.D. It is a system of gentle, rhythmic movement and touch aimed at facilitating deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and promoting the body's optimal performance. As a result of stress and chronic pain, many people have holding patterns in their muscles (where muscles are literally contracted unnecessarily for hours at a time) that they are unaware of. Some of the jostling and movement of Trager can be very effective in retraining these muscles to “let go.”

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Shiatsu

Shiatsu technique refers to the use of the fingers and palm of one's hand to apply pressure to particular sections on the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting the imbalances of the body, and for maintaining and promoting health. It is also a method contributing to the healing of specific illnesses. This technique works under the same principles as acupuncture.

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Sports Massage

Sports massage is designed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. Pre-event massage tends to be fast moving, with the intent of boosting blood flow to muscles in preparation for use. Post-event or rehabilitative work will be a more basic deep tissue massage with the intent of normalizing the body's tissues, alleviating pain due to injury and returning the body to health.

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Prenatal Massage

Massage during pregnancy differs from a regular massage in a couple of ways. The biggest way it differs is that the person receiving the massage is pregnant, and therefore knowledge of pregnancy and the anatomy of a pregnant woman are very important. This means that positioning during a massage is critical to the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby she is carrying. There are also parts of the body that should not be massaged. Most of the work is done with the client in a side-lying position. It helps provide relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs.

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