You can’t go wrong with this massage modality as it loosens tight muscles and reduces stiffness and pain caused by daily activity. This results in an increased range of motion and healthier joint lubrication. As the massage simultaneously stimulates circulation, it flushes metabolic waste (“toxins”) from your blood stream. This increased circulation also enhances the lymphatic system to produce more immune cells and enhances nutrition and blood to the muscles.
A relaxation massage session offers physical as well as mental respite. Research shows decreased cortisol and increased serotonin and dopamine in massage recipients resulting in feelings of emotional well-being. As well, massage stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system, telling your body it is okay to rest, that it is not under threat and can take this time to repair itself. This includes cuing your body to naturally slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure. Techniques used in this modality include sweeping effleurage and petrissage strokes as well as circular friction to spread and stretch the muscles.
To enhance the body-mind connection enhanced through massage, I suggest considering an aromatherapy add-on
Additional Benefits of this modality:
- Increased “feel good” hormones of dopamine and serotonin
- Improved immune system function
- Improved energy and alertness
- Decreased inflammation
- Reduced stiffness, soreness, and muscle pain
- Improved circulation
Deep Tissue Massage
Unlike a relaxation massage, deep tissue modalities are suited for those seeking relief from chronic pain and/or stiffness in one or more targeted areas. Modalities used in this session include trigger point therapy, positional release, and muscle energy techniques. Be it be an old injury that still causes you trouble or serious stiffness in from many hours at your desk, through a targeted deep tissue massage we will work to address the cause instead of simply temporarily relieving it.
While deep tissue massage is not painful, it can be more uncomfortable than a relaxation massage so I suggest adding on a mindfulness session or sugar foot scrub as a restorative treat.
Additional Benefits of this modality:
- Increased “feel good” hormones of dopamine and serotonin
- Improved circulation and sleep quality
- Improved immune system function
- Improve muscle tone
- Improve metabolic energy
- Lengthen chronically contracted muscles
Source: Tiffany Field, “Pregnancy and Labor Massage” in Expert Review of Obstetrics & Gynecology, American Pregnancy Association, “Prenatal Massage” and American Pregnancy Association, “Prenatal Massage Therapy”
Prenatal massage is very similar to a relaxation full body massage with a few modifications to ensure the safety and comfort for mama and baby. For example, instead of laying on your stomach, you are positioned on your sides and semi-reclined on your back. I completed additional training in prenatal massage with Dr. Susan Salvo and am thus well equipped in supporting my clients through all stages of pregnancy, from physical discomfort to mental health during the prenatal and perinatal phases. This includes every step of the way- from trying to get pregnant, through infertility treatments, every trimester of pregnancy, and two years after giving birth (yes, the hormones rage on that long!)
According to the American Pregnancy Association, women who regularly receive prenatal experience reduced anxiety, decreased symptoms of depression, and relief from muscle aches and joint pain. In turn, their levels of cortisol and epinephrine decrease which means reduced rates of excessive fetal activity and results in lower rates of premature birth. As well, they experience a shorter labor time by an average of three hours and request less medication during the childbirth process.
Looking to extend the bliss? I suggest adding a sugar foot scrub or a mindfulness meditation session to pair with your massage.
Additional Benefits of this modality:
- Hormone regulation
- Improved sleep
- Improved labor outcomes and newborn health
- Relieved muscle aches, back pain, and joint pain
- Reduced levels of anxiety and depression
- Reduced swelling and edema
Source: Tiffany Field, “Pregnancy and Labor Massage” in Expert Review of Obstetrics & Gynecology, American Pregnancy Association, “Prenatal Massage” and American Pregnancy Association, “Prenatal Massage Therapy”
Postnatal Massage
Postnatal massage, suitable to any new mom up to two years after giving birth, is very similar to a full body relaxation massage but offers so many additional benefits including stimulating the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps with baby-bonding and nursing.
Physical benefits of postnatal/postpartum massage include reducing swelling, improving milk production and the breastfeeding process, and hormone regulation including reducing the stress hormone cortisol up to thirty-one percent. Moreover, postnatal massage helps speed up physical recovery including pelvic soreness from shifting bones and ligaments, low back and neck pain from repetitive movements of lifting and holding baby, as well as reducing stretch marks and restore abdominal muscles.
Massage has been clinically proven to reduce both the “baby blues” as well as postpartum depression and anxiety. Massage is beneficial in reducing depression during as well as after pregnancy because it increases the levels of feel-good hormones of dopamine and serotonin by almost thirty percent. Treat your postnatal body and mind to much deserved self-care!
Looking to extend the bliss? I suggest adding a sugar foot scrub or a mindfulness meditation session to pair with your massage.
Additional Benefits of this modality:
- Hormone regulation
- Improved sleep
- Improved breastmilk production
- Improved muscle tone and posture
- Reduced levels of anxiety and depression
- Reduced swelling and edema
Source: Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, “Postpartum Massage Can Help Recovery After Birth and American Pregnancy Association, “Postpartum Massage”
Sports Massage
Athletic activity can be hard on the body and a sports massage is important to maintaining the health of an athlete- from a weekend warrior to a longtime player. Massage helps athletes identify areas of tension and address them before an injury occurs as well as increasing range of motion and reducing adhesions. A sports massage can be especially beneficial in preparing for a big race or event as well as recovering from one. Over our sports massage session, I will use deep tissue techniques to reduce muscle tension and soreness as well as increase joint fluid to specific areas of stress and/or overuse for your activity. From weekend golf to evening jogging, Saturday pilates or your sixth triathlon, sports massage is a wonderful modality for any active body.
Like a deep tissue massage, sports massage can be more uncomfortable than a relaxation massage so I suggest adding on a mindfulness session or sugar foot scrub as a restorative treat.
Additional Benefits of this modality:
- Increased oxygen and nutrients for muscle repair
- Increased flushing of metabolic waste
- Improved muscle flexibility
- Reduced muscle stiffness
- Reduced chance of (re)injury
- Reduced pain from spasms, splinting, and tension