Your massage session will start with a brief consultation to determine your needs, expectations and/or limitations. If you have any injuries, prior injuries, prior surgeries, range of motion issues, allergies, bruising, areas to avoid, etc., we will go over all of that as well as any areas to focus on for your session. Infrared heat pad, hot stones, hot towels, therapeutic oils and relaxation music are used to help you relax and loosen tense areas, however anything can be changed according to your preferences. Proper conservative draping is used at all times.
Therapeutic bodywork may include a wide variety of techniques. Most sessions include the following.
SWEDISH: The basis of most massage begins with long, flowing movements to apply lotion, warm the muscles, relax the nerves, and improve circulation. This can be done with light, moderate or deeper pressure according to your preferences.
DEEP OR DEEPER: These words conjure up all sorts of images from elbows into the most painful spots, heavy pressure, to painful Rolfing / fascia-busting techniques. Generally speaking, deep techniques are intended to "melt" into muscle, fascia, or tendons to loosen adhesions, break up scar tissue and fascia, calm muscles spasms and stop chronic pain/spasm cycles. Contrary to some popular beliefs, "deep tissue" does not have to be painful to be effective. In fact, some types of pain during a massage is ok if it is a "good pain", but other types of pain are definitely BAD. Pain is your body's way of saying something is wrong. It is often hard to tell the difference while getting a massage "Is this good pain or bad pain?". That's where you need an experienced therapist who can feel your body tissues and work at a therapeutic level without causing further pain or damage to the tissues. Deep work can be great. Make sure you and your therapist are on the same page about what that means to you.
HANDS & FEET: Focused attention on the hands and feet releases tension & stimulates thousands of nerve endings to activate the body's natural relaxation and healing powers. Extra attention to Reflexology points contributes to the wellness and balance of the whole body.
SPORTS MASSAGE: A balanced combination of techniques relaxes tight muscles and joints and reduces recovery time after an event or workout. This type of bodywork can leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and energized! Sports massage is geared towards prep or recovery. Please be cautious of getting deep massage prior to or immediately following an intense athletic event or workout. Let your therapist know if you are booking a pre- or post- event massage.
HOT STONES: Warm, smooth stones are a great way to apply targeted heat to muscles. Heat relaxes the body and nerves in addition to making muscles and soft tissue more pliable. Believe it or not, clients love the hot stones as much in the summer, even with the Texas heat, as they do in the winter. As with anything, you can always opt out on the stones, but I wouldn't recommend it. (*wink)