Types of Massagelftadmn2017-07-14T02:06:49+00:00
Types of Massage
Lifetime Massage provides ethical massage for men and women.
I describe my style of bodywork as Deep Tissue Relaxation Massage. I primarily combine Swedish Massage with Neuromuscular Therapy Techniques in one session. But depending on the client’s preference, I can offer just one or the other.
Neuromuscular Therapy
This type of bodywork tends to focus on problem areas and is usually deeper and more specific than Swedish massage. This work focuses not only on muscles but also their attachment sites and their connective tissues (fascia, tendons, ligaments). Trigger point work is often a focus in this type of treatment work. This type of treatment work can also incorporate the client’s active and passive movements.
I primarily rely on Neuromuscular therapy when offering deep tissue massage, treatment work, and sport/ortho work. These approaches are very specific and often address an injury or a chronic soft tissue imbalance.
Swedish Massage
This type of massage usually incorporates longer, broader and more flowing massage strokes. The depth of Swedish massage can vary, depending on the client’s preference. Full body massages (as opposed to massages focused on treatment of a specific injured area) tend to rely heavily on Swedish work.
In addition to the two foundations of my massage style, I also offer the types below. Click each to learn more:
Watsu®
Watsu® is a very dynamic yet gentle form of bodywork and is done in warm water. The practitioner gently holds, rocks and floats the client while applying passive stretches, traditional massage techniques, and gentle movements to the client’s body. When the body is immersed and supported in water without the land-based pull of gravity, the spine and extremities can begin to move in remarkable ways. In addition, the warmth of the water adds to the numerous physiological benefits of this form of aquatic therapy: decrease in pain, decrease in anxiety, improved sleep patterns, decrease in muscular tension and spasticity, profound increase in relaxation, decrease in heart rate, enhanced immune system response, increase in range of motion. Anyone can benefit from a Watsu® session – those recovering from injury or surgery, clients with long-term physical or neurological limitations, or simply anyone who enjoys the water.
A quick, beautiful clip showing Watsu® treatment, as well as articulate explanations from clients about what Watsu® is like.
A quick, beautiful clip showing a Watsu® treatment set to relaxing music – no voice overlay.
A longer clip featuring the creater of Watsu®, Harod Dull. A bit dated, but very educational. Great shots of Watsu® treatments with an overlay of Harold’s voice explaining the benefits and process of Watsu®.
I currently practice Watsu® at the Longmont United Hospital through the Health Center of Integrated Medicine.
Watsu® sessions are usually scheduled in evenings and on weekends. Please call for availability and location.
Peri Natal Massage Therapy
With
Prenatal Massage, the client’s positioning on the table will change depending on her week of pregnancy. I do not use a table with a recess for the pregnant belly, since there are conflicting opinions about the safety of this face-down position for both Mom and Baby. As a safer alternative, I work with my client positioned on her side. With any positioning modifications required for a pregnant client, I can still offer any massage modality I might otherwise offer. I have found the majority of pregnant clients report discomfort in their shoulders, middle backs, low backs, and hips. I am highly trained and skilled in offering deep treatment work in these areas. With the swelling of hands and feet, usually a gentler massage technique can offer some relief.
With Postnatal Massage, positioning modifications may still be necessary, depending on a client’s enlarged breasts, stretched abdominal area, or possible Caesarian incision site. Since caring for a little one takes a tremendous physical toll on the body, partners of clients or any other primary caregiver can also benefit from the specific attention of typical areas strained from constant caregiving: neck, shoulders, arms, low back.
Reflexology
My massage on the feet is very thorough and specific in any session I give (provided the client is not ticklish on the feet).
Comfort Touch for the Elderly and the Ill
Appropriate, comforting touch can be tremendously beneficial for seniors or for folks who are ill. The massage is usually done through clothing while the client remains in bed (or a chair). The technique uses broad compression with both hands, at a depth of pressure that is comfortable to the client.
Visceral Massage
It is thought that any imbalance in our internal organs can create discomfort in our muscles. Visceral Massage focuses on the internal organs and their connective tissues. This type of massage can be done through clothing, or can be incorporated into a standard full body massage.
