Back pain, neck pain and headaches are just a few of the painful and distressing conditions that affect most of us at some time. This pain is the result of tension in your soft tissue: muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (connective tissue that permeates muscle and forms protective sheets throughout your body). Soft tissue pain can actually spread because it causes protective muscle tightening in surrounding areas. Over time, time, inflamed muscles and fascia (together called myofascia) suffer poor circulation and can develop glue-like myofascial adhesions which prevent muscles from lengthening completely. Painful trigger points can also develop, often referring pain or tingling to other areas in the body.
We use a variety of techniques to address soft tissue problems. Gentle kneading and stretching lengthens contracted muscles and fascia. Techniques such as sustained pressure, heat/cold and stretching can release trigger points. Painful sprains and strains, as well as myofascial adhesions, can be addressed directly with massage techniques that improve circulation and stimulate healthy separation and realignment of injured fibers.
In general, massage increases circulation. This reduces painful swelling and inflammation, and promotes healing by removing waste products and bringing nutrients to your tissues. Like a sponge absorbing water, both fascia and muscles begin to soften and lengthen.
To learn more about what to expect in a massage, visit our What To Expect During a Massage link.
For more questions about massage, visit our Massage FAQ page.
Hot/Cold Stone Massage
A new and exceptional bodywork called stone massage is combining the time-proven healing therapies of hot and cold applications and therapeutic massage. Used in relaxing spa treatments as well as for chronic tension and pain, stone massage is increasingly in demand. Massage with smooth, heated stones, sometimes contrasted with cool ones, is a nurturing experience beyond compare. Imagine relaxing back on a sun-warmed pebble beach and totally letting go with the calming and nurturing touch of massage.
In this comforting and healing massage, heated stones of varying sizes and weights are settled comfortably into the body contours on areas that tend to hold tension like the back muscles, abdomen and face. Oiled stones are then used in flowing strokes to relax the whole body.
If you are experiencing mental or physical stress, stone massage can be extremely effective in replacing both body and mind. The penetrating heat of the stones begins to elicit deep relaxation almost immediately soothing the nervous system and melting the effects of stress. Muscle tension eases under the smooth pressure of the stone, allowing circulation to increase. As a result, irritating toxins are flushed away and the flow of healing nutrients is restored to muscles and other tissues, further aiding the release of tension and pain.
Stone massage can be especially helpful for people with fibromyalgia, arthritis and those recovering from injuries. It may also help relieve sinus pan and the discomforts of premenstrual syndrome. Athletes find it helps muscle and other tissues recuperate after a strenuous workout.
