Massage Therapy and Bodywork Services

Simple Definitions:

Massage - manual manipulation of the soft tissue of the body

Massage Therapy - a licensed practitioner combines manual techniques and adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the well-being of a client.

Massage therapy encompasses a wide variety of techniques and approaches. Today there are more than 150 known variations of massage and bodywork techniques. Some focus on the entire body, while others focus on specific areas. Whatever the case, massage therapy offers something for everyone.

A different kind of experience
What sets the Wellness Center apart? Most notably, the wide variety of techniques offered, the relaxing atmosphere, diverse group of caring therapists, convenient hours and you choose your massage therapist that best fits you. All of these things add up to the best possible experience.

Like many other massage therapy and bodywork centers throughout the United States, the massage therapists at the Wellness Center for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork integrate a variety of massage therapy techniques and styles to promote better health and wellness for their clients.

General/Swedish Massage
This is a system that uses long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles. The emphasis of Swedish massage is to stimulate the circulation of blood and lymph flow, (important part of the immune system), throughout the soft tissues of the body.

Deep Tissue Massage
This is similar to a Swedish massage, but with much more intense pressure. The therapist will focus on what your troubles are by stretching and separating the muscles to give relief to the problem area. If you have had a chronic problem in certain areas, deep tissue massage is a great way to approach the problem.

Muscle Release Technique^SM-Beyond Massage
The Muscle Release Technique (MRT), a unique pain therapy, is a combination of a specific type of stretch in an exact plane of movement with moderate compression while working with the breath. This therapy not only helps to break up scar tissue, but also restores muscle length and range of motion, for long-term relief from pain and stiffness.

MRT will help people suffering from various problems such as:

Sore Feet Plantar Fasciitis Shin splints Weak ankles Calf cramps Chronic low back pain Sciatica Carpal tunnel syndrome Tennis elbow Golfer's elbow

Knee pain Patella tracking dysfunction Fibromyalgia Tendonitis Hammer toes Claw toes Frozen shoulder Bulging disc Pain in joints Thoracic outlet syndrome

MRT deals with the cause of the pain rather than treating the symptoms. Many painful conditions are caused by tight, short muscles, often somewhat removed from the area of discomfort. A tight, short muscle is a weak ineffective muscle which can leave joints susceptible to injury. A tight muscle can entrap the nerves and blood vessels that run through it, causing inflammation, pain and numbness. This condition may have many different causes, among them repetitive use, trauma (such as a blow to the muscle), or simply holding stress in certain parts of the body. Proper use of MRT restores the health of the muscle, thus removing the cause of the discomfort.

The principles of this technique are simple, yet so effective that in many cases relief can be provided in one session. If you've struggled with chronic pain, there is hope! People all over the country are finding the answer in the Muscle Release Technique.

Lymph Drainage Therapy^SM
Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is a hands-on technique designed to attain and sustain proper functioning of the human fluid system. This method has been developed by Bruno Chikly, MD, DO (hon.) from his award-winning research on the lymphatic system. LDT enables trained therapists to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymphatic flow. The LDT process involves the use of gentle manual maneuvers to aid in the recirculation of body fluids. Due to the nature and role of the lymphatic system, LDT can prove beneficial in the correction of numerous conditions as well as in preventive health maintenance. In essence, LDT works to help recirculate body fluids, stimulate functioning of the immune system, and promote a state of relaxation and balance within the autonomic nervous system. Other results of LDT treatments may be reductions in edemas (swelling) and lymphedemas of many origins, detoxification of the body, relief of chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, relief of chronic pain, relief of chronic inflammation and much more.

Mindful Touch Therapy
The heart of the Mindful Touch Therapy program is based on the concept that the power of touch can have a profound impact on an individual’s health and well-being. It is a unique blend of massage therapies and healing concepts created to support all individuals, including those living with cancer, critical illness, pain, or extreme stress.

This healing modality is designed to support medical procedures and treatment programs safely and effectively. It is designed to improve circulation and reduce blood pressure, stimulate energy movement and balance, release endorphins—the body’s own pain killers. It can help strengthen immune function, and promote physical and mental tools for relaxation.

Myofascial Release
This technique uses a gentle blend of stretching and massage. It uses hands-on manipulation of the entire body to promote healing and relieve pain. Myofascial comes from the Latin term "myo" for muscle and "fascia" for band. Therapists use the technique to ease pressure in the fibrous bands of connective tissue, or fascia. Fascia is a continuous uninterrupted network throughout the body that provides support, cushioning, and flexibility, giving shape to our body. Myofascial release helps in the treatment of many injuries and disorders.

Poor posture, physical injury, illness and emotional stress can throw a body out of alignment and cause its intricate web of fascia to become taunt and constricted.

Abnormal pressures may tighten or bind fascia to the underlying tissues, causing "adhesions" scar tissue that clings to the muscle fibers, often stiffening joints or contributing to painful motions, as rotator cuff injuries. If they occur near a nerve, they may cause numbness, pain or tingling, as sciatica or carpal tunnel syndrome.

This technique frees adhesions, softens, and lengthens the fascia. It also improves the circulation and nervous system transmission.

Cranial Sacral Therapy
This technique releases restrictions in the craniosacral system, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This light-touch therapy improves the central nervous system, allowing it to better relieve stress. There are 10 basic steps used in craniosacral therapy. One or more of these techniques can be incorporated in any type of massage to enhance the results of your treatment.

Myopractic® Therapy
A very relaxing deep muscle therapy, this technique releases tension and restrictions from soft tissue. It begins with the application of light pressure which is increased gradually. Flat surfaces of the hands, fingers and forearms are used by the massage therapist for a gentle and gradual release of the restrictions of the soft tissue.

Reflexology
This is a precise and systematic foot/hand massage that stimulates "reflex" points that correspond to all the organs, systems, and structures of the body. It stimulates the body through controlled pressure to these areas. Reflexology is based upon the body's ability to heal itself. When one's body is in a state of imbalance from injury, stress, illness or disease, reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium, and encourage healing.

This procedure is the least invasive massage and a great place to start for someone that is hesitant to receive his or her first massage.

Body Wraps
Wraps are commonly used to rid the body of toxins and have therapeutic value as well. In some instances, they reduce swelling associated with injuries and arthritis. It has also been reported that warts, corns and cracked skin disappear as a result of these types of treatments. Ultimately, these types of treatments leave your skin feeling refreshed and restored.

Gua Sha
This unique ancient and traditional Chinese healing technique originated over 2,000 years ago. This Chinese art eliminates toxin from the body by stimulating the Lymphatic system. It involves palpation and cutaneous stimulation, which causes increased circulation of the blood for a healthier body. Areas of the skin are pressured, in strokes, by round-edged instruments. Raising "Sha" removes blood stagnation, which is considered pathogenic, promoting normal circulation and metabolic process. In China they made preventative health care a priority and decided that Gua Sha was the best way to keep people in good health helping with fever, pain, fatigue.

Hot Stone Massage
Therapeutic stones have been used for massage therapy around the world for hundreds of years. Due to its natural healing energy, "Hot Stone" massage is one of the fastest growing techniques in spas around the country.

The technique involves the use of heated stones applied to the body in various ways to bring about relief to stiff and sore muscles, further alleviating chronic and acute problems.
Basalt, the type of stone used in the therapeutic process, is the most abundant of the volcanic rocks available today. Black basalt is denser and retains heat longer than other colors of the stone. Some therapists may also use green basalt.

Chair Massage
Chair massage features an integrated approach, combining Swedish, deep-tissue and pressure point techniques to help relieve the most common areas of stress, which most individuals experience. The client will remain completely clothed for this session.

Chair massage is an appropriate alternative for most on-site requests. It is a cost-effective way to promote individual or employee well-being. It is a great way to boost employee morale and performance. Chair massage is performed on an ergonomically designed portable massage chair. Clients remain fully clothed and no oils or creams are used. In a corporate setting, this type of massage is designed to ease tension and encourage circulation in key muscle groups while encouraging the nervous system to become more alert so that employees return to work pain free and energized.