Massage Therapy

Massage is the practice of applying structured pressure, tension, stretching or motion to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, joints and lymphatic vessels, to achieve a beneficial response. A form of therapy, massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, and improve circulation. Where massage is used for its physical and psychological benefits, it may be termed "therapeutic massage therapy" or manipulative therapy.

NOTE: It is very important to drink several glasses of water after a massage. The pressure releases the body's toxins, and it is very important to flush them out.

Amy is trained in a variety of massage modalities and has over ten years of experience. She can easily integrate several different techniques or can focus in on areas that need attention with any of these specific modalities:

This is a classic approach to prevent and aid in a sports injury. This treatment is designed to work on individuals of all shapes, sizes, and athletic levels. It is great for pre and post events. The technique works with a combination of passive and active stretching techniques, cross friction, trigger points, muscle and fascia lengthening and even a bit of relaxation. Sports massage consists of specific components designed to reduce injuries, alleviate inflammation, and provide warm-up, etc. for amateur and professional athletes before, during, after, and within their training regimens. 

 A collection of techniques designed for relaxation, using massage oils to reduce friction. Many of the therapeutic effects include increased circulation, increased flexibility, removal of lactic acid and toxins, relaxes nervous system, and stimulates the skin. Techniques can be modified to treat injuries and muscular related problems. Swedish massage integrates effleurage and petrisauge techniques. Relaxing the muscles, while increasing circulation by using long fluid strokes. This massage is wonderful for any occasion, sore muscles or not. The pressure can be adjusted for the individuals likes and dislikes. 

 Massage therapy techniques geared toward the expectant mother. Receiving a massage while pregnant is very rewarding for the discomforts of pregnancy, as well as relaxing. Most techniques are done in the side-lying position as they are unable to lay prone. In most cases massage can be done right up to and including delivery. There are many health concerns and complications to take into consideration when working with a pregnant woman.
* Pre-Natal Massage is not recommended in the first trimester, unless ordered by a physician. There are several points to avoid while giving and receiving a Pre-Natal Massage. Deep pressure is not recommended. 

 This is a relaxing half hour massage session focusing on the reflexology points on the feet and hands.

 This massage works deep into the muscles core. If the individual has a specific point of tension that they want worked on, for instance the shoulder region, this would be an appropriate massage to receive. Deep tissue is optimal for individuals that have had chronic muscular tension. Trigger point work is integrated as well as a bit of the relaxation and cross friction techniques. Often thought to be a strong massage, however, deep tissue/deep muscle massage is administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require more advanced training and a more thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation, and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.