All systems in the body interact with one another - as we change one area with massage, we have the ability to effect other changes in the body. Mechanically removing adhesions in a muscle can increase our range of motion, improve vascular function, raise immune system activity, and pain receptors may slow their signals, resulting in relief from pain.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
Swedish techniques are the classic techniques that we often think of first when talking about massage therapy. By manipulating the soft tissues, Swedish techniques allow the therapist to pick up additional information: signs of inflammation, texture and temperature differences – important clues to knowing what is happening in the body - and can help lymphatic and blood flow, initiate changes in nerve-firing, boost immune system activity and reduce fibrotic restrictions.
Trigger Point Therapy is a system of compression-and-release techniques, causes a vascular (blood vessel) reaction in the tissue and flushes toxins thought to cause nerve irritation and pain.
Static Pressures
Static Pressures promote ‘signaling’ between healthy muscle tissue and the nervous system. Used correctly in individuals with healthy nervous tissue, techniques such as Golgi Tendon Organ Release and Muscle Approximation help reduce muscle tension or tone, and remove spasm.
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
Manual Lymph Drainage is a series of light, repetitive techniques designed to pump lymphatic fluid directly through to capillaries just under the skin. MLD is used in to treat edema (swelling) caused by a buildup of lymphatic fluid through the entire body, or in one area to dump waste products from inflammation, speeding up the rate of healing.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
Active Inhibition Techniques (AIT) help assess and treat problems in muscle strength and movement patterns. Working with your muscles’ motor barriers and nerve tissue, these techniques use your own muscle contractions to help bring about corrections in soft tissue.
