Free Web Hosting by Netfirms
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

Massage Styles
Up

 

Massage Therapy is a wonderfully diverse field.  Massage can be just a supremely relaxing pastime or luxury, or it can be therapeutic.  Relaxation, pain relief, dysfunction correction can all be achieved with Massage Therapy.  Listed below are some of the massage styles I use to help you achieve your goals.

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Craniosacral Therapy | Pregnancy Massage

 

Swedish Massage:  This is the relaxing, stress-reducing type of massage most people think about when they want a massage.  Swedish massage includes gliding, kneading, and striking strokes as well as friction strokes, stretching, joint movements, gentle shaking, and rocking.  Generally, the massage is full-body and is very relaxing and has therapeutic benefits. Swedish Massage technique can also focus on one area of the body such as the back if that is the client's desire.  Swedish Massage sessions are typically 1 hour to 90 minutes, but can be shorter or longer as desired.

Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Craniosacral Therapy | Hot Stone Massage

Top of Page | Home

 

 

 

 

 

Neuromuscular Therapy:  Also called NMT or Trigger Point Therapy.   NMT is a system of soft tissue manipulation techniques that seek to balance the nervous system with the musculoskeletal system.  This is one of the methods I use to help clients experiencing pain and it's very gentle and effective.   Stated in simplest terms, I release trigger points in muscles,  and help correct muscular imbalances that can cause pain and discomfort.  Additionally, NMT uses soft tissue manipulations on tendons and other connective tissue to assist in muscle balance.  NMT also addresses nerve pain caused by pressure from soft tissues including muscles, fascia, and tendons.  NMT is effective in helping with conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD), Back pain, Neck pain, Scoliosis, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia (FMS), and Migraines.

Swedish Massage | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Craniosacral Therapy | Hot Stone Massage

Top of Page | Home

 

 

 

 

Myofascial Release:  This technique, while not strictly massage, is another gentle and highly effective technique used by the therapist to help facilitate release of restrictions in your fascia (a widespread connective tissue) that can cause tightness and pain.  If you feel that you could relieve your discomfort or pain if you could "just stretch that area" then Myofascial Release could be just what you're looking for.  The gentleness of Myofascial Release makes it the treatment of choice for many who suffer from Fibromyalgia, Functional Scoliosis, Lupus, and Myofascial Pain Syndrome.  It is also effective in helping athletes achieve better performance.

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Craniosacral Therapy | Hot Stone Massage

Top of Page | Home

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sports Massage:   Sports Massage is generally used to help improve athletic performance.  Most often the Sports Massage is focused on the muscles and tissues most often used in the athletes sport, i.e., runners focus on their legs and hips.  The techniques used include those used in Swedish Massage but may be deeper and combined with other techniques like Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Myofascial Release (MFR), Deep Tissue massage, and stretching (PNF and MET).  The Sports Massage session might also include Orthopedic (Functional) Assessment.  Exactly how it is done depends on whether the massage is being used to prepare for an event, recover from an event (helping with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), or assist in treating an injury. 

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Deep Tissue Massage | Craniosacral Therapy | Hot Stone Massage

Top of Page | Home

 

 

 

 

 

Deep Tissue Massage:   Deep Tissue Massage is a term that gets thrown around quite a bit.  Deep Tissue Massage is a massage of the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissues of the body.  Deep Tissue Massage is used to provide a more therapeutic effect by massaging all layers from superficial (closer to the skin) to deep (closer to the bone).  It relaxes the muscles, rids them of built up metabolic waste, and helps release adhesions between muscles and connective tissues.  It can also be useful in preventing scar tissue build up from injuries to muscles and connective tissues. 

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Craniosacral Therapy | Hot Stone Massage

Top of Page | Home

 

 

 

 

Craniosacral Therapy (CST):    CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the bones, membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.   CST is a very relaxing full-body approach that is very useful in helping Migraines, neck and back pain, Autism, Scoliosis, Brain and Spinal Cord injuries, Chronic Fatigue, and other Stress and Tension related problems.

  Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Hot Stone Massage

Top of Page | Home

 

 

 

 

 

Pregnancy Massage:   Pregnancy massage has gained tremendous popularity by helping the mother-to-be remain comfortable during her pregnancy and in many cases have an easier delivery.   Pregnancy massage relieves muscle spasms and cramps associated with the stress of extra weight bearing and physical changes that occur during pregnancy.  It also reduces stress and teaches the mother to relax.  Relaxation is one of the keys to labor and delivery.  The gestation process is enhanced through increasing blood circulation, lymph circulation, reducing edema, increasing cellular respiration. Pregnancy massage also provides emotional support and physical nurturing which may be passed on to the baby.  Pregnancy massage also assists in reducing the stress in the weight bearing joints and the muscles, helping to enhance breathing capacity which is needed during labor and delivery.  Pregnancy massasge may be used in conjunction with other types of therapy including Neuromuscular Therapy and Craniosacral Therapy.

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports MassageCraniosacral Therapy

Top of Page | Home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2004-2006 Ben Crabtree, RMT, CNMT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home | Massage Styles | Massage Links | Massage Benefits | Massage Specials | Massage Gift Certificates

Massage By Ben | Massage Books | Lydia's Massage Therapy | Deep Massage | San Antonio Massage | Corpus Christi Massage Therapists

Website Assistance and Massage By Ben Crabtree, RMT, CNMT