Which massage or bodywork is best for you?

Getting a massage used to conjure up a fairly universal image:  lying on a table with a very large and powerful therapist chopping and kneading away on your back and neck muscles.  It never looked all that relaxing or pleasant.  That was mostly Hollywood’s version.

Thankfully, today’s therapeutic massage comes in many styles or “modalities”, and is more popular than ever as a highly beneficial therapy treatment.  Maybe it’s because of our fast-paced world filled with stress and demands, or maybe it’s the ever-increasing cost of health care, but more and more working people are turning to massage for pain relief, stress reduction, and all-over health maintenance.

A regular massage program helps people feel better and hurt less.  It’s that simple.  Now let’s make choosing the type of massage your body is craving simple as well . . .

Swedish Massage is very relaxing and widely known.  This style of massage helps improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, while reducing stress and tension.

You rest peacefully on a  massage table, professionally draped—or covered—under a full sheet or linen.  The massage therapist applies oil to the skin of  your neck, shoulders, back, arms or legs, one section at a time.  The rest of your body remains covered.  Long, smooth movements are used, and pressure may vary to help relax tired aching muscles.

Your muscle tone actual improves with this type of massage.  Monthly massages and drinking plenty of water help maintain benefits. 

All Susan Perry Skin Care Massage Therapists are trained in basic Swedish Massage.

A Deep Tissue Massage is similar to Swedish Massage in many ways.  However, a Deep Tissue Massage may be more focused on specific muscle areas.  Problem areas benefit tremendously from this modality.  Discomfort caused by an injury or overuse is released through the therapist’s deep pressure.  This technique encourages healing and increases range of motion.  Jen Davis  , Amy Breualt , Diane McGoldrick

Myofascial Release  is an intuitive style of massage that is slow and gentle.  It works patiently with the fascia (connective tissue) that wraps bones and muscles to loosen it and create space for relief.  It is appropriate for many injuries, conditions and restrictions that require more time to work with and through as well as for those who like a deeply relaxing massage.  Jen Davis   

Craniosacral Therapy  is a deeply relaxing treatment that calms your nervous system, allowing all body systems to function at their highest level. You receive the treatment fully clothed; the therapist uses light touch to free restrictions that block the flow of fluid surrounding your spinal cord, potentially freeing up all of the nerves of the body.  This treatment complements treatments for a variety of concerns, from chronic muscle pain and tensions to neurological complaints. Ellen Duff

Muscular Therapy  is a muscle-specific massage technique.  By working on specific muscle groups, muscular therapy relieves tension and increases circulation to reduce the effects of muscle strain, recent activity, and chronic conditions.  In addition, Ellen has specialized training in working with ligament and tendon injuries, especially in the elbow and ankle. Ellen Duff

Neuromuscular Therapy  treats the relationship between nerve and muscle.  The therapist uses deep tissue, myofascial release and other stretching and rolling techniques to bring about or restore a balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system for the relief of pain. 

Therapeutic Massage is a unique combination of treatment, exercise and education. It concentrates on muscle and connective tissue to reduce chronic muscle tension, improve circulation and relieve pain.

The Orthopedic Approach treats musculoskeletal pain conditions and sports injuries; it restores range of motion and structural balance in the body.

Trigger Point Therapy taps into the chemical and neurological feedback loop that maintains a muscle contraction. By working with trigger points, circulation can be increased where it has been restricted by contracted tissues and adhesive muscle fibers are directly stretched.   Jen Davis   

Prenatal Massage is usually administered in a side-lying position, the therapist working to relieve pressure on the stressed joint attachments, considering the health concerns and sensitivities of the pregnant woman.  It has attracted the interest of labor and delivery nurses, nurse mid-wives, childbirth educators and obstetricians.  Please consult our specially trained prenatal massage therapist for more information.  Diane McGoldrick

An  Energy Work “Plus” Massage  allows the massage therapist to use moist heat and crystals to enhance the effects of the more widely known Swedish Massage.  This involves clearing the chakra (energy) system through healing touch.  Allowing the energy to flow unobstructed through the body creates balance, harmony and a sense of well being.  Mary Ann MacLeod

Reflexology   Tired of tension or stress-related headaches?  Need some help with sleep problems?  Reflexology combines art and science to help the body by applying pressure to specific points that can positively influence corresponding parts of the body.

Reflexology is the Mother of Acupuncture, and recently voted the fastest growing alternative health method.

Reflexology is not a foot massage, but a science based on the premise that there are 7,200 nerve endings and over 250,000 glands in the feet, which correspond to all glands, organs, parts and systems of the body.  A well-trained therapist applying pressure using thumb, finger and hand techniques to specific areas results in the stimulation of the corresponding areas, bringing wellness and balance.

Reflexology can be traced back as far as 3000 B.C. China and Egypt, along with
other ancient cultures, used reflexology to welcome healing and well-being. It is a cousin to acupressure because it utilizes many of the same pressure points and meridians to facilitate positive change in the body.

With the client in a reclined position, only the footwear is removed.  A typical session consists of relaxation techniques followed by a complete Reflexology treatment during which the practitioner applies gentle pressure to the reflex points on the feet, ankles and hands.  Sessions are individualized to meet your needs. Let us know if there are any areas around which you would like your session focused.

Benefits of reflexology ~

Leads to the balancing of all internal and external body systems, improving circulation via stimulation to the nervous and subtle energy systems.

Reduces stress and induces deep relaxation; this is when healing takes place.

Much improved sleep patterns.

Improves circulation and relaxes muscles.

Lymphatic drainage ~ cleanses the body of toxins and impurities.

Balances the whole system

Revitalizes energy

Improved weight loss efforts

Reflexology has successfully relieved symptoms of stress, anxiety, arthritis, headaches, hypertension, digestive ailments, back and shoulder pain, menopausal symptoms, fatigue, sinusitis, asthma, sciatica, PMS and many other symptoms as well. 

Reiki is based on the principle that the human body contains infinite intelligence on a cellular level.  The body’s RNA and DNA contain the ability to heal.  Reiki helps the body utilize this powerful energy to heal itself. 

While fully clothed , you will feel the Reiki Master gently touch the energy centers of the face, throat, shoulders, heart, stomach, legs, and back.  Reiki is non-invasive and works in accordance with your specific needs. 

Reiki can be a very effective pain management tool. Dating back to nineteenth century Japan, it was believed that Reiki encouraged health, happiness, prosperity, and longevity.   Linda Vopat,  Ellen Duff,  Diane McGoldrick

Written by Susan Perry, a licensed esthetician and registered electrologist who has worked in the health and beauty industry for over 25 years.  Susan offers these treatments at her Plymouth day spa salon.  Additional text by Valerie Peck, Fatima Paul, Jen Davis, Donna Davis and Pat Baker.