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 light to medium pressure applied to the superficial muscles to provide release of muscle tension, increased circulation, and overall relaxation.

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.  . 

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.

Cupping is soft silicone cups moved over or placed for brief periods on the skin to affect muscle tension and pain. The negative pressure exerted by the cups causes stretching of the skin and underlying tissue, allowing dilation of the capillaries and increased blood flow to tissues. While beneficial, it should be noted that some capillary rupture may occur (bruising).

Himalayan Hot Stone Therapy is a treatment that really penetrates deeply into the muscles to help alleviate pain, discomfort and inflammation. Your therapist can boost circulation, release tension in sore and stiff muscles and help eliminate toxins.  The heat acts as a natural sedative, deeply relaxing as the stones are stroked on the body.  The use of Himalayan salt stones provides added benefits: The heated stones alkalize the skin, replenish and nourish the skin with 84 minerals, lightly exfoliate and help neutralize the ill effects of the toxic frequencies we live with every day. Negative ions are created when the stones are heated, creating a sense of peace and deeper relaxation. Your muscles will almost seem to melt, along with the stress! Finally, unlike river stones and some other stone therapies, Himalayan salt has antimicrobial properties.

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.

Pain & Stress Buster CBD Massage benefits can include improved blood pressure, pain reduction, muscle recovery, inflammation alleviation, skin quality improvement and overall enhancement of the massage.

Other Healing Therapies offered.... 

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. 

Polarity Therapy assists the body to reinstate a proper energy flow and balance within the chakras, energy meridians, and aura. These elements become compromised when illness is present. Healing touch, crystals, and intentions are methods that are used during polarity therapy. You may experience a sense of peace, relaxation, or emotional release during a session. Polarity therapy can be easily integrated into the massage session if desired.

New Energy Healing is gentle and non-invasive. You will be lying fully clothed on a massage table for approximately 60 minutes, while enjoying relaxing music.  The practitioner's hands transfer the Healing Energy to you by allowing the Energy to flow freely and powerfully, facilitating healing.  Energetic vibrations increase and blockages clear.  People have experienced warmth in the area being worked on, visualization of beautiful colors, sensation of an insight or inspiration, feeling comfortable, refreshed, and rejuvenated and stress-free.  Some people experience a reduction in pain. Whatever manifests itself physically is also a symptom of disorder on the emotional, mental and spiritual levels.  The Energy harmonizes and adjusts itself according to the recipient's need and heals by flowing through the affected parts of the body, charging them with positive energy. The Energy Healing works along with everything else you are doing to keep your body, mind and spirit happy and healthy.  It provides a strong base of light and love that supports self healing.

Aromatherapy improves your mood, lifts your spirits, and balances your emotions with custom blends of essential oils. The effect of essential oils is experienced through our sense of smell, which sends signals to the brain affecting the limbic system, which is linked to emotions, heart rate, breathing and stress. Special blends offered include "Be Calm", "Anxiety Relief", "Creative Energy", or "Meditate".

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, Marco Beltrame, Jen O'Donnell, Cheranne Johnson, and Pat Baker.