Types of Massage & Bodywork

Swedish Massage (Relaxation)

Swedish massage is what most people think of when they think about massage.

Relaxing and calming with long, flowing strokes.

Pressure can be adjusted from a feather-like touch to a very heavy pressure.

Best for tension and stress relief needs.

Chair Massage

This popular technique is done fully clothed on a specially designed chair.

Most sessions are 5-30 minutes and allows the therapist to focus on back, neck, shoulders and arms.

Deep Tissue (More Therapeutic)

Deep tissue accesses the deeper layers of muscle inf the body to relax and soothe them.

Many people confuse deep tissue with deep pressure.

Although deep tissue can be done with heavy pressure, most people actually benefit more from a softer, lighter pressure so the muscles relax and allow the therapist to access those deeper muscles rather than applying lots of pressure and forcing the way through.

Prenatal Massage

A gentler technique which can include any of the above techniques to help ease tension and pain associated with pregnancy.

Can be done lying on the side for comfort using pillows for support as needed.

Sports massage

Usually a heavier handed massage comprised mostly of compression to loosen tight muscles and restore balance, to improve range of motion, speed recovery and improve performance.

Can be done clothed or disrobed.

Specialized Techniques

Trigger Point Therapy (TPT)

Trigger Points are very tender points in the muscle that refer pain elsewhere.

This technique uses sustained pressure on "knots" to relieve referred pain.

Therapist will ask for feedback and participation with either movement or breathing techniques to aid in both pain reduction and release of the point.

Manual Lymphatic Drain (MLD)

MLD is a gentle technique with little to no oil used.

Lymph nodes in the neck, groin and abdomen are gently compressed to "wake" and clear them for handling the lymph flow.

Working towards the heart and the lymph nodes, long smooth strokes are used with very little pressure.

The main goal is to move fluids for elimination of edema, swelling and pressure from these excess fluids.

Excellent for general swelling due to injury or surgery.

Myofascial Release (MFR)

Special therapy to help restore connective fascial tissue to a liquid, flowing state.

Little to no oil is used.

Gentle stretching and twisting of tissue to break up adhesions and restore flexibility and return the fascia to it's natural liquid state.

Integrated Manual Therapy (IMT)

Integrated Manual Therapy (IMT) is a unique blend of multiple techniques that literally get to the root of your pain issues!

Combining kinesiology (the understanding of human movement), therapeutic massage, lymphatic drain, myofacial release, trigger point therapy, pain referral patterns, craniosacral therapy, corrective exercise, nutritional recommendations, polarity therapy and reiki energy healing, the IMT technique supports the body by identifying where the problem truly starts and aiding in clearing blocks, releasing hypertonic tissue, relaxing muscles, calming nerves and the parasympathetic nervous system and removing excess fluid (inflammation) so the body can do what it does best...heal itself.

Sessions build on each other with improvements being seen after each session.

These are NOT your typical "full body relaxation" massages, but do eventually progress to the point where relaxation massage helps you to maintain your progress.

The entire goal of IMT is to eliminate the root cause of your pain and mobility issues once and for all.

Handle With Care Burn Scar Massage

Specialized massage for Burn Survivors.

Pure coconut oil or your favorite moisturizing lotion can be used. Extra special care for grafts, harvest sites and burn scars.

Compression and thumb friction on burn sites with classic Swedish or Deep Tissue on non-burn sites.

Hydration is the primary concern along with softening tissue for improved mobility and pain reduction.

Therapist will also alert you to any areas where tears or puckering are to help keep your tissue in the best condition possible.

Several of our therapists are specially trained and are members of the Handle With Care Burn Scar Massage Therapy Team.

Autism Spectrum Therapy

Most people on the Autism Spectrum suffer from aversion to being touched, communication issues and elevated stress and tension levels.

Routine and a very structured schedule help these amazing people to function in normal life.

As they age they become less touch sensitive through repeated efforts from parents, family and therapists.

We offer special package pricing for families who are part of ARSC of Genesee County.

Sessions are weekly or bi-weekly and last 30 minutes.

Massage, Reiki or CranioSacral are the preferred techniques.

If your child/young adult is touch aversive, we recommend starting with Reiki or CranioSacral and gradually shift to massage as progress is made.