Fit MassageOur Techniques
Sports Massage
As defined by the North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, sports massage is “a collection of massage techniques performed on athletes or active individuals for the purpose of aiding recovery or treating pathology.” Simply put, it is focused massage utilizing many different techniques including massage, range of motion, stretching and more to help active people and athletes prevent and address injuries.
Deep Tissue Massage
One of the main benefits of deep tissue massage is pain relief. Typically, this is not considered a “relaxation” massage as the therapist is typically targeting swollen, painful and injured muscles in order to promote healing, decrease swelling and lessen pain. This type of massage works on chronic pain as well as acute injuries, so if you have a lingering injury such as back pain or sore legs, you should find relief and comfort from a deep tissue massage.
Thai Massage
Thai massage originated in Thailand, and many people describe it as a mix between yoga and massage. It uses stretching and slow, rhythmic compression. Thai massage therapists use many parts of their body - their thumbs, palms, elbows, and even feet and knees - to pull, press, and stretch the body. This is done to loosen the joints and relax the body. The compressions are performed very slowly and cover the entire body from the feet all the way up to the head and face. It is a combination of massage and also passive stretching – this means that the massage therapist will stretch your body for you.
Mu-Xing
Utlizing bamboo and rosewood tools that have been warmed, the therapist seeks to soften fascia and relax the muscles for a deeper therapeutic massage. Mu-Xing promotes a deep sense of overall well being and relaxation. These tools are often used as an alternative to hot stones.
Hot Stone Therapy
Hot stones are used to help relieve muscle tension and pain. Studies show that a hot stone massage may be a helpful way to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation. It may be helpful for a variety of conditions and circumstances. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat. Hot massage stones are heated to between 130 and 145 degrees.
Cupping
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which the therapist puts cups on the skin to create a suction. The cups may be slowly moved around the affected area, providing decompression of the soft tissue in that area. Cups may be left in place to promote increased blood flow to one or more affected areas. Reasons cupping therapy are used include decreasing pain and inflammation, increasing blood flow, releasing toxins, promoting relaxation, general well-being, and so much more.
What resonates?
Muscle Soreness
Relax the muscular system. This is a must for atheletes training on the regular. The athlete body is put through rigorous training that induces stress on purpose. The result is strength, but also the bundling of muscle fibers into knots reducing the ability of muscles to lengthen and perform at their best. Massage loosens these fibers and allows for better circulation and oxygenation, speeding up the recovery process.
Chronic Pain
Routine massage therapy is capable of providing deep relief for on-going and relentless pain. Deep tissue massage releases hormones known as endorphins, which effectively inhibit the body's pain receptors reducing pain intensity.
Fatigue
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include prolonged and unexplained feelings of tirednes, muscle and joint pain, headaches, sore throat, insomnia, painful lymph nodes, forgetfulness, and impaired mental functions. Although the disorder is experienced by both sexes, it is more common among women aged 40 to 50.
Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion
Limited range of motion and stiffness often leads to injury. Getting regular massages increases range of motion and flexibility by increasing blood flow to the effected areas. This relieves muscle tension and allows for full range of motion and activity.
Anxiety & Depression
Sooth the effects of anxiety and depression with massage. Routine massage is connected to reducing the body's levels of cortisol while stimulating the brain's nervous system to actively calm the body during stress.
Trouble Sleeping
The benefits of massage actually encourage restful sleep. The National Institutes of Health concluded that massage therapy is an effective element of recovery because it reduces fatigue and improves sleep.