Please note that while each massage technique has a unique set of procedures, most therapists mix these techniques in a combination that meets the client's needs.

Swedish Massage

Normally  Swedish massage is very relaxing. It was developed by Peter Ling in the late 1700's and early 1800's. Five basic strokes are used and the direction of each stroke is toward the heart. Swedish massage techniques are probably the most commonly used for reducing stress and providing therapeutic benefit to the entire body.

Esalen Massage

Developed in the mid 1900's at he Esalen Institute in California. It is a mixture of Swedish and some Oriental massage techniques. The massage strokes are soft, slow, and usually long (taking in as much of the body as possible). These techniques are very relaxing and often are mixed with straight Swedish massage.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Developed by Paul St. John  to provide a technique for reduction or elimination of pain by balancing the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems. The object is always to find the underlying cause of the client's pain. Therapy involves correcting posture, building strength, and eliminating the referred pain from "trigger points".

Trigger Point Therapy

"A trigger point is a focus of irritability in a tissue that, when compressed, is locally tender and, if hypersensitive, gives rise to referred pain and tenderness." The therapist uses techniques to release the trigger point thus  improving  muscle function and reducing pain.

Deep Muscle Massage

A group of techniques used to provide therapy to the  deeper layers of muscles and fascia. Deep muscle therapy is accomplished using techniques from many other massage disciplines.