Massage Therapy at Emerald is always custom to your body and what you need that day.  There are many types of massage techniques so for you to get the most out of your experience, we encourage you to communicate your goals with your therapist that way they can integrate the most effective technique for you.

  

Although many and sometimes all techniques can be used in one session, here is a list of some types of massages that may help you figure out what it is you are looking for:

 

Myofascial Release- Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.

Deep Tissue- Deep tissue massage targets the deep layers of connective tissue and muscle throughout the body. Using slow strokes to apply pressure, the massage focuses on areas of defined pain and tension. Injuries or chronic muscle tension can cause adhesions, more commonly referred to as knots, to form in the tendons, ligaments and muscles. These adhesions are rigid, often painful and they can block proper blood circulation, impede natural movement and cause inflammation and pain. When the muscles are deeply massaged, blood flow throughout the body is increased. The better blood flow reduces inflammation and therefore relieves pain. Deep tissue massage breaks down the adhesions to restore natural movement and reduce pain, and repeated massage sessions can break up and even eliminate the presence of scar tissue

Swedish -Swedish massage therapy is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.

Reiki-Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy." 

Sports Massage-Sports massage therapy can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed sports massage promotes flexibility, reduces fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries and prepares their body and mind for optimal performance.

Prenatal Massage-Pregnancy is a wonderful time of beauty and growth. It is also a time when the body undergoes many painful and stressful changes, and one of the best ways to relieve stress and ease pain is through a Prenatal Massage Session. Massage has been used for thousands of years to relieve stress, relax the muscles, and improve general health - and that remains true during pregnancy. While the essential benefits of massage therapy remain the same, prenatal massage requires different techniques to insure the safety of both the mother and the baby. With a few precautions (after the first trimester, you will need a note from your doctor) and a clear line of communication between the mother and her therapist, there is little to no danger to either the mother or the child. This massage is usually done while the mother is on her side supported by pillows or on her back slightly elevated. Most techniques concentrate primarily on a technique referred to as Effleurage. Effleurage is a Swedish massage technique that, in translation, literally means to "touch lightly."

Chair Massage-Chair Massage is typically performed in short increments of time such as 10-20 minutes. With the client in an upright position, the therapist can perform massage to help relieve muscle tension and reduce stress. Areas of focus are the upper portion of the body such as arms, head, neck, hands, and mid-back. Chair massages are most often booked for events! Click Here for more information.