From deep and rehabilitative to light and relaxing, therapeutic massage is the manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person’s health and well-being.
In this results-oriented bodywork, both the client and Dana have a shared goal of achieving positive changes within the body, generally through a series of regular massages. People seek therapeutic massage for a variety of reasons – to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles, rehabilitate injuries, reduce pain, and promote overall health and wellness.
These are the following massage therapy modalities that Dana incorporates into her massage sessions with you
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is what most people associate with when thinking of massage therapy.
Gentle, flowing techniques that are used in time with your breathing and calming music to promote relaxation.
Long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping are used to target the upper layers of the muscles to help relax and energize the body.
These relaxing techniques also enhance circulation, relieve muscle pain and tension, improve flexibility and stimulate lymphatic flow to flush out toxins.
Deep Tissue Massage
Experience the rejuvenating effects of a deep tissue massage. Although somewhat more intense then a Swedish massage, it can still be quite relaxing.
Moderate to firm pressure is applied to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep pressure. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints). These slow, deep movements are used to release muscles, aid in reduction of scar tissue and increase range of motion.
This type of massage is often used to treat chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury), repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, postural problems, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia and muscle tension or spasms.
Trigger Point Therapy
A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue that may cause pain in other parts of the body- sometimes sharp & intense or just a dull ache.
Trigger point massage therapy is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of massage, the recipient may actively participate through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.
Receiving massage with trigger point therapy on a regular basis can help naturally manage pain and stress from chronic injuries.
Sports Massage
Designed specifically for the very physically active, it combines several techniques to concentrate on the body areas related to a specific sport.
This type of massage is typically used before, during and after athletic events. The purpose of this massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performances, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.
Sports massage can help prevent those nagging injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether the person is a hardcore athlete or a weekend warrior.
Prenatal Massage
Massage therapy during pregnancy is a wonderful complementary choice for prenatal care. It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness.
A nurturing massage designed to help alleviate backaches, stiff neck, headaches, leg cramps, sciatica and edema(swelling) that often accompanies pregnancy. This massage is usually given in the semi-reclining and side-lying position. The mom-to-be is positioned comfortably with bolsters and pillows.
Many of Dana’s prenatal clients come every week and declare that it helps them sleep soundly.
Reflexology Foot Massage
This is an ancient method of healing both body and mind.
Pressure point massage is applied to reflex zones of the feet which affect the nerves and then carry signals to other parts of your body. This encourages the body’s natural healing system.
The health benefits include its ability to improve the nerve functions, increase circulation, raise energy levels, increase relaxation and elimination of toxins.
Reflexology can be a good treatment choice for people who want to keep their clothes on during a massage.
Heat Therapy
Heat is intensely relaxing for our muscles and when incorporated with massage may allow your massage therapist to achieve positive results in less time.
Dana uses a heated massage table and hot towels to warm you up!
She also recommends you take a warm or hot shower, use of a sauna or hot tub before your session if interested.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy massage employs specific scents from essential oils to enhance the massage session.
Dana uses high quality essential oils from doTERRA . She will discuss your massage goals with you before choosing which essential oils to use to relieve stress or treat other conditions.
Each essential oil used in aromatherapy have different properties. For example, some calm and make you feel relaxed while others energize.
Essential oils may be applied to the skin to further enhance healing by being added to the massage cream or oil and can also be diffused into the air.
Dana Errico is a Licensed Massage Therapist based in Monmouth County, NJ. Her office is conveniently located off Route 35 South in Ocean Township.