Massage

• Relaxes the whole body
• Loosens tight muscles
• Relieves tired and aching muscles
• Increases flexibility and range of motion
• Diminishes chronic pain
• Calms the nervous system
• Lowers blood pressure
• Lowers heart rate
• Enhances skin tone
• Assists in recovery from injuries and illness
• Strengthens the immune system
• Reduces tension headaches

 
TCM Massage for protruding disks graph

• Reduces mental stress
• Improves concentration
• Promotes restful sleep
• Aids in mental relaxation

Advanced
Muscle
Therapy

AMT includes an extensive evaluation of the source of the musculoskeletal conditions and evaluation of structural imbalances and muscle tension. Treatments for the problem areas are a combination of treatment methods including Trigger Point, Muscle Energy Technique, Soft Tissue Manipulation, Deep Tissue Massage, and Myofascial Release. These treatments are used in a multi-step process of warming, massaging, stretching, cold therapy, re-warming, active and passive stretching, and re-evaluation.

Deep-tissue massage utilizes slow strokes, direct pressure or friction, applied across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs or elbows. Deep-tissue massage works deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains; its purpose is to reach deep into the fascia beneath the surface muscles. This technique is useful in treating chronic pain and inflammation, and injury.

Trigger Point Therapy is massage applied to specific muscles, often used to increase blood flow, release knots of muscle tension, or release pain/pressure on nerves. This therapy is also known as trigger point therapy in that finger pressure is applied to "trigger points" of muscular pain. Muscle energy techniques (MET) are used for for facilitated stretching of the shortened muscles. The application of cold with stretching is also used to release large areas of trigger points along pain referral patterns on the body.

Myofascial release deals with the fascia, or connective tissue, of the body. The fascia is interconnected to every other part of the body, and actually helps to support the body's very structure, including the musculoskeletal system. When injury, inflammation, or physical or emotional trauma occurs, the fascia can become tight and cause pain and/or restricted range of motion. Myofascial release -- as its name suggests -- aims to release the fascia and return it to a state of normalcy by applying gentle pressure to the restricted areas. MFR can help with a number of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and stress-related illnesses.