Therapeutic Massage Tuscaloosa

Sometimes it can be confusing – you know you’re stressed and everybody tells you that you need a good massage, but what type of massage should you get? There are many options available, how do you know which one will suit you? 

 

Swedish Massage  
This is one of the most popular massages – it’s sometimes called the 
‘relaxation massage’ which is a clue; it’s absolutely great for getting rid of stress and anxiety. It’s also a good one to try if you’re new to massage as it doesn’t work too deeply into your muscles and the techniques we use are all designed to relax and lower stress hormone levels. 
So what can you expect? Well, we use long, flowing strokes all over your body, combined with kneading, tapping and circular motions. We’ll also use oils or lotions to make the massage smoother, and feel great for you. If you’ve got tight muscles, aches and pains, we can increase the pressure where you need it more.  Swedish massage is helpful if you’re experiencing pain from conditions like sciatica and arthritis, and it can also give your circulation a boost as all the techniques are designed to help get blood pumping around your body. 

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Deep Tissue Massage  
This is more of a remedial massage than a relaxing one; ideal for people with pain or very tight muscles. It can feel uncomfortable as your therapist will work deeply into your muscles and connective tissues to release any tension in them. The techniques can feel slightly painful although people tend to describe it as a ‘good hurt’ – and you may feel a bit of soreness afterwards, especially if it’s your first deep tissue massage. Most people agree that it’s worth it as you’ll feel amazing afterwards! 

But it's also possible to work on those deeper muscles in a gentle way by using Myofascial Release, which is a specialized type of massage therapy that can help to free stiff fascia (connective tissue) and reduce tension or restriction - perfect for people who have had an injury or just are more sensitive..

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Prenatal Massage

This is a form of therapeutic bodywork that focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of pregnancy. 

It is a wonderful complementary choice for prenatal care and a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. It reduces the stress on joints and muscles, improves blood and lymph circulation and general body tone, relaxes the nervous system and regulates hormones.

Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches swelling.

You'll lay on your stomach on a specially-designed cushion that prevents putting pressure on the belly. 

Please note: A doctor’s release is required before treatment if your pregnancy is considered high risk. Massage is only offered after the first trimester.

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Sports Massage

This is a special kind of deep-tissue massage that is geared for all kinds of athletes - from professionals to weekend warriors. The goal is to maximize athletic performance. This can be done by preventing or accelerating the recovery of an injury,  maintaining performance by increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to the muscle and keeping the tissue loose. Sports massage also aids in reducing the build-up of scar tissue while increasing range of motion and flexibility. The exact technique used in the session depends on the area of the body that gets overused and stressed during the athlete's sport of choice and training level.

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Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of gentle massage which is intended to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues back toward the heart.

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Lymphatic Drainage Massage after plastic surgery

..is frequently recommended by plastic surgeons during the recovery phase following cosmetic liposuction. This specialized form of massage is generally believed to decrease recovery time and improve results, by reducing post-surgical swelling and fibrosis (scar tissue formation).

Contrary to what might be found at some places online, MLD performed by massage therapists does NOT include opening incisions or forcing fluid out of wounds. What it does is activate the lymphatic drainage system and improve a well regulated system that the body already has (but is usually compromised after a surgery), so the fluid returns from the tissue into the blood stream and comes out the natural way (sweat, urine, stool).

Please ask your doctor if lymphatic drainage massage is recommended after your treatment.