To schedule an appointment, please contact LaShanda McCurdy, LMT, at (206) 409-8176, or at lamccurdy@trulytranquilpllc.com
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most popular type of massage, designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. With the application of a lubricant (oil, lotion, gel) specific techniques used in Swedish massage involve the application of long gliding strokes, friction, and kneading and tapping movements on the soft tissues of the body. It involves the use of hands, forearms or elbows to manipulate the superficial layers of the muscles to improve mental and physical health. Active or passive movement of the joints may also be part of the massage. The benefits of Swedish massage include increased blood circulation, mental and physical relaxation, decreased stress and muscle tension, and improved range of motion.
Deep Tissue Massage:
Deep tissue massage uses firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). These techniques require a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as a stiff neck and upper and low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders. It also reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques, such as trigger point therapy and Myofascial release.
Myofascial Release:
A safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the skeletal muscle connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This therapeutic approach aids in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.
Trigger Point Therapy:
A trigger point (a muscles knot) is a very tender spot in the body, often an isolated area within a particular muscle group – which will cause shooting pain in other areas of the body when stimulated. Treatment consists of static pressure to the trigger point(s), myomassage, passive stretching, and corrective exercises.
Muscle Energy Technique (MET/NPT):
Muscle Energy Technique is a direct, noninvasive manual therapy used to normalize joint dysfunction and increase range of motion. Affected joints are placed in positions that enable the client to perform gentle isometric contractions (resistive pressure) . These directed movements help correct neuromuscular and joint difficulties.
Massage does not include the diagnosis of a specific pathology, the prescription of drugs or controlled substances, spinal manipulation or those acts of physical therapy that are outside the scope of massage therapy.