Forms of Massage

There are many forms of bodywork that exist to benefit both general and specific populations - after all, people have been practicing intentional touch for thousands of years. Below is a list of modalities that I commonly practice and blend together to create an integrated therapeutic massage experience. Though there is no predetermined formula here at Sunflower Integrative Wellness, I lean on the contemporary science of anatomy and physiology merged with deep listening to meet individuals where they are in the moment.

• Myofascial Techniques - The body’s vessels, organs, muscles, and chambers are all covered in a connective tissue called fascia. Fascia is organized in a web-like structure that is affected by movement (or lack thereof), hydration, repetition, trauma, humidity, temperature and many other factors. Often fascial folds or layers can become dense, neurofascially dysfuntional, and adhered, limiting movement and function of the body. Myofascial techniques may include deep tissue techniques or gentler techniques similar to Myofascial Release or DermoNeuroModulation. Deeper methods are often slow and sustained, can be broad or more pin-pointed depending on the area and tissue consistency. Lighter methods can be very effective for more sensitive individuals or areas and involves applying gentle sustained pressure on the superficial layers of tissue. These myofascial techniques aim to disrupt connective tissue restrictions, eliminate pain and restore motion. These techniques are usually performed with little to no oils or lotions allowing for more “tack-and-drag” i.e. mechanical advantage.

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage - Manual Lymphatic Drainage, otherwise known as MLD, is a gentle manual technique that directly works with the lymphatic system to encourage the movement of lymph through the body. It involves light, rhythmic movements, moving in a methodical order and across specific lymphatic regions of the body, in repetitions. MLD effectively reduces traumatic and post-surgical edema, and can provide symptomatic relief of migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), stress, fatigue, and more. MLD also induces general relaxation and detoxification. Individuals looking to receive MLD treatment will be required to connect with us for an MLD specific consultation.

• Oncology Massage - Trained oncology massage therapists are capable of treating cancer patients and survivors throughout their treatment process and afterwards to support comfort, stress relief, range of motion, chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, and scar tissue mobilization. Pressure, methods, and treatment protocols are particularly and importantly adapted to cancer patients and survivors. Special precautions are made on an individual basis - taking into consideration positioning, ports, post-surgical condition, medication, treatment and surgical side effects (both acute and long-term). The goal is always treating the individual with care and integrity while honoring the bodies healing process and reinforcing the power of intentional, informed touch, during every stage.

• Palliative Massage - Palliative massage is intended to comfort the individual without the intention to fix, heal, or change anything. This approach to touch is deeply important to the ritual and practice of touch to help us care for our loved ones, families, and communities. Palliative massage considers the unique needs of individuals facing chronic and terminal conditions, as well as their caregivers. The focus of this work is presence, connection, and gentle touch. Palliative and caregiving massage can be provided in senior living communities and home settings.

• Trigger Point (TrP) - A trigger point is an abnormal biochemical and mechanical area in contracted muscle tissue - effectively a rigor-mortis. There are two types of trigger points latent and active. Active trigger points are places in the body causing immediate discomfort or pain with or without the application of touch. Latent means that there is generally no obvious discomfort until the point is touched. In either case, trigger points initiate referral sensation usually categorized as uncomfortable or painful in another location where pressure is not being applied. Applying a trigger point protocol to trigger points can help alleviate pain in the immediate area and also in the area where referral discomfort is present.

• Deep Tissue Massage - Deep tissue massage is generally categorized by pressure that extends beyond the layers of the epidermis and subcutaneous fat tissue to the muscle below. It is generally performed slowly with minimal to moderate oils and lotions. Deep tissue massage can provide great relief and if performed correctly should not cause pain or bruising.

• Swedish Massage - Swedish massage is generally applied at a light to moderate depth. There are four different strokes: effleurage (long, gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading the muscles), friction (circular rubbing motions), and tapotement (fast tapping). Often considered a relaxing massage modality that is a great introductory method applied for clients just starting out with bodywork.

• Thai Yoga Massage - Traditional Thai yoga massage involves no oils or lotions and is performed clothed on a mat on the floor. Developed over 2,000 years ago, Thai Yoga Massage is informed by Thai traditional medicine and the movements commonly follow rhythms and energy lines said to be prevalent in the body. It involves some pressing, pulling, moving and stretching of the body. Thai Yoga Massage treatments are often part of our movement guidance sessions and range of motion movements during massage sessions. Due to space constraints, Thai Yoga Massage Techniques are combined with somatic movement and stretching on a massage table for movement sessions.

• Ashiatsu Massage (Not currently available) - Performed by applying warm oil or cream with the practitioners feet, Ashiatsu or Barefoot Massage is an excellent way for clients to experience exquisite touch with the broad tool of the foot. Often preferred by lovers of deep tissue, this massage therapy allows for a broad, and even weight distribution wherein the therapist relies on overhead bars and the table to gradually disperse weight into the client at their preferred depth. This allows for longer deep tissue massages without compromising the therapists hands and upper body joints while delivering a nourishing feeling, massage with a gradience of depth from light to very deep.

• Want to learn more about the benefits of bodywork? Check out the American Massage Therapy Association’s (AMTA) 25 Reasons to Get a Massage article.