What is Integrative Massage?

Integrative massage is a clinical approach to massage that combines all of the modalities, techniques, and knowledge I have gained through schooling and experience. I’ve been trained in techniques related to medical and clinical approaches to massage, cupping, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release and trigger point therapies, sports, pregnancy, postoperative, Swedish, deep tissue, and other therapeutic massage modalities. 

Medical conditions, surgeries, falls, injuries, and many other factors can cause a client to suffer long term pain and discomfort in their daily lives. Even the basic activities of daily life put a strain on the musculoskeletal system. Exercise, work, childcare, anything that a person does during the day - especially repetitively - causes the body to develop compensation patterns to continue to perform those activities. These compensation patterns often cause the body to stop using the correct muscles to perform tasks and strain other muscles to maintain balance. The clinical approach of medical massage therapy is targeted to increase the body’s ability to function properly, reverse compensation patterns, and improve quality of life and movement. 

Massage Modalities:

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage refers to the use of a variety of techniques to relax muscles by applying pressure to them. Swedish massage increases circulation, stimulates the skin and nervous system, stretches ligaments and tendons, and increases oxygen flow in the blood. It flushes the tissues of metabolic wastes, such as lactic and uric acids, which can help to shorten the recovery time from muscular strain. Swedish massage can also be used as an effective therapy for people who suffer from debilitating joint disorders. The main purpose of Swedish massage is relaxation and stress relief and is often used successfully as part of a regular therapy program for managing stress.

NMT and Trigger Point Therapies

Neuromuscular and Trigger Point Therapy mainly focuses on maintaining the proper tone and function of the neurological feedback loops between the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Neurological loop and musculoskeletal dysfunctions can cause myofascial pain, restrict joint mobility, and constrict the muscles. NMT and TPT use manipulative techniques to reprogram the communication between the nervous system and the muscles, helping to reduce pain and improve function.

Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage

Prenatal and Pregnancy Massage are focused on supporting a woman during the physical and hormonal changes that her body undergoes as it changes to accommodate the gestation and delivery of a baby. Many studies have shown that receiving massage therapy during pregnancy can have beneficial effects for both the mother and baby. The main goal of Prenatal Massage is to relax muscular tension, relieve pain, and improve blood circulation and lymphatic flow. Other benefits include:

  • Lowered anxiety

  • Decreased back and leg pain

  • Improved sleep

  • Decreased levels of cortisol and norepinephrine (the stress hormones)

  • Increased levels of serotonin and dopamine (the “feel-good” hormones)

  • Overall mood improvement

  • Boosting of the immune system

  • Lowering of blood pressure

While massage can be very beneficial in a normal, healthy pregnancy, there are certain conditions, such as preeclampsia, where massage is contraindicated. Any changes or concerns during a pregnancy that reveal a contraindication will require a note from the client’s medical doctor before proceeding with massage treatments. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine advises all pregnant women to consult with their doctor before beginning a massage program.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage uses techniques that work directly with deeper tissue structures of the muscles and fascia. The main goal of Deep Tissue work is to loosen the bonds between the layers of connective tissue, release muscular tension, and release adhesions (the “gluing” of the connective tissues that causes circulation obstruction, restricts movement, increases swelling, and causes pain). Deep Tissue can help sufferers of chronic pain, reduce edema, alleviate muscle cramping, ease fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis symptoms, aid healing of repetitive motion injuries, break up scar tissue, and restore mobility.

Sports Massage

Sports Massage combines Swedish Massage and Trigger Point Therapy techniques in order to stimulate circulation of blood and lymph fluids. The goal of Sports Massage is to break down adhesions in the muscles and to increase range of motion. Sports Massage is not only for people who are considered typical “athletes.” Anyone who does physical activity can benefit from Sports Massage, as it can be extremely beneficial in relieving sore muscles, preventing injuries, and flushing toxins from the body.

Medical Massage

There is not any specific technique that differentiates Medical Massage from other types of massage. Medical Massage is learned in post graduate education classes that focus on specific dysfunctions. Typically, Medical Massage is prescribed by a physician, but I use much of my knowledge from this training in all of my massages. Advanced neuromuscular and myofascial techniques are used to treat many different conditions, including, but not limited to:

  • Lumbago

  • Post-Op Back Surgery

  • Pelvic Tilt

  • Sciatica

  • Whiplash

  • Torticollis

  • Cervical Strain

  • Frozen Shoulder

  • Rand Of Motion Limitations

  • Tennis Elbow/Golfer’s Elbow

  • Shin Splints

  • Piriformis Syndrome

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • Postural issues caused by repetitive motion and everyday body strains