Our menu has quite a few options. It can be a bit intimidating for someone who: just wants to book an appointment to help get rid of a pain they have been having in their back, neck or shoulder; or someone who has never booked a massage apppoinment before. Here is some information to help differentiate 3 mainstream massage modalities. Also remember, it is always permissible to ask questions and tailor the massage to your goals for wellness.
In general a first massage appointment is booked for Swedish or Deep Tissue, occasionally the first appointment someone books is for Hot Stone massage. Swedish is a gentle to firm pressure massage that has the primary goal of relaxation. By working on the more superficial layers Swedish massage helps to increase blood flow and circulation while also increasing the movement of lymph helping the body to clear metabolic waste from areas of restriction. This aids an increased feeling of calm and rejuvenation as well as increased immune abilities. Swedish massage helps to release tension in the muscles gradually and systematically
Deep Tissue massage works on the muscle directly and with greater pressure to knead the tension from the body. Deep Tissue massage has all the effects of Swedish massage though the feeling of relaxation is sometimes secondary and there can be a feeling of ehaustion the same as having gone to the gym. Also, toxins get trapped in our cells along with the muscle tension, as those muscles release then so do the toxins along with other metabolic wastes. {The main reason massage therapists tell everyone to drink water is because you need to. The secondary reason is we have felt that funky not great feeling when we were in massage school and got the massage(s) but forgot to drink water for an hour or four... it is not a great feeling. It is much better to drink the water and help your body to clear out any toxins and metabolic wastes that were trapped by the muscle tension. That 10-24 ounces of water after a massage can make a big difference in how you feel on day 2.} It is key to remember that Deep Tissue massage is about going into the muscle and causing it to release. Occasionally the muscle causing the issue is at the top layer, usually it is sandwiched a few layers down, so work is involved in getting that issue in the tissue to release. It may take 5 minutes of work it may take 90 minutes of work... either way if the pressure is too much or not enough the massage therapist can and should adjust to your pressure preferences.
Hot Stone massage is deeply relaxing and the better massage when the muscles are unwilling to let go. A Hot Stone massage should be booked 2.5 hours to a day in advance. {The stones need to be heated and if left heating for more than the recommended time for single use heating, can be damaged or overheat and cause harm to the client. The body may feel similar effects as having been in a hot sauna.} If a muscle won't budge the heat from the stone is able to sink into the muscle and get it to gently let go of tension. Hot Stone massage combines the effects of Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, though there may be a touch more fatigue. The stones should not be steaming and they should not burn. The heat should feel good if it is too hot for you tell the massage therapist.
We hope these short descriptions help. As always if you have questions call us at 913.682.1772. Have a Happy Valentines Day!
In general a first massage appointment is booked for Swedish or Deep Tissue, occasionally the first appointment someone books is for Hot Stone massage. Swedish is a gentle to firm pressure massage that has the primary goal of relaxation. By working on the more superficial layers Swedish massage helps to increase blood flow and circulation while also increasing the movement of lymph helping the body to clear metabolic waste from areas of restriction. This aids an increased feeling of calm and rejuvenation as well as increased immune abilities. Swedish massage helps to release tension in the muscles gradually and systematically
Deep Tissue massage works on the muscle directly and with greater pressure to knead the tension from the body. Deep Tissue massage has all the effects of Swedish massage though the feeling of relaxation is sometimes secondary and there can be a feeling of ehaustion the same as having gone to the gym. Also, toxins get trapped in our cells along with the muscle tension, as those muscles release then so do the toxins along with other metabolic wastes. {The main reason massage therapists tell everyone to drink water is because you need to. The secondary reason is we have felt that funky not great feeling when we were in massage school and got the massage(s) but forgot to drink water for an hour or four... it is not a great feeling. It is much better to drink the water and help your body to clear out any toxins and metabolic wastes that were trapped by the muscle tension. That 10-24 ounces of water after a massage can make a big difference in how you feel on day 2.} It is key to remember that Deep Tissue massage is about going into the muscle and causing it to release. Occasionally the muscle causing the issue is at the top layer, usually it is sandwiched a few layers down, so work is involved in getting that issue in the tissue to release. It may take 5 minutes of work it may take 90 minutes of work... either way if the pressure is too much or not enough the massage therapist can and should adjust to your pressure preferences.
Hot Stone massage is deeply relaxing and the better massage when the muscles are unwilling to let go. A Hot Stone massage should be booked 2.5 hours to a day in advance. {The stones need to be heated and if left heating for more than the recommended time for single use heating, can be damaged or overheat and cause harm to the client. The body may feel similar effects as having been in a hot sauna.} If a muscle won't budge the heat from the stone is able to sink into the muscle and get it to gently let go of tension. Hot Stone massage combines the effects of Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, though there may be a touch more fatigue. The stones should not be steaming and they should not burn. The heat should feel good if it is too hot for you tell the massage therapist.
We hope these short descriptions help. As always if you have questions call us at 913.682.1772. Have a Happy Valentines Day!
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