Hot Stone Massage The stones are heated to a desired temperature, then they are used directly on specific areas of the body, such as the back, shoulders, abdomen, etc., they are used by the therapist as a massage tool. When placed directly on a specific area the stones act as a wonderful hot compress. When they are used as a tool the therapist can glide the stones all over the body to provide soothing moist heat. The heated stones are effective in releasing muscle restrictions and releasing tension. Hot stone massage is truly one of the most relaxing types of therapies.   Relaxation or Swedish Massage

 

 

 

Relaxation or Swedish Massage Swedish massage is a scientific and systematic way of manipulating the soft tissue of the body for the purpose of enhancing and maintaining overall health.  This is accomplished by using a series of various hand strokes, such as long, smooth gliding strokes, lifting and kneading the muscle tissues, and rubbing or compressing the tissues in different directions. Swedish massage creates a feeling of general relaxation, relieves stress, lowers the blood pressure, increases circulation, and relieves muscle soreness and stiffness, just to name some of the many benefits. Swedish massage is the most common modality of massage therapy.

 

 

 

Pain Management Massage therapy is a very beneficial way to combat pain resulting from all different types of disorders and conditions. Providing that massage is indicated for a certain condition, massage can help to alleviate pain and tension, while assisting in speeding up the healing process. In addition, although certain conditions may be irreversible, massage may prevent exacerbation of the condition itself and make the pain more manageable. Many different conditions fall into these categories; sports related injuries, injuries from automobile accidents, muscular disorders, neuromuscular disorders, nervous system disorders, chronic degenerative disorders, etc. are all examples.  Professional massage is an important, effective tool in combating pain and stress.

 

 

 

Deep Tissue Massage Deep Tissue massage therapy is a very beneficial form of therapy that takes the basic Swedish massage much deeper and incorporates a variety of additional techniques.  Deeper techniques would include trigger point therapy, stripping, compression work, techniques utilizing elbows and more.  This therapy is especially helpful with dense, adhesive tissue and helps break up the tightness and the knots.  Deep techniques are very helpful in relieving the aches and pains of tight neck and shoulder muscles leaving the muscles loose and relaxed.  Deep techniques are often coupled with other modalities creating a very healing experience.

 

 

 

Cupping Massage Cupping is a form of bodywork in which the therapist uses reversed pressure and massage strokes to loosen tight and knotted tissue.  The cups allow the tissue to release in a gentler more effective fashion.  Traditionally the cups were used in stationary position on acupressure points along the meridians to unblock energy and promote balance in the body’s energy flow. The reverse pressure of the cups effects tissue up to four inches below the surface.  We at the Forest Massage & Wellness Center use the cups as a tool for aiding in the diminishing of large adhesions and a catalyst for building healthy new tissue.

 

 

 

Craniosacral Therapy Craniosacral therapy is an extremely relaxing, non-invasive, gentle technique that involves the cranio sacral system. The cranio sacral system includes the membranes and cerebral spinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and the spinal cord. The membranes and fluid extend from all the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which is  the cranium, all the way down to the sacrum. The therapists’ job is to feel for blockages in the natural flow of this system and help to release them. The cranio sacral practitioner will make assessments going over the entire body to facilitate the release of blockages that may be caused by inflammation, adhesion, somatic dysfunction and neuroflexes. These blockages keep an individual from experiencing optimum health. The pressure is very light, comparable to the weight of a nickel.

 

 

 

Reflexology Therapy The holistic approach to foot work that uses applied pressure to reflex points along the hands, feet, and ears in which the bodies systems including; glands, organs, and structures in the body are affected in a positive and healing way.  The course of treatment is to seek and balance the bodies functioning, break down tension, and relieve stress, also to improve the nerve flow and blood supply throughout the body.  Generally Reflexology is performed on the feet. The therapist prepares the feet by using a warm foot soak and a gentle salt exfoliation to loosen and warm tissues before the foot work begins.  The client then lays back and relaxes while the therapist works the areas of need in the feet. Treatments involve gentle yet effective; rocking, kneading, pulling, stretching, ROM (range of motion) of toes and ankles, and direct pressure applied through the tips of the therapist’s thumbs, fingers, or knuckles.

 

 

 

Sports Therapy Sports/ Performance Massage includes: pre- event, post-event, and training therapies.  Sports/ Performance Massage is a form of body work that is specifically designed for each client and a specific protocol is developed in order to affect and target all areas of the clients body, and to start moving towards improving an athletes ability to maintain a peak physical condition. The therapist uses a variety of techniques including; stretching, assisted stretch, kneading, rocking, ROM exercises, soft tissue releases, sculpting, and other techniques to release and train performance muscles.  The therapist also helps the client to understand how the muscles work in relation to their specific sport and also educates and develops a stretching routine for each client teaching them things they could do at home in order to maintain and continue to benefit their bodies.

 

 

 

Manual Lymph Drainage The lymph system is a “specialized component” of the circulatory system that is responsible for your immune responses and also for waste disposal.  The lymph system carries lymph (interstitial fluid), which is vital in maintaining a healthy function immune system.  The lymph circulates though our bodies through lymph vessels which run to and from endocrine glands carrying away debris and bacteria’s from our areas of ill health then our bloodstream carries it to our spleen, intestines, and kidneys for detoxification.  Manual Lymph Drainage uses light pressure and knowledge of the body’s intricate watershed system to unblock areas in the lymph vessels so the fluids can be moved and exchanged in order to maintaining homeostasis.  Manual Lymph Drainage can benefit those suffering from conditions in which limbs are swollen due to edema and or other disease processes, also aides in detoxifying the body.

 

 

 

Chair Massage Chair Massage is one of the most convenient types of massage; since you don’t’ have to disrobe, you can loosen up, and it is catered to those with a busy schedule in which they can’t get away for an hour at a time. Chair massage uses kneading, rocking, sculpting, and other loosening techniques to release muscle that are spasmed.  Chair massage also utilizes and integrates Swedish techniques to clam, relax, and ease the body, mind, and spirit.  Chair massage at the Forest Massage & Wellness Center is available by appointment. The therapists book special events for groups of individuals for example; wedding parties. We can be booked for your corporate health fair, and as part of the business wellness programs on occasions or on a regular basis.

 

 

 

AromaMassage Aromatherapy is the science and art of using the aromatic extracts from plants or their “essential oils” to effect health and well-being.  The aromatic essences are extracted from various plant parts; flowers, stems, leaves, bark, resins, seeds, berries, rinds, and rhizomes.  Each essential oil has its own unique quality, smell, therapeutic properties and chemical composition.  An Aromamassage is truly one of the most relaxing types of therapies.  A unique custom blend is created for the therapeutic qualities, as well as, the client's preference.  See the Aromatherapy section for more information. Back to Home Page