Modalities
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
BEST FOR: POST-SURGERY, POST-TRAUMA, INFLAMMATION
Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds every part of your body, from the muscle fibers to the bones. Trauma and swelling in your body restricts your fascia, causing pain and limited mobility. Myofascial release realigns the fascia using a gentle, but firm and slow pressure. Your therapist will look for fascial restrictions, or tightness, by gliding his or her hand along your skin, paying attention to blood flow, range of motion, and even the way your skin moves. Using little to no oils or creams, your therapist will work to realign your fascia. You may notice a slight pulling or burning feeling when the connective tissue releases and blood flow to the area improves, but this feeling goes away when the pressure is released.
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
BEST FOR: TENSION HEADACHES, OVERUSE INJURIES, MUSCLE PAIN
If you have frequent headaches or pain that comes comes and goes and is difficult to pinpoint, trigger point therapy may be able to relieve your pain. A trigger point is a sensitive area in your muscle that, when pressed, will be felt in either that same place or another area. It is especially effective in treating back pain, muscle strain, tendonitis, headaches, TMJ disorders, and many other soft tissue problems. Your therapist will work on areas of hypersensitivity using his or her fingers, knuckles, or elbow to relax the muscle and restore blood flow.
Cupping
BEST FOR: Pain Relief, Anxiety & Increased Blood Flow
Myofascial decompression or cupping is a therapy that helps treat musculoskeletal disorders by using suction to create negative pressure underneath the cup. Originally fire was used to create the suction, but more recently a simple pump is used. The negative pressure helps to decompress the area by lifting the skin and the layer of tissue underneath the skin, the fascia, up into the cup. This creates space for the underlying tight muscle to lay down and relax. Cupping also helps bring blood flow to the area in need. Blood carries important nutrients which help with tissue healing. Cupping appears intimidating and painful. However, you have full control of the pressure so please let your therapist know when a cup is too tight.
Depending on the goal of treatment your therapist may have you move into certain positions or perform certain exercises with the cups on. Lotion is used underneath the cups to facilitate smooth movement and minimize any discomfort. Be prepared to see some bruising on your skin as this is common since cupping facilitates blood flow. If you have an event coming up or do not want bruises on your skin let your massage therapist know ahead of time. Myofascial decompression should not be conducted over any open wound, active cancer, swollen areas, previous bruises or immediately post surgery.
Let your massage therapist know if you have any of the following conditions beforehand as precautionary measure may take place:
Anemia
Cardiac conditions/High blood pressure
Sensitive skin
Current blood clot or history of blood clots
Currently taking blood thinner medication
Fever
Pregnancy