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            Many clients have asked me the differences between the different types of massage. Our first and most basic kind of massage is Swedish massage. The second most commonly asked for is Deep Tissue massage. In a nutshell, Swedish massage is relaxation massage. It mostly consists of long, flowing strokes up and down the back and extremeties. These smooth, centripetal strokes are known as “effleurage”. In addition to effleurage, petrissage is also used in a Swedish massage. Petrissage is when the therapist kneads the tissue with their hands. This often involves a lot of thumbwork and feels like the therapist is slurping up skin in the palm of their hands. In a way, every massage is a Swedish massage because every massage contains these two basic kinds of strokes.

           
Deep Tissue is the second most commonly asked for massage. It is, at it’s core, a Swedish massage. However, different massage techniques are used in addition to the standard effleurage and petrissage. Obviously, the pressure is deeper than Swedish massage. This increased pressure is applied with the therapist’s forearm, fist, elbow, or heel of hand. This can be applied anywhere except the face. In order to perform a Deep Tissue massage the therapist adjusts the table to a low height and then leans in with their body weight in order to ensure maximum pressure.

           
There are two additional options a client can get with their massage: deep heat and aromatherapy. Deep  heat can be applied on one of three areas: neck and back, lower legs and feet, or arms and hands. The process goes as follows: During the last 15-20 minutes of the session, the therapist applies a hot, moist towel to the selected area. After three rounds of compression, the therapist removes the towel and applies a few drops Prossage. Prossage is a body oil that stimulates blood circulation by dilating the blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. This creates a warming sensation as the therapist applies friction massage (fast, back-and-forward movements) with this oil throughout the area. A few minutes before the session ends, the therapist applies another hot, moist towel to the area in order to remove all of the Prossage. Once this is done, a light layer of Biofreeze gel is applies to the area. Biofreeze decreases blood circulation in the vessels nearest it. This use of Prossage then Biofreeze helps to flush out excess toxins and helps overall blood circulation.

           
Aromatherapy is also something a client can add to their session. There are currently four blends available: Aches and Pains, Anxiety Release, Lavender Garden, and Mint & Rosemary. Each promotes relaxation and stimulates your sense of smell. My personal favorite is Mint & Rosemary.