Hanna Kim - 9/27/2018
In our first and second blog segments, I went over some of the different types of massage offered LoDo Massage Studio. In this third installment, you will find overviews of four more modalities offered here: craniosacral therapy, reflexology, myofascial release massage, and integrative massage. You may find yourself benefitting from massage you might not have previously considered.
Craniosacral therapy is a very gentle form of touch therapy - practitioners use less than 5 grams of pressure to “release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system,†according to the Upledger Institute, which developed craniosacral therapy. Proponents of craniosacral therapy say the goal is to aid the body’s healing capabilities by releasing restrictions in the synarthrodial joints of the cranium.
Because of how gentle craniosacral therapy is, there are practically no health restrictions on who can receive this type of work. This modality provides a pleasant and soothing experience for clients.
Reflexology is based on a Traditional Chinese Medicine theory that our musculoskeletal system and organs correspond to different points in our feet, hands, and ears. It is believed that pressure applied to these areas can affect one’s overall health.
Studies supported by the National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Health show some evidence reflexology can reduce pain, psychological symptoms including anxiety, depression, and stress, and aid in relaxation and sleep. Studies also show reflexology may benefit those with cancer as a form of palliative care.
Myofascial Release Massage targets our body’s fascia, a network of connective tissue that is around and between our muscles and organs. Restrictions in myofascial tissue can be caused by trauma, surgery, and inflammatory responses in the body leading to pain and tightness. Massage therapists aim to stretch and loosen the fascia to increase mobility and relieve pain.
Myofascial massage can provide much-needed relief from those suffering from soft tissue pain in areas including the back, shoulders, or hips, and musculoskeletal issues such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia or migraine headaches.
Your massage therapist can help you figure out the best massage for you. Integrative Massage combines the knowledge of different techniques a therapist has learned over the years as well as their intuition and information from your initial intake and any verbal feedback you give during the session. Sometimes the deep tissue massage you want may not be something your body is able to receive, so a massage therapist may use a gentler technique such as craniosacral therapy to relax the body first.
Our massage therapists are all unique in their training and background experiences. You can check our staff page to see what kind of work each individual specializes in. You can always call either of our two studios in RiNo and the Highlands between 9 AM and 9 PM to learn more as well as book your appointment.