Different Types of Massage Offered at LoDo Massage Studio
By Hanna Kim - August 7, 2018
We offer many different styles of massage at LoDo Massage Studio. Different modalities serve different purposes and have a variety of benefits that you may not know about. Here is a handy guide to the services offered at our studios.
The Mile High Massage is our basic 'No Fluff, No Buff' massage at both our studios in the Highlands and RiNo in Denver. Generally a basic massage goes in one of two styles: Swedish and Deep Tissue.
Swedish Massage
Swedish, or “traditional†massage is what comes to mind for many when they think of massage. It can be a good introductory session for those coming in for the first time since it is gentle and relaxing.
Swedish massage largely consists of long gliding strokes and can also include kneading, friction to create heat, tapping, and jostling. Many health benefits from this relaxing style of massage including relief from stress and muscular tension. You’re sure to leave feeling refreshed and ready for a good night’s sleep.
Deep Tissue Massage
This is the to-go option for those suffering from chronic muscular pain and quality deep tissue work is what our studio is best known for..jpg)
As in the name, with deep tissue massage, therapists will go deep. It is an effective way for clients to gain relief from a variety of complaints including thoracic outlet syndrome, piriformis syndrome, whiplash, back pain, tennis elbow, and other musculoskeletal injuries.
Deep tissue can get confused for deep pressure. You can request deep pressure throughout a massage, if that is your preference, but deep tissue work is targeted work intended to create change in chronically over-contracted muscles and fascia. Keep in mind your massage therapist may need to slowly work into the muscle fibers to help them release.
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Enhance Your Massage with a Specialty Upgrade
We offer quite a few options for upgrades described below, if you want to add something different to the basic Mile High Massage. Check out our staff bios to see who offers the style of massage you’re looking for before booking your next appointment.
Thai Massage
This style of massage is similar to a yoga class with hands on adjustments, but with Thai massage, the therapist will stretch you into the positions designed to free muscular and joint tension. The practitioner will be using their entire bodies in the session, for example using their hands to stretch a limb and their feet to massage the area.
The therapist does not apply any oils or creams, and instead uses a combination of passive stretching, compressions, pulling, and rocking to work the body. The variety of techniques are applied along sen, or energy lines in a rhythmic manner that is both relaxing and stimulating.
Thai massage improves flexibility, reduces tension, stimulates internal organs, and balances the body's energy system. The standard procedure for a full-body experience can last up to two hours. Techniques can also be focused on for a shorter massage session designed to relieve certain pain symptoms.
Traditionally, Thai massage is performed on a mat on the floor, instead of a massage table. Clients are recommended to wear comfortable clothing (think: gym clothes or active wear) for the session.
Hot Stone Massage
Heat has historically been used to ease muscle tension and pain by increasing blood flow to the area of tension. River rocks are heated up and positioned along a client’s body to help soften muscles. Your therapist may massage you directly with the stones or knead your muscles once the heat has made them more pliable.
The hot stones are warm and comforting, especially in the winter months. Clients who have received hot stone therapy often say the heat of the stones create a more soothing and relaxing experience than a regular massage. A massage therapist can also use cold stones in alternation with hot stones.
Ashiatsu Massage
The word ashiatsu can be broken down for a literal translation: ashi means “foot†and atsu means “pressure.†There are a number of ways ashiatsu can be performed. At LoDo Massage Studio, massage therapists who practice ashiatsu use bars hanging off the ceiling to balance on a client’s back.
By directly using the strength of their hips and legs, massage therapists can provide clients a much deeper pressure. This modality is recommended for those with especially muscular bodies, thick fascia, or any areas that feel like they just need a little something more to release.
Cupping Massage
Cupping massage caught a lot of public attention in the summer Olympics in Rio a couple years back, and for good reasons.
Cups are made of a variety of materials, not limited to silicon, plastic and glass, but all have the same function of suctioning onto your skin to pool blood into a tense area of the body. Unlike most massage that are an application of pressure, cups bring things to the surface instead.Â
Acupuncturists may leave cups on pressure points for as long as 20 minutes, but for massage purposes, the therapist should move them from a static position after a few minutes and use them as moving tools.
Areas with bruising, soreness, burns, open injuries and hematomas should be avoided for cupping, as generally is with massage. Those with underlying health conditions should check with their medical doctor as more serious side effects can occur from improper placement.
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About The Author
Hanna Kim has been practicing massage therapy at LoDo Massage Studio since 2016.
She ventured into the world of complementary healthcare through massage,
after studying Advertising and Intercultural Communications in college.
She enjoys combining her passions for writing and wellness, and
loves sharing what she learns with others.
Â
< Go Back
The Mile High Massage is our basic 'No Fluff, No Buff' massage at both our studios in the Highlands and RiNo in Denver. Generally a basic massage goes in one of two styles: Swedish and Deep Tissue.
Swedish Massage
Swedish, or “traditional†massage is what comes to mind for many when they think of massage. It can be a good introductory session for those coming in for the first time since it is gentle and relaxing.
Swedish massage largely consists of long gliding strokes and can also include kneading, friction to create heat, tapping, and jostling. Many health benefits from this relaxing style of massage including relief from stress and muscular tension. You’re sure to leave feeling refreshed and ready for a good night’s sleep.
Deep Tissue Massage
This is the to-go option for those suffering from chronic muscular pain and quality deep tissue work is what our studio is best known for.
As in the name, with deep tissue massage, therapists will go deep. It is an effective way for clients to gain relief from a variety of complaints including thoracic outlet syndrome, piriformis syndrome, whiplash, back pain, tennis elbow, and other musculoskeletal injuries.
Deep tissue can get confused for deep pressure. You can request deep pressure throughout a massage, if that is your preference, but deep tissue work is targeted work intended to create change in chronically over-contracted muscles and fascia. Keep in mind your massage therapist may need to slowly work into the muscle fibers to help them release.
Â
Enhance Your Massage with a Specialty Upgrade
We offer quite a few options for upgrades described below, if you want to add something different to the basic Mile High Massage. Check out our staff bios to see who offers the style of massage you’re looking for before booking your next appointment.
Thai Massage
This style of massage is similar to a yoga class with hands on adjustments, but with Thai massage, the therapist will stretch you into the positions designed to free muscular and joint tension. The practitioner will be using their entire bodies in the session, for example using their hands to stretch a limb and their feet to massage the area.
The therapist does not apply any oils or creams, and instead uses a combination of passive stretching, compressions, pulling, and rocking to work the body. The variety of techniques are applied along sen, or energy lines in a rhythmic manner that is both relaxing and stimulating.Thai massage improves flexibility, reduces tension, stimulates internal organs, and balances the body's energy system. The standard procedure for a full-body experience can last up to two hours. Techniques can also be focused on for a shorter massage session designed to relieve certain pain symptoms.
Traditionally, Thai massage is performed on a mat on the floor, instead of a massage table. Clients are recommended to wear comfortable clothing (think: gym clothes or active wear) for the session.
Hot Stone Massage
Heat has historically been used to ease muscle tension and pain by increasing blood flow to the area of tension. River rocks are heated up and positioned along a client’s body to help soften muscles. Your therapist may massage you directly with the stones or knead your muscles once the heat has made them more pliable.
The hot stones are warm and comforting, especially in the winter months. Clients who have received hot stone therapy often say the heat of the stones create a more soothing and relaxing experience than a regular massage. A massage therapist can also use cold stones in alternation with hot stones.
Ashiatsu Massage
The word ashiatsu can be broken down for a literal translation: ashi means “foot†and atsu means “pressure.†There are a number of ways ashiatsu can be performed. At LoDo Massage Studio, massage therapists who practice ashiatsu use bars hanging off the ceiling to balance on a client’s back.
By directly using the strength of their hips and legs, massage therapists can provide clients a much deeper pressure. This modality is recommended for those with especially muscular bodies, thick fascia, or any areas that feel like they just need a little something more to release.
Cupping Massage
Cupping massage caught a lot of public attention in the summer Olympics in Rio a couple years back, and for good reasons.
Cups are made of a variety of materials, not limited to silicon, plastic and glass, but all have the same function of suctioning onto your skin to pool blood into a tense area of the body. Unlike most massage that are an application of pressure, cups bring things to the surface instead.Â
Acupuncturists may leave cups on pressure points for as long as 20 minutes, but for massage purposes, the therapist should move them from a static position after a few minutes and use them as moving tools.
Areas with bruising, soreness, burns, open injuries and hematomas should be avoided for cupping, as generally is with massage. Those with underlying health conditions should check with their medical doctor as more serious side effects can occur from improper placement.
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About The AuthorHanna Kim has been practicing massage therapy at LoDo Massage Studio since 2016.
She ventured into the world of complementary healthcare through massage,
after studying Advertising and Intercultural Communications in college.
She enjoys combining her passions for writing and wellness, and
loves sharing what she learns with others.
Â
