Descriptions of Therapeutic Massage
and Bodywork Services
"Healing is a process, not an event." John Barnes, PT
Therapeutic Massage Sessions are customized and may include a variety of therapeutic modalities (described below) depending upon your individual treatment needs. You may also schedule with a VLTM Therapist who specializes in specific modalities.
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| Therapeutic Massage |
| Therapeutic Massage is about accurate assessment, specific treatment and excellent results… experienced in a deeply relaxing and healing environment. The goal of Therapeutic Massage is to relieve pain and restore freedom of movement by identifying and treating the underlying cause of the problem. This requires that Therapists have advanced training in assessment as well as treatment. VLTM Therapists, who specialize in Therapeutic Care & Treatment, utilizes a comprehensive approach to massage therapy. Many of the treatment modalities are explained here. |
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| Deep Tissue Therapy |
| Deep Tissue Therapy is a specialized type of bodywork aimed at restoring maximum movement, flexibility, strength and relief of pain due to contracted, restricted deep musculature. Each layer is relaxed progressively in order to reach the affected layer or layers (forcing causes pain & poor results). Deep Tissue Therapy focuses on specific body areas/regions and is not a “deep pressure full body massage”. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas. Chronic muscle tension or injury typically develops adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can inhibit circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep Tissue Therapy breaks down adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. Deep Tissue Therapy is performed with great sensitivity to the client’s comfort level and is deeply relaxing. |
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| Trigger Point Therapy |
| Trigger Point Therapy is a specialized type of bodywork focused on an individual’s referred pain patterns and the trigger points that typically create them. Trigger Point Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that can even be used at home. Myofascial trigger points are tiny contraction knots that develop in a muscle or connective tissue when it is injured or overworked. Even though the pain you’re experiencing is in one area, the trigger point is typically in another area – hence, the ‘referred’ pain pattern. Left untreated, such trigger/tender points often lead to restricted and painful movement of entire body regions. |
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| Myofascial Release |
| Myofascial Release is an extremely effective and deeply relaxing type of treatment for all ages - infants to geriatrics. Do you feel like you’re ‘wound too tight’, ‘shrink wrapped’, or have unrelenting pain? Have you had all types of medical diagnostic testing and treatment – even failed surgeries? Or maybe you’ve tried traditional physical therapy or massage therapy without results? MFR may be the answer.Fascia is a tough connective tissue interwoven throughout the body like a three dimensional web from head to toe. If you were to tug on one part of a spider’s web the entire web would move and create a tightening or pulling effect in some areas. The same thing happens in the fascial system; therefore, when the therapist is able to facilitate a "release" in one area of the fascia the effect can be widespread. Unrestricted, it provides support and flexibility to all structures of the body. When restricted, it can wreak havoc on your body and emotions. Injury, physical or emotional traumas, chronic inflammation, stress, scar tissue and chronic postural habits from daily activities or work cause these fascial fibers to tighten down, shorten, thicken and adhere (glue together), putting abnormal pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones, organs and the brain. Acute or chronic pain, limitation with movement, structural misalignment and degeneration, and a weakened immune system are some of the repercussions. Myofascial Release can be the blessing for which you’ve been searching! |
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| Craniosacral Therapy |
| Using a gentle touch, Craniosacral Therapy is deeply relaxing as well as consistently beneficial in improving the functioning of the nervous system by releasing restrictions in the craniosacral system. By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. As the name implies Craniosacral Therapy addresses the important connection between your cranium (head) and its direct link through the spine to the sacrum (base of spine) and pelvic girdle which influences the parasympathetic nervous system (i.e. “rest and repose” – intended to undo the damaging response to stress). Our lives are inundated with constant stress which has the potential to do much damage – physically, emotionally and mentally. This sustained stress overloads the parasympathetic nervous system resulting in undue strain on your heart, lungs, pancreas, liver, kidneys, etc…. Craniosacral Therapy’s tremendous influence on the parasympathetic nervous system brings healing and balance in many unexpected ways throughout your entire body. |
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| Thai Yoga Massage |
| In traditional Thai Yoga Massage, you are fully clothed in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. This massage is performed on a mat on the floor, and no oil or lotion is applied. The treatment consists of passive yoga-like stretches, with rhythmic compressions along specific "Sen" energy lines and muscles in the body. Thai Massage is the perfect marriage of yoga, bodywork and energetic healing. By using body weight and leverage, correct posture and the hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, feet and forearms the massage is able to release restrictions deep within the soft tissue. Because this massage is working on the different body layers (koshas) the release works on emotional, physical and energetic levels. Thai Massage feels amazing and is incredibly relaxing. |
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| Integrative Table Thai Massage |
| Integrative Table Thai Massage is a combination of the best of east and west! Integrative Thai is done fully clothed in loose-fitting comfortable clothing on a low massage table rather than a floor mat. It integrates eastern Thai Yoga Massage and traditional western therapeutic massage modalities to create a sublime rhythmical workout that perfectly balances the body's need for movement and stretching as well as specialized targeted bodywork. You'll love the results and worry and stress evaporate away. |
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| Barefoot Deep Compression Massage |
| Barefoot Deep Compression Massage is a blend of ancient eastern barefoot techniques with modern western medical massage. This modality allows deep work without the pain often associated with deep tissue therapy. It utilizes slow deep compressions that release both fascia and trigger points. You will feel releases that few other modalities can match. Loose-fitting comfortable clothing is worn during this massage. Ask for a demonstration. You'll have to experience it to believe it. Clients always come back for more! |
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| Positional Release |
| Positional Release (or strain-counterstrain) is a technique of reducing tender points in the soft tissues by passively placing the body, joint or muscle in a specific position where light digital pressure on the tender point is no longer painful (using client feedback to find that correct position). That position is then held for approximately 90 seconds allowing the sensors in the musculature and joints, known collectively as proprioceptors, to “reset”. The correct position is obvious because the pain level will drop dramatically or go away completely! After 90 seconds, the area is slowly returned to neutral and re-examined for improvement. Resetting these sensors in positional release allows the musculoskeletal system to return to a healthier state, eliminating pain and allowing joints to move back to dynamic balance. |
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| Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) |
PNF was originally developed as a form of rehabilitation designed to facilitate flexibility (increase range of movement), muscular strength, and coordination (re-organize muscle tissue). In that, it is very effective. PNF currently finds a loyal following in mainstream sports and fitness arenas (used in the conditioning of athletes to increase muscular flexibility, thus muscular efficacy and prevention of injury) as well as massage therapy (to lengthen neurologically shortened muscles). PNF works with proprioceptors and involves both the stretching and contraction of the muscle being targeted using passive and active techniques. |
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| Prenatal Massage |
| Pregnancy is a time in a woman's life when many changes are occurring in a very short time. Due to the resultant life-style changes and hormonal fluctuations, a woman may experience varied physical discomforts and fatigue as well as emotional upheaval. Prenatal Massage benefits the general health and well being of the mother and baby. Prenatal massage is beneficial to relax and rejuvenate or to treat specific prenatal (or chronic) issues. |
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| Geriatric Massage |
Geriatric Massage is usually used on someone who is elderly, frail, or ill and is designed to treat the physiological aspects of aging and its associated diseases. It is very gentle, caring and lends human touch to those who need it most.
The result of a geriatric massage program is truly amazing. Quality of life is improved in all areas: physical, spiritual, emotional and mental. No one is too old! VLTM Therapists assess each client for health conditions in which massage therapy would be contraindicated. In that case, another form of beneficial therapy might be suggested. |
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| Oncology Massage Therapy |
Oncology Massage Therapy can appreciably enhance your healing process if you have been diagnosed with cancer. Whether you are currently receiving treatment, are in the decision process about what your treatment will be, or have recently completed treatment for cancer, an oncology massage can help build your health, diminish adverse effects and restore your relationship with your body.
Potential Benefits of Massage Therapy For Cancer Patients:
Decreases symptoms related to chemotherapy and radiation such as fatigue, nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
Increases the effectiveness of other treatments such as pain medication, physical therapy or a medical procedure
Increases circulation
Provides pain relief
Decreases anxiety and depression
Increases circulation
Increases range of motion
Relieves muscle soreness
Decreases edema (swelling)
Increases alertness and mental clarity
Stimulates faster wound healing
Sedates or stimulates the nervous system
Encourages deeper respiration
Improves bowel activity / elimination
Increases your awareness of stress signals
* From Medicine Hands, by Gayle McDonald, MS, LMT |
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Lymph Drainage
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| The proper functioning of the lymphatic (immune) system is critical to your body's ability to detoxify and regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and maintain a healthy immune system. It's a complex system comprised primarily of lymphatic vessels and nodes that require physical movement (exercise) or massage to stimulate the functioning of the lymphatic system. When the lymph circulation stagnates, fluids and toxins accumulateand cellular functioning is significantly compromised. This opens the way to many physical ailments. The lymphatic system may be insufficient or the pathways blocked due to surgery, trauma, fatigue, on-going stress, lack of physical activity, emotional overload, cold temperatures, infections, significant swelling, age, chemicals or food additives.
Lymph Drainage is an advanced but gentle therapy in which the therapist uses a range of specialized and gentle rhythmic pumping techniques to move the lymph in the direction of the natural lymphatic flow. Lymph Drainage is an extremely beneficial component in the treatment and control of lymphedema (lymphatic congestion, fluid retention and swelling). |
Benefits of Lymph Drainage Therapy Include:
Cellulite reduction and weight loss
Control of and treatment for lymphedema
Improve chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
Improve digestion and circulation
Is preventative and remedial
Minimize or reduce stretch marks
Promote detoxification of the body
Promote healing of wounds and burns, improves the appearance of old scars
Promote the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, sprains and lessens pain
Reduce stress and improve sleep
Relieve edema (swelling, fluid retention): swelling after trauma and surgery, swollen extremities, tired puffy eyes, swollen legs during pregnancy
Relieve inflammation, sinusitis, allergies, acne and other skin disorders
Strengthen the immune system |
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Raindrop Therapy (RDT)
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| Boost your immune system and ease muscle tension! Raindrop Therapy is a specialized type of aromatherapy massage combining nine highly anti-microbial essential oils, specific massage techniques and moist heat to boost your immune system, while soothing and relaxing your nervous system and your body. RDT is a powerful treatment that continues to benefit your body for days and sometimes weeks after application! It’s extremely beneficial during the flu season. It’s well known that there are viruses and bacteria that lie dormant within the spine causing many types of degenerative and inflammatory problems. Stress intensifies tension and inflammation in the body, which in turn further taxes an already zapped immune system. The use of essential oils helps to eliminate these microbes and helps your body return to health. Raindrop Therapy essential oils are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and very relaxing. (Not used in pregnancy.) |
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| 'Golfology' - The Golfer's Edge |
| 'Golfology' is a specialized massage totally dedicated to improving your swing. You can come in for a 30 minute warm-up to improve your game, a 1 hour session to address more complex issues or a 2 hour Golfer's Edge Package to be the best you can be. Your therapist will give you many self-help techniques tailored to your specific body-type needs. |
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| Optimum Performance Sports |
| Specialized for each individual athlete and sport, Optimum Performance Sports Massage is ideal for professional or amateur athletes who want to be their best. This specialized massage is great for injury prevention, conditioning, and rehabilitation! Enhance strength and flexibility, accelerate healing and relieve muscle stress and fatigue, inflammation, stiffness, injury, pain, lactic acid build-up and restricted movement. |
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| Energetic Neuro-Integration |
Energetic Neuro-Integration is a powerful & effective healing technique that is gentle, non-invasive, relaxing & performed fully clothed. The work utilizes several different healing modalities. Through ENI, the conscious mind is able to re-program the subconscious mind to successfully re-pattern the nervous system, breaking patterns of pain, stress & past negative programming that many times blocks healing & over-rides what we want in life. ENI can truly be life changing.
Neuro-Integration was developed as the result of a compilation of studies and practices on how the nervous system communicates with the body and the brain. Neuro-Integration is a biological and proven system of reorganizing how the brain receives reactive and highly charged information. It neutralizes that reaction and allows the body to quiet the chemistry, the emotion and the actual biological mechanisms so that you can heal and experience life. It is a simple system which observes the firing patterns of the brain. According to John Ratey MD, Associate Clinical Professor at Harvard Medical School, there are 40 quadrillion patterns of connections in the brain. Utilizing optics, applied kinesiology & physical movements, together with motor responses of the muscles, ENI brings correction to the nerve transmissions from the brain to the body and vice versa, so healing occurs. Many kinds of stressors can literally be erased.
Neuro-Integration Works to Heal All Levels of Mind, Body, & Spirit. It can...
- Relieve physical pain & accelerate healing
- Erase specific problems that are causing stress or anxiety
- Identify & remove dysfunctional belief systems
- Resolve behavioral problems with children
- Eliminate fatigue & restore vitality
- Dissolve fears that control you
- Eradicate past traumas
- Alleviate recurring stress
So Try Neuro-Integration If You Have Problems With:
| Anxiety |
Addictions |
Allergies |
| Anger |
Compulsions |
Depression |
| Fear |
Grief |
Memory Loss |
| Pain |
Weight problems |
Panic attacks |
| Stress |
Injuries |
Illness |
| Fatigue |
Loss of control |
Unhappy relationships |
| Chronic self-limiting habits |
Post Traumatic Stress |
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What Is a Session Like?
You’ll have a brief interview with the practitioner to clarify the issue or issues you want to clear. By clarifying the issue before the integration, the pathways in the nervous system are stimulated or fired. This then leads the practitioner to the specific integration that will address that particular set of pathways.
You’ll lie fully clothed on your back on a massage table. Applied Kinesiology is used to guide the process. Light touch is applied on a series of points on the body, similar to acupressure. As a point is touched, your hand is held in a designated pattern to fire a particular pathway to the brain. The arm is pulled to create a stimulus to the brain and the feet are moved to lock in the new pathway. The procedure is highly specialized & sequential according to the issues being addressed.
The practitioner will use very specific Neuro-Integration patterns to help achieve the desired results. In the pictures above, notice that the practitioner is lightly touching the client with one hand and gently pulling his arm with the other hand. Also notice that the client is holding different finger patterns in each picture. Varying combinations of these movements send different signals to the brain and body.
Each session consists of deep breathing, addressing 22 points, energy work, visualization, and relaxation to bring the mind/body into alignment. |
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| Fully Clothed Therapeutic Massage |
| All Vital Living Massage Therapists are extremely professional and conscientious concerning your particular needs. Therapeutic Massage can be accomplished through clothing. |
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| Pediatric (Infant - Teen) Massage Therapy |
| VLTM Therapists use Myofascial Release and Craniosacral Therapy to treat conditions such as torticollis (wry neck – can be from birth), chronic ear infections, unusual fussiness or colic, ADHD, growing pains, menstrual cramping, scoliosis, headaches, athletic conditioning, etc… Maybe you haven’t thought of Massage Therapy as a possible treatment option for certain problems pertaining to children – just call and ask. |
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| Hot Stone Massage Therapy |
| In need of a vacation in a warm destination? Or penetrating heat for deep muscle relaxation? Hot Stone Massage is an extremely relaxing therapeutic massage, which benefits all aspects of the body, mind, and spirit. Incorporating 54 hot stones, the deep penetration of heat helps decrease inflammation, increase circulation, and smooth out tight muscles, allowing your body to move with ease. The alignment of stones along the spine aids in strengthening the energetic flow of the body, calming the emotions, quieting the mind and uplifting the spirit. The perfect vacation and the perfect answer to deep muscle release! |
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Spa Hot Stone Massage with 'Luminosity' Salt or Sugar Glow to the Back
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| This is Hot Stone Massage Extraordinaire! Hot Stone Massage is an extremely relaxing therapeutic massage, which benefits all aspects of the body, mind, and spirit. Incorporating 54 hot stones, the deep penetration of heat helps decrease inflammation, increase circulation, and smooth out tight muscles, allowing your body to move with ease. The alignment of stones along the spine aids in strengthening the energetic flow of the body, calming the emotions, quieting the mind and uplifting the spirit.This specialty massage includes our 'Luminosity' Salt or Sugar Glow applied to your back to leave your skin silky smooth, hydrated, re-mineralized and radiant. Our 'Luminosity' Salt or Sugar Glow utilizes a delightful combination of customized essential oils with the additional detoxifying, healing and calming properties of Dead Sea salts. Seaweed, a powerful detoxifier, provides natural minerals, amino acids and vitamins. It nourishes and tones skin, aids in the elimination of excess fluids from tissues and increases oxygen to the skin. All of this for a magnificently luminous experience ~ the perfect vacation! |
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| Esalen Massage |
| This California-style massage is a euphoric sensory experience, which promotes healing on many levels. Esalen Massage seeks to help you live more comfortably in your own body and integrate body, mind and spirit into a more harmonious whole person. An extremely relaxing and therapeutic full body massage, Esalen Massage incorporates long flowing strokes connecting the whole body for a unique, transformative experience. The best of the west coast, without leaving home! |
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| AromaTherapeutic Massage |
| Engage your senses and discover the healing power of aromatherapy! Aromatherapy Massage incorporates pure, therapeutic quality essential oils; individualized to address your specific health needs, combined with therapeutic or full body massage. Calming and uplifting, aromatherapy massage strengthens the immune system and increases circulation leaving you relaxed but invigorated. |
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| Classic Full Body Relaxation Massage |
| Does life have you running in circles -- stress, strain, aches and pains? This Classic Full Body Massage promotes relaxation, relieves pain and muscle tension, and helps pull you back together. Relaxing, effective and heavenly! Specific complaints or problems may not be fully addressed in Classic Full Body Massage. For that we suggest scheduling a Therapeutic Massage. |
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| Pediatric (Adolescent - Teen) Relaxation Massage |
| ALL ages benefit from (and LOVE) Massage Therapy! VLTM Therapists provide massage for wellness and also to teach safe nurturing touch, or as a reward for good grades, or just because it’s fun and feels great! |
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Reflexology - Feet or Hands
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| The feet and hands have specific areas which, when stimulated, reflexively affect the function of various organs and areas of the body encouraging the body to heal itself, hence the term Reflexology. Reflexology concentrates on applying specialized thumb and finger pressure to the feet (or hands) with an amazing ability to relieve tension, stress and chronic pain as well as harmonize all bodily systems. It’s way more than just a "treat for your feet"! Keep Reflexology in mind during pregnancy; if you’re on your feet a lot; or are self-conscious about your body. |
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| Dynamic Duo |
| A full Foot Reflexology treatment plus 15 minutes of Massage. The best of both worlds! |
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| Dynamic Trio |
| Heavenly! 30 minutes of Foot Reflexology plus 30 minutes of Hand Reflexology plus 30 minutes of Massage all wrapped up in a glorious 1 ½ hour session! |
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The Ultimate... Hot Stone Reflexology with 'Luminosity' Spa Foot Treatment
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| The Ultimate… Spa Hot Stone Reflexology combines the benefits of Foot Reflexology, Hot Stone Massage and our ‘Luminosity’ Aromatherapy Salt Glow with customized Essential Oils to create the ultimate therapeutic reflexology treatment – what could be better? Your session will begin with our ‘Luminosity’ Aromatherapy Salt Glow - a delightful combination of customized essential oils with the additional detoxifying, healing and calming properties of Dead Sea salts to leave your feet silky smooth, hydrated and re-mineralized. The use of hot stones increases blood flow and softens the tissues in your feet to enhance the relaxation and healing response of the reflexology – glorious! |
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| Chair Massage |
| On-site Massage is for businesses interested in promoting stress reduction, enhancing health and improving attitudes and relations with associates. Successful businesses care about the individuals who are the foundation of their success. On-site massage can be as simple as 10-15 minutes of massage, seated in a forward leaning specialty (and very comfortable) massage chair. We can provide up to 30 minute table massage if you prefer and if space permits. Associates remain fully dressed. No oil is used in either type of massage so it's perfect for the work place. A small investment… a large return! |
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