MASSAGE SERVICES
With extensively trained and experienced staff members, we're able to offer a variety of massage therapy services. We can design individualized massage therapy programs to suit your needs. Not sure what is the best fit for you? Read on to learn more about all of the techniques we are proud to offer.
Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage
Swedish massage is the type of massage usually chosen to facilitate relaxation and produce a general feeling of well being. The practitioner massages the major muscle groups to stimulate circulation and help create balance in the musculo-skeletal system.
There are five basic strokes in Swedish massage: effleurage, a long stroke used to warm and sooth the muscles; petrissage, a kneading movement which stimulates the muscles more deeply; friction, or small circular motions in a localized area; tapotement, a rapid tapping used to bring blood to the surface, and vibration, a rhythmic rocking of long muscles to increase freedom of movement.
Swedish massage benefits the body primarily by increasing circulation of both blood and lymphatic fluid. It can provide soothing relaxation, increased energy, and reduction in muscular pain from strain, repetitive use, or stress.
Deep tissue massage is a version of Swedish massage in which the therapist uses a deeper, more focused pressure. Some people benefit more from this deeper pressure, others from a lighter touch.
FOR FURTHER READING:
Healthline: Benefits of Swedish Massage
Medical News Today: What to Know About Deep Tissue Massage
Sandy Fritz, Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, 1995
Therapists who offer Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage:
Dina Clevenson • Rita Offer • Allison Dinsmore • Leane Abbott • Sheri Bergen • Marc Parsont • Teneisha Coursey • Ayumi Bucher
Trigger-Point and NMT
These two closely related therapies address muscular pain through the application of deep pressure to the painful areas, some of which may be trigger-points.
"Myotherapy," also called "trigger-point myotherapy," literally means "muscle therapy," and has become a synonym for massage. However, the term originated with Bonnie Prudden, (Pain Erasure, 1980) who uses it to describe a particular type of trigger-point therapy, and this is how we, too, use the term.
Neuro-muscular massage therapy (NMT) was developed by Paul St. John, Judith Walker DeLany, and others. The myotherapist generally uses static pressure to treat the muscle, while the neuro-muscular massage therapist uses a deep "stripping" massage along the length of the muscle and its tendons, stopping at particularly tender or congested areas to press more deeply.
What is a trigger-point? A trigger-point is a very irritable spot within a taut band of muscle, which triggers pain and/or weakness and restriction, usually in locations distant from the trigger-point. For instance, headaches may come from trigger-points in neck muscles; arm pain may come from trigger-points in neck or shoulder muscles. Each muscle has its own characteristic pain pattern, and these patterns have been well mapped and described in the works of Janet Travell, M.D., and David Simons, M.D. (Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, The Trigger-Point Manual, Vol. 1, 1983; Vol. 2, 1992) The therapist knows these patterns and uses them to locate and treat the sources of pain and dysfunction.
Why does the therapist press on trigger-points and other painful areas in the muscles? Such regions are typically ischemic, i.e. lacking in oxygen, because their circulation has become impaired. Both static pressure and deep stroking massage help restore circulation. Because the muscles involved are typically shortened, corrective exercise (particularly stretching and range of motion exercise) is important to the client's rehabilitation, and may be suggested by the therapist.
FOR FURTHER READING:
AMTA Learn About Trigger Points and Massage
American Institute of Alternative Medicine NMT
Therapists who offer Trigger-Point Myotherapy and/or NMT:
Dina Clevenson • Leane Abbott • Sheri Bergen • Marc Parsont • Ayumi Bucher
Sports Massage
Sports massage consists of specialized Swedish techniques and assisted stretching that aid the athlete in achieving maximum physical performance. When administered before physical activity, it can help protect against pain and injuries, while boosting performance. Following physical exertion, massage enhances the effectivness of energy creators (mitochondria) while also producing natural pain-relieving effect by reducing proteins (cytokines) that create inflammation. Sports massage is used by professional athletes, dancers, and performers as well as by anyone who wishes to use his or her body at peak efficiency.
FOR FURTHER READING:
AMTA: Massage Therapy for Those Who Exercise
Therapists who offer Sports Massage:
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a form of connective tissue manipulation frequently associated with John Barnes, P.T. This technique aims to release tension in the fascia, the continuous network of tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, organs, and bones. The therapist uses a variety of methods to facilitate softening and movement in the fascia, and may use craniosacral therapy as well. No oil is used in myofascial work, because the therapist does not wish to glide over the tissues as in many forms of massage. Rather steady, sustained contact is applied with fingers, palms, forearms or elbows to mobilize and stretch the fascia, thereby releasing fascial adhesions or other disruptions. The touch used is very gentle, but release of the fascia has the potential to bring about profound improvement in posture, mobility, and comfort.
FOR FURTHER READING:
Therapists who offer Myofascial Release:
Ortho-Bionomy®
Ortho-Bionomy® is a method of positional release reflecting the work of British osteopathic physician Arthur Lincoln Pauls, who drew on and further developed the work of American osteopath Lawrence Jones. Together, the practitioner and the client find a position that relieves the discomfort at issue. Typically this is an exaggeration of the habitual position that is causing the person's problem. This exaggerated position is held briefly while the person relaxes and the body corrects itself. A first principle of ortho-bionomy is to work with and not against the body: nothing is forced and the treatment is completely comfortable. Sessions can be received fully clothed or combined with massage. For further reading:
FOR FURTHER READING:
https://www.ortho-bionomy.org/aws/SOBI/pt/sp/help
Kathy L. Kain, Ortho-Bionomy, A Practical Manual, 1997.
Lawrence Jones, D.C., Strain-Counterstrain, 1981
Luann Overmyer, Ortho-Bionomy: A Path to Self-Care, 2009
Therapists who offer Ortho-Bionomy®: Dina Clevenson
* Ortho-Bionomy® is a registered trademark of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, Inc. and is used with permission.
Pregnancy Massage
Enjoy a more comfortable Pregnancy with Prenatal massage! Pregnancy creates many changes in a woman's anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, as well as her emotional state.
5 LONG-LASTING BENEFITS OF GETTING A PREGNANCY MASSAGE
There are numerous benefits associated with massage therapy for pregnant women. Prenatal massage can:
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Lower your level of stress
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Decrease your amount of discomfort
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Ease your labor and delivery
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Speed up your recovery time
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Relieve tension and muscle strains
Please feel free to call us at 703-548-2270 if you have more questions about pre-natal and post-natal massage!
FOR FURTHER READING:
AMTA: Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
American Pregnancy Association: Prenatal Massage Therapy
Therapists who offer pregnancy massage:
Allison Dinsmore • Sheri Bergen • Rita Offer • Teneisha Coursey
Foot Reflexology
Foot reflexology is a way of treating the whole body through the feet. It is an ancient system, based on the belief that the feet reflect all parts of the body. According to reflexology, the body is divided into ten vertical zones ending at the feet (and also the hands). When pressure is applied to the end of a zone on the sole of the foot, everything in that zone is affected.
What is the mechanism by which this occurs? Reflexologists believe it is subtle energy, what the Chinese call "chi." That is, the practitioner of reflexology is helping the client to unblock energy pathways so that healing can take place, just as the acupuncturist unblocks energy pathways using needle stimulation.
One of the most common effects of a reflexology session is the induction of deep relaxation in the client. Reflexology is also well known to help with detoxification via the lymphatic and excretory systems. Actually the list of ailments that can be helped with this method is very long because in principle all ailments are due to an imbalance or blocking of energy.
FOR FURTHER READING:
Eunice D. Ingham, Stories the Feet Can Tell Thru Reflexology, and Stories the Feet Have Told Thru Reflexology, Ingham Publishing, Inc., 1984.
Dwight C. Byers, Better Health With Foot Reflexology, Ingham Publishing, Inc., 1983.
Laura Norman, Feet First, Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1988.
Therapists who offer Reflexology: Rita Offer • Teneisha Coursey
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a Japanese term meaning finger pressure. This technique is also called acupressure. In addition to pressure on points along the lines, called meridians where energy flows, Shiatsu usually includes stretches and movement of joints. It is based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the same theory that underlies acupuncture. However, in Shiatsu fingers replace needles.
Therapists who offer Shiatsu: Rita Offer
Thai Massage
While many people think of massage as a passive process where you lie down and a masseuse kneads your tight muscles, Thai massage makes you more of an active participant. Alexandria Myotherapy offers Thai massage in Alexandria, VA.
Thai massage varies from the Chinese theory in the location of energy lines and points, but also involves pressure on points along these lines, stretches and movement of joints. It's considered a passive yoga as the practitioner places your body into yoga positions.
3 CORE BENEFITS OF THAI MASSAGE
Thai massage emphasizes work on the legs and feet and can include work done while you’re sitting cross-legged. There are numerous benefits associated with Thai massage, including:
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Reducing muscle tension and spasms
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Improving your circulation
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Enhancing mobility in your joints
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The origins of Thai massage aren’t clearly known, but it’s associated with Indian traditions and was handed down through Buddhist temples.
Therapists who offer Thai Massage: Rita Offer
Cerebrospinal Fluid Technique
CSFT is a type of body-energy work designed to free the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the body. It was created by chiropractic physician Dr. Don Glassey. Dr. Glassey calls CSF “the fluid of life,” that is, the physical connection linking neurons, meridians, and chakra energy. By addressing CSF, this method facilitates the optimal function of all the body’s energy systems. The result in most recipients is a profound sense of integration and relaxation.
In cranial-sacral therapy, the practitioner tries to facilitate the cranial-sacral rhythm, but in CSFT, the practitioner looks for blockages in CSF flow. The therapist palpates from the coccyx to the top of the cranium at every vertebral level, and uses a series of gentle, hands-on contacts to release the healing power of CSF throughout the body. The client remains fully clothed (or may be covered by a sheet) and lies on a massage table. The method is suitable for a person in any state of health. If for some reason the body or skin cannot be touched, the movements can be effectively followed working just above the body.
FOR FURTHER READING:
Therapists who offer Cerebrospinal Fluid Technique: Rita Offer
Qi Gong Therapy
QiGong involves using pressure on points, stretching and moving joints in a circular fashion. Qi transmission, often combined with prolonged gentle stretching, directly sends energy via the practitioner’s hands through the client’s body, down to the deepest level. It can be profoundly relaxing and healing. This type of work can be added to Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage so please select the service Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage with Rita for the total amount of time you want.
Therapists who offer Qi Gong Therapy: Rita Offer