Chris Farley, LMT Velvet Touch Massage

Swedish Massage is one of the commonly practiced modality in the United States. Swedish Massage uses moderate pressure and a combination of soothing strokes to relieve tired muscle, increase circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, and calm the nervous system. Swedish Massage is known for its ability to relax clients and dissolve away stress.

When an individual experiences physical/emotional trauma, scarring, repetitive movements, postural distortions, and stress, the intricate fascia webbing becomes thick, fibrous and restricted, causing excessive joint compression, nerve compression, decreased range of motion, decreased muscle efficiency and chronic pain. This technique releases tense muscles by acting on the fascia, or connective tissue through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, not necessarily because of the amount of pressure used. Deep Tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage. However, if the massage is done correctly you should feel better than ever within a day or two. 

Neuromuscular therapy is also called trigger point therapy. Neuromuscular therapy consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. The massage therapy pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow. Once applied to muscle spasm, the pressure should not vary for ten to thirty seconds. Muscles that are in spasm will be painful to the touch. The pain is caused by lacking proper blood flow, usually due to the muscle spasm. Because the muscle is not receiving enough blood, the muscle is also not receiving enough oxygen and the lack of oxygen causes the muscle to produce lactic acid. The lactic acid makes the muscle feel sore following physical activity. After the muscle is relaxed through massage therapy, the lactic acid will be released from the muscle, and the muscle should start receiving enough blood and oxygen.

Muscle Energy Technique is a system of isometric contractions and stretches performed with a massage therapist to release severely contracted muscles. By doing so it helps to reeducate the nervous system so that muscle tone is reset to a functional pain free level. This technique is very effective and involves no discomfort. Purpose is to gain motion that is limited by restrictions of neuromuscular structures.