Which massage or bodywork is best for you?

Getting a massage used to conjure up a fairly universal image:  lying on a table with a very large and powerful therapist chopping and kneading away on your back and neck muscles.  It never looked all that relaxing or pleasant.  That was mostly Hollywood’s version.

Thankfully, today’s therapeutic massage comes in many styles or “modalities”, and is more popular than ever as a highly beneficial therapy treatment.  Maybe it’s because of our fast-paced world filled with stress and demands, or maybe it’s the ever-increasing cost of health care, but more and more working people are turning to massage for pain relief, stress reduction, and all-over health maintenance.

A regular massage program helps people feel better and hurt less.  It’s that simple.  Now let’s make choosing the type of massage your body is craving simple as well . . .

Swedish Massage is light to medium pressure applied to the superficial muscles to provide release of muscle tension, increased circulation, and overall relaxation.

You rest peacefully on a  massage table, professionally draped—or covered—under a full sheet or linen.  The massage therapist applies oil to the skin of  your neck, shoulders, back, arms or legs, one section at a time.  The rest of your body remains covered.  Long, smooth movements are used, and pressure may vary to help relax tired aching muscles.

Your muscle tone actual improves with this type of massage.  Monthly massages and drinking plenty of water help maintain benefits. 

Integrated Full Body Swedish is an individualized massage according to your needs as determined during your personalized consultation. Your massage may include: aromatherapy, trigger point treatment, deep tissue focus work, spot treatment with warm stones, or energy work as time allows. For those seeking relief from specific trouble areas and/or ultimate relaxation, the 80 minute session is recommended.

All Susan Perry Skin Care Massage Therapists are trained in basic Swedish Massage.

A Deep Tissue Massage is similar to Swedish Massage in many ways.  However, a Deep Tissue Massage may be more focused on specific muscle areas.  Problem areas benefit tremendously from this modality.  Discomfort caused by an injury or overuse is released through the therapist’s deep pressure.  This technique encourages healing and increases range of motion.  . 

Therapeutic Massage is a unique combination of treatment, exercise and education. It concentrates on muscle and connective tissue to reduce chronic muscle tension, improve circulation and relieve pain.

Himalayan Salt Hot Stone Add-on Let this therapeutic massage melt away your muscle tension and transport you to a state of total relaxation. Hot Himalayan stones are integrated into a full body Swedish massage, with focus on any trouble areas as determined in your consultation. Your choice of aromatherapy and a Himalayan salt foot polish are included with this service.

Junior For teens aged 13 - 19. Soothing massage to ease sore muscles and reduce overall stress.

Prenatal Massage The mother - to - be is pampered and positioned for comfort, enjoying a specialized massage designed just for her during the consult . . .

Other Healing Therapies offered.... 

Cupping is an ancient alternative medicine practice where a practitioner places special soft cups on the skin to create a vacuum suction. This suction lifts the soft tissue and increases blood flow to help ease muscle pain, inflammation, and tightness.

Aromatherapy improves your mood, lifts your spirits, and balances your emotions with custom blends of essential oils. The effect of essential oils is experienced through our sense of smell, which sends signals to the brain affecting the limbic system, which is linked to emotions, heart rate, breathing and stress. Special blends offered include "Be Calm", "Anxiety Relief", "Creative Energy", or "Meditate".

Written by Susan Perry, a licensed esthetician and registered electrologist who has worked in the health and beauty industry for over 25 years.  Susan offers these treatments at her Plymouth day spa salon.  Additional text by Valerie Peck, Fatima Paul, Jen Davis, Donna Davis, Marco Beltrame, Jen O'Donnell, Cheranne Johnson, and Pat Baker.