Swedish massage is one of the most well-known forms of massage today. Its main benefit is relaxation, which is accomplished by using a combination of long gliding strokes as well as kneading, friction, and tapping. Other benefits include increased circulation, improved flexibility, and decreased muscle toxins.

In general, most of my massages begin with Swedish and then move to whatever other forms are needed, depending on what is happening in the tissue.

Going a step beyond Swedish massage, deep tissue massage affects deeper layers of muscle, connective tissue, and tendons. It is generally used to relieve chronic muscle tension in problem areas. To be most effective, deep tissue massage should be performed very slowly, giving the tissue time to relax in order to allow even deeper work, as needed, which keeps the client most comfortable during the work.

Massage Cupping is a type of vacuum therapy which, by using special cups and suction to create negative pressure, disburses stagnation and stimulates blood flow while softening tight muscles, breaking up adhesions, and lifting connective tissue. It is great for clearing lymphatic pathways of stagnant lymph as well. The cups are slowly moved over an area in various patterns to achieve the desired release, and they can also be parked for a few minutes in areas that have constrictions, while the therapist performs massage in another area simultaneously.

Since adding manual Massage Cupping to my practice, I have found it to be a strikingly effective tool for breaking down short and long term adhesions and scars in the tissue, as well as for relieving the discomfort that often accompanies fibromyalgia, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. No matter what problem it is addressing, I have repeatedly seen the results include a renewed sense of ease, comfort, and mobility within the treated areas.

Muscle Release Technique (MRT) involves putting a muscle in an isolated stretch at the same time it is being massaged, using a combination of extension, compression, and movement. It also includes attention to the breath. It is primarily used for the treatment of injuries.

I've used MRT with clients who have carpal tunnel issues, for example, and have witnessed the very results the technique is known for: breaking up adhesions and scar tissue, taking the muscle back to its proper resting length, restoring muscle memory, and pain relief ... often immediate. When used proactively, it's a great way to prevent repetitive use injuries as well.

Trigger points can develop in overworked or injured muscles and refer pain to other areas. For example, a trigger point in the shoulder blade area may refer pain to the head and cause a headache. A common treatment for trigger points is to apply pressure and release while the client actively participates by giving feedback about intensity and location until the issue is resolved.

In my own practice, I have discovered that Massage Cupping also works remarkably well to eliminate trigger points and thereby resolve the referred pain that accompanies them.

Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that wraps and is intrinsic within muscles, organs, and cavities throughout the body. The myofascial unit is the combination of muscle and fascia. When injured, muscle and the fascia that surrounds it can become contracted and even give rise to trigger points. Myofascial release technique is a type of precise stretching that uses a light stretch to release this tightness and the soreness that accompanies it. It is generally performed without lotions or oils, working small areas at a time, repeating till the sore spots are eliminated and the hyper-contracted muscles and fibers are returned to a state of relaxation.

Heat therapy, as it relates to massage therapy, is the placement of heat on areas of the body in need of a little extra care and serves to contribute to overall relaxation. In addition to relaxation, it helps to relieve muscle spasms, decrease joint stiffness, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow. Not bad for the simple application of a few heat packs which, in addition, has the added benefit of feeling great while it’s happening, especially in winter.

All of the massages performed at Annie McFadden Massage Therapy occur on a massage table that can be heated (and of course pre-heated) for any client that likes a little warmth during their massage. The temperature is fully adjustable, so whatever you prefer, a little or a lot, that’s the way it will be. This is another service I provide that is especially comforting in winter.

A massage chair is available on-site so that clients who aren't able to lie down comfortably can still enjoy the benefits of an upper-body massage.