22151 Ventura Blvd., Suite 104, Woodland Hills, CA 91364 • 818-598-2777 • email: healing@hhwcenter.com

Therapeutic Massage

Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage creates health benefitsSwedish massage was pioneered by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling, at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It was introduced to the U.S. in 1858 as "The Swedish Movement Cure." Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports massage, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage.

During Swedish massage, massage therapists use massage oils to facilitate smooth, gliding strokes called effleurage. Other classic Swedish massage moves include kneading, friction, stretching and (sometimes) tapping. Swedish massage uses firm but gentle pressure to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension and create other health benefits.

Feel free to state your preference for pressure during Swedish massage. It can range from light to firm. Swedish massage usually includes some deeper work on areas of specific muscle tension. If you want more intensive work and firmer pressure, get a deep tissue massage.

Deep Tissue Massage

deep tissue massage helps chronic muscle tenion and injuryDeep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. Some of the strokes used are the same as in classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.

When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.

Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:

  • Chronic pain
  • Limited mobility
  • Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
  • Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Postural problems
  • Ostearthritis pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Muscle tension or spasm

According to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs. Deep tissue massage also received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain.

Prenancy Massage

pregnacy massage can improve labor outcomes and newborn healthStudies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.

Hormone regulation

Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health, when massage therapy was introduced to women's prenatal care. The evidence points strongly to maternal and newborn health benefits when relaxing, therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.

Reduction of swelling

Edema, or swelling of the joints during pregnancy, is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints, which also improves the removal of tissue waste, carried by the body’s lymph system.

Improvement of nerve pain

Sciatic nerve pain is experienced by many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles. Many women have experienced significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through regular massage.

Other potential benefits of prenatal massage:

  • Reduced back pain
  • Reduced joint pain
  • Improved circulation
  • Reduced edema
  • Reduced muscle tension and headaches
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
  • Better sleep

Trained prenatal or pregnancy massage therapists are aware of pressure points on the ankles and wrists that can gently stimulate pelvic muscles, including the uterus. Certified prenatal massage therapists are trained to avoid very specific and intentional pressure to these areas during pregnancy. Any woman who has experienced pre-term contractions or consistent Braxton-Hicks contractions should alert her therapist to that fact so that pressure points can be avoided completely.

Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy — during the first, second, or third trimester. The benefits of massage can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of a prenatal care provider, massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement proven to improve pregnancy outcome, and maternal health. Consult your midwife or obstetrician before beginning any new therapeutic practice.

Shiatsu Massage

shiatsu massage reaches harmony of chi in the human bodyThe Japanese shiatsu massage is a way of relaxation, but in its main theory shiatsu it is a holistic bodywork. Shiatsu massage uses acupressure techniques which is applied with hands, thumbs, elbows and knees. The acupressure technique has its roots from the acupuncture therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The difference between acupuncture and acupressure is that in the first case the practitioner uses very thin needles but in the case of acupressure the therapist uses deep tissue pressure on the twelve body meridians. Oriental shiatsu became very popular in Japan. At least one member of a Japanese family (usually women) practiced shiatsu massage to help their family members. Because of its many benefits shiatsu massage is considered to be a healing therapy. Shiatsu has a direct affect on the meridians which in consequence help to unblock the meridian points where the chi is blocked and causes health problems. The oriental medicine philosophy says that the main cause of diseases is in the unbalanced chi in the body. Shiatsu massage is used to reach the harmony of chi in the human body.

Therapeutic Thai Bodywork

Therapeutic Thai Bodywork is also known as lazy man's yogaOften referred to as a "lazy man's yoga," Thai massage was developed in India more than 2,500 years ago by a doctor to the Buddha. Its popularity as a form of healing medicine increased when it was brought over to Thailand where it is still very common today.

Done on a mat, the patient wears loose, comfortable clothing and is moved through a series of compressions, acupressure and stretches. During the session the patient is completely passive and is directed to relax and breathe. The results with regular treatments are increased range of motion, rejuvenated blood flow, unblocking of energy lines, deeper flexibility and ease of movement.

Call us today at 818-598-2777 to schedule an appointment for a therapeutic massage.