Therapeutic Massage Modalities

   Craniosacral Therapy
   Deep Tissue Massage
   Hot Stones Massage
   Lymphatic Drainage Massage
   Medical Massage
   Myofascial Release
   Orthopedic Massage
   Reiki and Energy Work
   Stretching
   Swedish Massage
   Active Movement Technique
   Reflexology
   Sports Massage

Craniosacral Therapy: the gentle noninvasive manipulation of the craniosacral system to free restrictions and imbalances of the brain and spinal cord. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord and includes cerebrospinal fluid and the bones of the cranium and sacrum. This very gentle technique aides in promoting good nervous system health while reducing the negative effects of stress and enhancing resistance to disease.

Deep Tissue Massage: techniques that penetrate deep into the muscle tissue to alleviate trigger points, chronically tight muscles, break up scar tissue and promote soft tissue healing. Often and invigorating experience the foundation for this work is accurate assessment of the tissue, choosing the correct technique to match the physiological needs of the tissue and progressing slowly into the deeper layers of tissue to avoid unnecessary pain or muscle armoring.

Hot Stones Massage: a deeply relaxing form of massage that utilizes healing stones heated to approximately ---degrees and places on specific points throughout the body. The stones hold the heat and are then used to perform gentle massage. A unique technique to experience a very deep relaxation in a tremendously comfortable way.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage: a system of gentle massage like techniques that focus on improving the flow of lymph throughout the body. Especially beneficial following surgeries in which lymph nodes are removed or damaged.

Medical Massage: a comprehensive system designed specifically to assess and augment the treatment of various medical conditions. It utilizes a broad spectrum of techniques and treatment approaches to alleviate pain and discomfort that are associated with conditions such as cancer, ms, coronary disease, digestive disorders etc.

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Myofascial Release: techniques that gently stretch and mobilize the connective tissues (muscle and fascia) in the body. This connective tissue immobilization is often the cause of pain, restricted movement, postural distortions etc. This work is very effective in improving circulation, decreasing spasms, reducing adhesions, decreasing pain and increasing freer movement throughout the body.

Orthopedic Massage: a comprehensive system designed specifically to assess and treat occupational, sport and other pain and injury conditions. As a comprehensive system it utilizes a broad spectrum of treatment approaches for soft-tissue dysfunction. It addresses pain and injury to those tissues primarily involved in locomotion: muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursa, nerves, fascia, etc. Key points of focus are pain and injury assessment evaluation, matching condition and treatment physiology, adapting the treatment to the unique needs of the client and working within the rehabilitation protocol of recovery.

Reiki and Energy Work: modalities that focus on the flow of life energy through the body. Using the traditional pattern of hand positions resting on or just above the body without pressure this work helps to unblock energy and create an environment of wellness through which healing can take place.

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Stretching: A modality that reinforces the release and lengthening of tight muscles. Stretching is often incorporated in a massage session to facilitate the further lengthening of hypertonic muscles. Sessions can also stand alone. Various methods of stretching are utilized including: active and passive stretching, static stretching, contract/relax stretching, reciprocal inhibition. Sessions are individualized based on client need and ability. Our philosphy is the body is made to move. What better way to reinforce that than to incorporate movement in many ways during the massage session.

Swedish Massage: the gentle manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Consists of long flowing strokes that relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabolic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way the use and position it. It facilitates the relaxation response and brings about a sense of deep relaxation and well being.

Sports Massage: the use of various techniques that focus on improving the athlete's performance while preventing injuries. Sports Massage is scheduled on a regular basis as part of the training regimen and specific techniques are applied to the major muscle groups stressed in the sport. Deep friction techniques are used to promote injury recovery and pre, post and inter event work is performed at the event to prepare the athlete for participation or to aide in their recovery from the stress of participation.

Active Movement Technique: A method of body work that reinforces the natural movement of the body. Passive and active movement and range of motion are incorporated with other massage techniques to enhance release of tight muscles, break up scar tissue and facilitate active elongation or broadening of muscle fibers. AMT works to assist the body in re-educating soft tissue by providing functional and physiological input into its movement. Movements may be done by the Therapist passively or the client actively engages the target tissue to produce a more dynamic muscular response. Our philosophy is the body is made to move. What better way to reinforce that than to incorporate movement in many ways during the massage session.

Reflexology: a holistic therapy that stimulates reflex points in the feet that correspond to all major organs, glands and body parts. The science of reflexology is based on the 10 energy zones of the body that circulate energy throughout the body. Through the use of firm but gentle manipulation of the reflexes in both feet Reflexology aims to clear the body’s energy flow so the body may once again function effectively and normally. By applying this pressure to specific points in the feet pain in another part of the body can often be relieved.

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Bridges To Health - Therapeutic - Massage Center
1850 West Street (Rt. 229)
Southington Connecticut
860.747.6388