by urban-acupuncture | Jan 5, 2020 | Massage Therapy
Craniosacral Massage Therapy
Also referred to as Cranial Sacral Therapy, or CST, Craniosacral Massage Therapy is a specific type of bodywork, or massage, designed to treat a variety of conditions by normalizing disruptions in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, a critical element of the central nervous system.
In order to understand how Craniosacral Massage Therapy works, it’s important to understand the central nervous system, one of the body’s most critical systems. The central nervous system (CNS) is composed primarily of the head (the brain), the spinal column, the sacrum (the triangular bone located in the lower back), and the membranes and fluid that surround and protect it. Compression, distortions, and blockages within this critical fluid due to injury or stress can prevent the nervous system from functioning properly. Through gentle hands-on manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis, Craniosacral Massage Therapy can remove these blockages, restoring the normal flow of the central nervous system and enhancing the body’s ability to heal.
Craniosacral Massage Therapy is completely non-invasive and involves extremely gentle pressure, usually no more than 5 grams. That’s about the amount of pressure you would feel if a nickel were placed on your body; that’s how gentle Craniosacral Massage Therapy is. Yet just because it’s gentle, doesn’t mean it isn’t effective. In fact, CST has become a common therapeutic tool for massage therapists, physical therapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors. It can be performed as a stand-alone treatment, or incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan utilizing a variety of techniques, depending on the specific needs of each patient.
What Does Craniosacral Massage Therapy Treat?
By relieving compression and blockages in the head, neck, and back (the core of the CNS), Craniosacral Massage Therapy can be a highly effective therapeutic technique to soothe pain and reduce (and potentially even eliminate) emotional and physical tension and stress.
It can also be incorporated into treatment for a variety of specific conditions such as:
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury
- Chronic and/or acute neck and/or back pain, such as whiplash
- Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Insomnia and sleep disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ (inflammation of the joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull)
- Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression
- Difficult pregnancies
Craniosacral Massage Therapy may be appropriate for individuals of all ages, including infants and children. Every treatment is customized depending on the specific condition(s) and/or symptoms each patient is experiencing. Some patients may find relief after just a few sessions; other patients with more chronic conditions may require on-going treatment or the incorporation of CMT into a comprehensive treatment plan.
What Happens During a Craniosacral Massage Therapy Session?
Most Craniosacral Massage sessions last between 45-60 minutes and take place in a warm, comfortable, safe massage room. Patients are usually asked to wear loose, thin, comfortable clothing and lie on their back on a massage table. The gentle manual manipulation generally begins at the head and sacrum, allowing the therapy to identify areas of blockage for further gentle manipulation. Indeed, regardless of exactly why most people seek out Craniosacral Massage Therapy, most—if not all—patients find the therapy sessions deeply relaxing and restorative.
For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy and other treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488 | Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
by urban-acupuncture | Dec 5, 2019 | Massage Therapy
Myofascial Release Massage
Myofascial Release, sometimes referred to as MFR for short, is massage technique that involves applying firm, steady pressure to areas of damaged fascia in order to break up adhesions and soften scar tissue. The goal of Myofascial Release Massage is to target areas of pain, discomfort, and soreness by reestablishing proper blood flow and nerve firing that have been blocked by damaged fascia. Although MFR is a type of massage, Swedish massage and other traditional massage techniques utilize repeating patterns of light pressure and “kneading” targeted at large muscle groups, while MFR involves focused pressure at the fascia by a thumb, hand, or elbow.
What is “Fascia”?
In order to understand what Myofascial Release Massage is, as well as the benefits of this technique, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what MFR is targeting: the fascia. The fascia is a complex, three-dimensional matrix woven throughout the body. It surrounds nearly every part of the human body, including our organs, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, holding them in place and connecting them together. It is extremely strong, yet flexible and fluid, and highly adaptable.
When we are injured, our tissues are damaged, or our body experiences stress such as dehydration or inflammation, the body attempts to support and protect the surrounding tissues by contracting the nearby muscles. This extended contraction causes a build-up of toxins, restricts blood flow to the area, and causes the fascia to harden and tighten. And because the fascia is an interconnected web running throughout the body, tight and stiff fascia in one area of the body can cause ripples and bunching in the normally smooth, fluid fascia in other areas of the body.
Thus, the goal of Myofascial Release Massage is to identify areas where the fascia has become hard or blocked and, as the name implies, release that blockage. Once the fascia has been returned to its naturally fluid, flexible state, normal blood flow is restored, toxins are released, and the cycle of pain signals triggered by the original injury is interrupted. The ripples and bunches that the original block, or knot, created are smoothed out, reducing pain that the bunching created in other areas of the body.
What Does a Myofascial Release Massage Feel Like?
Myofascial Release Massage targets areas of blocked fascia through the use of gentle but sustained pressure. Once the massage therapist has located a “knot” or area of tight, stiff fascia, he or she will use his hand, thumb, or even elbow to apply gentle but sustained pressure on that knot until it is released. It may require applying pressure several times, moving to different sides of the knot until it has been totally released. In some cases, the pressure may be alternated with more traditional massage techniques targeting the nearby muscle groups to relieve muscle contractions as well.
Does it hurt? That’s a pretty common question! Myofascial Release Massage is a therapeutic technique focused on healing damaged tissues. It is not a massage technique designed to promote relaxation. The pressure required to unblock tight fascia should not be painful; however, it can be intense and sometimes uncomfortable, especially if the damage is extensive. Many patients do experience some level of muscular soreness for a day or two after a treatment; it’s very important to stay hydrated before and after the Massage to help combat this soreness.
For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy and other treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488 | Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
by urban-acupuncture | Nov 3, 2019 | Massage Therapy
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep-tissue massage is a specific type of massage therapy that concentrates on the deep layers of muscle and fascia in the body; and recommended by many doctors as a treatment option. By using deep finger pressure and slow, firm strokes, deep tissue massage is used to treat a variety of physical ailments.
Does Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?
When the body is experiencing pain, it reacts with tension. During a deep tissue massage, discomfort is normal and will be felt if there are inconsistencies within the tissues. Discomfort is described as a “good hurt”, the kind that feels good at the same time. On the other hand, pain can be described as being uncomfortable and not tolerated well by the body.
Massage therapists should work within the client’s comfort level and pain tolerance at all times. If a person cannot handle a high amount of pressure, it may take several more treatments to achieve the same results as someone with a higher threshold for pain. Results will occur, but at a slower rate.
What does Deep Tissue Massage Treat?
Reduces Chronic Pain
Deep-tissue massage is more effective and affordable for relieving chronic pain than conventional medical remedies. Because deep-tissue massage increases the flow of blood through through the body, it helps reduce the inflammation that causes pain. Deep-tissue massage can also help alleviate muscle tension that is often a side effect of chronic pain by loosening the tight tissue clusters.
Improves Blood Pressure
Deep-tissue massage helps ease stress and tension, which can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. People who had a deep-tissue massage saw their systolic pressure drop by an average of 10.4 mm Hg and their diastolic pressure drop an average 5.3 mm Hg, according to a study cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Deep-tissue massage can help increase the body’s production of serotonin, the hormone that promotes happiness and good feelings.
Breaks Up Scar Tissue
Over time, deep-tissue massage therapy can help break up and eventually erase scar tissue in the body. It does this by improving lymphatic circulation and drainage to improve flexibility and range of motion in the affected area. Scar tissue is often associated with ongoing pain and stiffness, so deep-tissue massage can improve these symptoms. Massage therapy is often recommended for people who are recovering from surgery.
Rehabilitates Injured Muscles
Deep-tissue massage can be an effective treatment for injured muscles. Because it facilitates the movement of toxins from the muscles and helps stretch tight or twisted muscle mass, deep-tissue massage can help promote healing. Because massage also helps relax muscles, it can reduce the pain caused by injuries, too. Deep-tissue massage is frequently used to rehabilitate sports injuries.
Stress Relief
For those people who suffer from chronic stress, and all of its various, possible side-effects like tension headaches, rigid shoulders and tight muscles; deep tissue massage can be a relief. During a session you can let it all go and give in to the healing. Once renewed and revitalized you’ll be able to face your challenges more equitably.
How does it compare to Swedish massage?
Deep tissue massage and Swedish massage are two different types of massage therapy. Both use some of the same strokes, but they have different uses and vary greatly when it comes to the amount of pressure used.
Here are the key differences between deep tissue massage and Swedish massage:
Intended use: Deep tissue massage is primarily used to treat chronic pain and muscle and sports-related injuries. Swedish massage is mainly used to promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension caused by everyday activities, such as sitting at a computer.
Pressure: Swedish massage is a gentler form of massage that uses far less tension than deep tissue massage. Both types involve use of the palms and fingers to knead and manipulate your tissues, but the elbows and forearms may also be used to apply increased pressure during a deep tissue massage.
Area of focus: Deep tissue massage targets the inner layers of your muscles. It’s used to treat muscle and tendon injuries, pain, and stiffness in your major muscle groups and joints. Swedish massage targets the superficial layers of muscle and focuses on the parts of your body that tend to hold the most tension, such as your neck, shoulders, and back.
For more information about how acupuncture and other treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488 | Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
by urban-acupuncture | Jul 5, 2019 | Massage Therapy
There are many types of massage therapy, from classics like Swedish and deep tissue to more exotic styles like shiatsu. Whether you’d like to branch out a bit or have a health condition or injury, choosing a style of massage can be confusing if you’re not quite sure what it involves. Here is a list of the most popular types of massage (including some that may be new to you).
There are several styles of massage. Some of the more common forms of massage are as follows:
There are many types of massage therapy, from classics like Swedish and deep tissue to more exotic styles like shiatsu. Whether you’d like to branch out a bit or have a health condition or injury, choosing a style of massage can be confusing if you’re not quite sure what it involves. Here is a list of the most popular types of massage (including some that may be new to you).
Swedish Massage Therapy
Swedish massage therapy is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles) It’s used for chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.
Sports Massage
Sports massage can make a huge difference in the lives of those who work out frequently, train for marathons, or are active with their bodies on a daily basis. As professional athletes have understood for years, the benefits of regular sports massage include reducing fatigue, relieving muscle swelling and tension, and helping to prevent injury from muscle overextension and overuse. The result? Faster recovery, and better performance.
In addition, sports massage can also increase flexibility before a sporting event by warming up the major muscle groups. Post-event, sports massage aids in recovery by limbering the muscles and reducing the amount of lactic acid build-up. And let’s not forget the benefits to your focus and relaxation!
Neuromuscular Massage
Neuromuscular therapy is a form of soft tissue manipulation that aims to treat underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems. This medically-oriented form of massage addresses trigger points (tender muscles points), circulation, nerve compression, postural issues, and biomechanical problems that can be caused by repetitive movement injuries.
Acupressure
Acupressure is often called acupuncture without the needles. Instead of needles, acupressure involves the application of manual pressure (usually with the fingertips) to specific points on the body.
According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, the body has invisible lines of energy flow called meridians. There are thought to be at least 14 meridians connecting our organs with other parts of the body. Acupuncture and acupressure points lie on those meridians.
If the flow of energy (also called “chi” or “qi”) is blocked at any point on a meridian, it’s thought to cause various symptoms and health conditions anywhere along the meridian. That’s why a practitioner may apply pressure to an acupressure point on the foot to relieve a headache.
Percussion (Oscillating) Massage Therapy
Percussion massage is a breakthrough treatment for soft tissue pain and soreness through the use of a tool that provides rapid, short duration pulses deep into the soft tissues of the body. … Percussive massage also provides a gentle stretch to the muscles and connective tissues improving responsiveness and performance.
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Cranial sacral therapy (CST) is sometimes also referred to as craniosacral therapy. It’s a type of bodywork that relieves compression in the bones of the head, sacrum (a triangular bone in the lower back), and spinal column.
CST is noninvasive. It uses gentle pressure on the head, neck, and back to relieve the stress and pain caused by compression. It can, as a result, help to treat a number of conditions.
It’s thought that through the gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis, the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system can be normalized. This removes “blockages” from the normal flow, which enhances the body’s ability to heal.
For more information about how acupuncture and other treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488 | Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
by urban-acupuncture | Dec 19, 2017 | Massage Therapy
We are excited to have Massage Therapist, Kari Rich join our team!
Kari’s Bio:
Kari Rich LMT, CNMT graduated from the American Institute of Alternative Medicine in 2017. Offering multiple services such as Swedish therapeutic massage to ease the body and mind, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Cupping. Deep tissue doesn’t always have to be deep pressure. Durning an NMT treatment the goal is to normalise neuromuscular functioning in the body to alleviate pain and increase mobility.
