(For COVID-19 Procedures please refer to the red section at the bottom of this page)
When you work with us, we don't ask you what type of massage you want (although you may request specialties such as Lymphatic Drainage, Prenatal/Postnatal or Shiatsu). Rather, we ask you what is going on with you and your body and what you want to achieve with the massage. Then we use a range of techniques to customize your massage experience. We may include Deep Tissue/Clinical Deep Tissue massage to ease pain and address injuries or postural issues, Cupping for deep muscle tension or scar tissue, Sports massage to increase range of motion or strength and Swedish massage for relaxation. The most common styles of massage used in integrated massage include:
Deep Tissue and Clinical Deep Tissue Massage:
Deep Tissue Massage works with the deeper layers of muscle to facilitate real structural change and healing. This type of massage focuses on those areas of the body that are causing the client pain. It is useful for extreme or chronic muscle tension and knots. Clinical Deep Tissue is even more specific and useful for addressing injury rehabilitation, repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel or thoracic outlet syndrome, sciatica, and postural issues. With Deep Tissue and Clinical Deep Tissue massage the therapist works within the client’s pain threshold. So while the massage may involve some discomfort, it should not be intensely painful. At Healing Essence we like to work with a pain scale of 1-10 (10 being excruciating) and for deep tissue massage we try to work in the 5-7 range.
Myofascial Cupping
This technique uses small cups to lift, stretch and soften the tissues underneath, particularly the fascia in and around muscles which restricts muscle movement and causes pain. Please note that we do not do fire-cupping. Our technique is heat-free. Cupping is also useful for softening scar tissue and the restriction it can cause.
Sports Massage:
Sports Massage is not just for . It can help anyone who wants their body to work more efficiently and effectively. It is extremely helpful in recovery from injuries, and it can improve muscle strength and range of motion in joints. Sports massage often uses interactive stretching methods and client feedback to facilitate change. So expect to be involved in the process rather than lying back for a relaxing massage. This form of massage is extremely effective and efficient. For Athletes, sports massage can help with training, pre-event preparation and post-event recovery. For non-athletes, sports massage can help with a huge range of muscle and joint mobility issues.
Swedish Massage:
Swedish Massage is a traditional, relaxing form of massage, utilizing long, sweeping, relaxing strokes. Great for stress relief, it can be combined with Deep Tissue and Sports Massage to address more serious problems. With a Swedish massage, expect to lie back and relax. It is common for clients to enter a meditative state during the massage or even to fall asleep. Pressure can be varied to suit the client and can range from extremely light to very deep.
An integrated massage may also utilize more specialized techniques such as Lymphatic Drainage, Shiatsu, Trigger Point Release and Cranio-sacral Therapy.
COVID-19 Procedures for Indoor Massage:
Screening for COVID-19 symptoms: The therapist will self-test for COVID-19 weekly with a home test. If they receive a positive result they will immediately notify all clients for the following week. All appointments will be canceled until the home test can be confirmed or negated by a laboratory test (as home tests can give false positives). If the laboratory test confirms COVID-19, all appointments will be canceled for a minimum of 2 weeks and until a negative laboratory COVID-19 test is achieved. Should the therapist test positive for COVID-19, all clients seen since the last negative COVID-19 test will be notified.
The day of the appointment, the therapist will take their own temperature despite their weekly negative COVID test. The client’s temperature will be checked upon arrival and they will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. If they have had any unexpected symptoms or been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks they will be asked to leave. As they will be given this information with their appointment reminder, they will be asked to pay for the missed session.
Cleaning and sanitization: All surfaces at the site will be sanitized with an FDA-approved disinfectant before and after every client – this includes the massage table legs, chair legs, etc. All cushions and bolsters have been covered in sanitizable material and will be sanitized before and after each client. The table and table warmer have been covered in a sanitizable material and will be sanitized before and after each client. Hand sanitizer will be at least 70% alcohol. Disposable gloves will be worn if it is necessary for the therapist to touch the client’s face. Upon arrival and departure the client will sanitize their hands.
Hand sanitizing: therapist and client hands will be sanitized at the start of every session, any time the client or therapist touches their face, and at the end of the appointment.
Face coverings: will be worn by both therapist and client at all times. When face down on the table, a pillow case will be used in such a way that it acts as a face covering during that time.
Client responsibilities: Clients will sanitize their hands upon arrival and after removing their shoes. Clothes and personal belongings will be stored on the table provided. Clients will notify the therapist should they test positive for COVID-19 or develop symptoms. They will bring their own water.
Ensuring airflow: an air filter will be running throughout the session.
Additional precautions: the therapist will wear a NIOSH certified N95 mask at all times.
