Swedish Massage

The main purpose of Swedish Massage is to promote relaxation by increasing the flow of oxygen in the blood and releasing toxins from the muscles. Primarily a stress management tool, it stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves. It includes a combination of long flowing strokes, kneading, friction, tapping and rocking motions with light to medium pressure. The Swedish massage technique aids in the shortening of recovery time from muscle strain, stretches ligaments and tendons to keep them supple and pliable, and reduces both emotional and physical stress. Because research has proven that Swedish massage promotes general health and well-being, it is recommended as part of all stress management programs.

Sports Massage

is a special form of massage developed to help athletes reach their peak performance, by assisting in their recovery afterward an event, preventing injuries, and by facilitating the healing processes after injuries. Utilizing techniques similar to Swedish and Therapeutic Massage, it adapts to the athlete’s current needs and is usually most appropriate for young and fit individuals. Sports Massage applied after a performance drains the wastes away, restores the proper level of oxygen in the muscles, and promotes relaxation. It can be very vigorous and deep; therefore proper communication between the therapist and client is pertinent to assure levels of touch within the person’s pain tolerance level.

Carmen Ackermann and Governor Perry after a sports event