massage therapy
Massage Therapists at lifequal:
Holly Blomquist
Structural Integration and therapeutic massage to address concerns with posture and gait, chronic pain, as well as injuries due to repetitive strain, sports, motor vehicle accidents and other random happenings in life.
Therapeutic massage incorporates a combination of structurally informed deep tissue, trigger point therapy and myofascial release. All Structural Integration sessions are 90 minutes. Therapeutic massage sessions are 60 or 90 minutes.
Zakarie Starrs
Swedish Massage
The primary focus of Swedish massage is relaxation.Fluid strokes using lotion or oil stimulate the skin with a firm gentle pressure. Stress and muscle tension are reduced, circulation is increased, blood pressure is lowered causing deep relaxation.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage penetrates the skin and the myofascia. Using many of the same strokes, motions and techniques as Swedish massage but the pressure will gradually increase, becoming intense, releasing tension stored deep in the muscles, connective tissues and joints.
Hot Stone Massage
Smooth stones are heated and then lubricated with oil or essential oils, the therapeutic effects of heat are used to relax muscles more deeply. Used as an extension of the therapist’s hands, the use of massage stones induces deep relaxation and provides a unique experience many find to be tremendously calming and centering.
Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy massage focuses on addressing the special needs of expecting women. Specially-designed massage tables, cushions, and side-lying postures are used to prevent putting pressure on the abdomen.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a technique that focuses on specific pressure points within your hands and feet to help correct energy flows throughout your body.
Chair Massage
Chair Massage is performed in a specially designed chair with your clothes on. It is excellent for relaxation and more, depending on the technique(s) used by your massage therapist.
Michelle Hebert
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage address musculoskeletal issues, such as shoulder pain when reaching above, pain in the quads when running, or low-back pain from disc degeneration.
My style of deep tissue incorporates some elements of a relaxation massage into therapeutic work in order to create the most change. I begin my leading the body into a relaxed state, working with the tissues superficially, moving into deeper pressure only after they allow me. During this type of massage, I may use Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, or stretching, sometimes involving you in the work. This work can be deep, or not so deep, depending on how you feel and how your body responds to the work.
This type of work is focused, usually on the area that needs the work, along with any accessory muscles and tissues. Depending on how many areas of the body need work, this can be done in 60 or 90 minutes.
Relaxation Massage
Relaxation, or Swedish, Massage is a perfect addition to your self-care routine. It helps by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and is a great way to reconnect with yourself.
This treatment typically involves no movement or stretching and no interaction with the therapist. It is typically a full-body massage and can be done in 60 or 90 minutes. The pressure is whatever you set as comfortable.
The Mix
My favorite type of treatment because it incorporates the relaxation aspect with the therapeutic work. This is best done in 90 or 120 minutes. In this treatment, and depending on your needs, I can typically work on the entire body while incorporating focused word. This is great for complaints such as tight shoulders or low back pain from desk work, TMJ pain, or headaches from stress, while still wanting to relax and achieve a full-body and mind connection.
