Cottage Massage.Barbra Friedman

Swedish massage utilizes long, smooth strokes, kneading and other movements focused on superficial layers of muscle using massage oil. Swedish massage is very gentle and relaxing. If you've never had massage before, this is a good one to try first.

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.Deep tissue is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness and sore shoulders. Some of the same strokes are used in Swedish massage but less oil is used and the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and focused on areas of tension and pain.

How does deep tissue massage work?
When there is chronic tension or injury, there is usually adhesions bands of painful, rigid tissue)in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Adhesions can block circulation, cause pain, limited movement and inflamation.

Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this the therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscle.

Will deep tissue massage hurt?

Many of my clients have experienced painful deep tissue massage with other therapists. This is unfortunate. I believe that is because the therapist didn't listen to their clients or the clients didn't feel safe enough to communicate what they were feeling. I monitor my work carefully, asking clients to tell me when they are feeling pain or soreness outside their comfort range. There is no need for a client to feel extreme pain for this technique to be effective. In fact, the muscles begin to seize up and tighten when too much pain is felt and the benefits of the massage are lost.

There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage but it should subside in a day or so. On occassion I may recommend applying ice to the area
after the massage.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy works to balance the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid in order to restore optimum functioning to the central nervous system and ultimately the entire body. The practitioner uses gentle compressions to realign bones and soft tissue thereby allowing the cerebrospinal fluid to flow freely. While these therapies can be used to resolve specific maladies such as headaches, neck and back pain, or balance problems, they also are useful in freeing accumulated stress and are extremely relaxing. Clients often experience such a deep level of relaxation, they will ask for these techniques to be included in their sessions.

I can offer a full session of Craniosacral or integrate these techniques into a Swedish massage.

Lymphatic Massage

This massage incorporates comfortable range of motion of each joint and light strokes that encourage the lymph to increase its flow. It can assist in helping the immune system do its housekeeping so it can better protect your body against pollutants and diseases.

Other modalities available:

Aroma Therapy

Seated Chair

Special Needs

Grief Massage

Elder Massage

People With Cancer

Barbra Friedman.

Swedish