Cheryl Jennings Massage Therapy and Bodywork

Swedish massage is considered the foundation for most table massage techniques. It is characterized by the use of lotion or oil to allow gliding strokes over the skin. Most strokes are done toward the patient's heart with the goal of improving blood and lymphatic circulation. Swedish technique consists of five basic strokes: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction, tapotement (percussion), and vibration, though all of these strokes are not used on every part of the body. Varying degrees of pressure and stretching movements are incorporated. It is most commonly used for relaxation and improving well-being.

Deep tissue massage is really a misnomer in the field of massage therapy. There are numerous types and styles of massage therapy that would fall into the "deep tissue" category. Deep tissue massage is typically Swedish based massage therapy. It may include elements of Sports massage, Myo-Fascial Release, Shiatsu, Myo-Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy or other styles too numerous to name here. Almost all deep tissue forms of massage therapy have a specific treatment goal in mind. These goals may range from something as simple as reducing soreness to stopping migraine headaches. Pressure is moderate to deep to help enhance circulation, relax muscle fibers and ease movement. The pressure used for the massage can be adjusted according to your level of comfort.

The prime purpose of sports massage therapy is to help flush the muscles of lactic acid and other exercise by-products, which build up in the body's soft tissues during physical activity. Whether one is a world-class athlete, or a desk jockey, minor injuries and muscle tension occur due to overexertion and/or overuse. Sports massage aids in recovery and repair of these tissues. Above all, sports massage can help prevent those nagging minor injuries that so often get in the way of optimum performance and achievement.

Sports massage is based on the various elements of Swedish massage and often incorporates a combination of other techniques involving stretching, compression, friction, and trigger point response techniques. The goal of sports massage is to promote optimum performance, injury-free training and minimize post event injuries.

California is famous for changing how people do things. In California, Swedish massage has slowed down and shifted to Esalen massage. People who have experienced Esalen massage agree that it is an extraordinary form of bodywork. This unique style of massage integrates the whole body with long strokes, blending wisdom and techniques from other cultures, and weaves new concepts of subtle energy with bodywork. Esalen massage emphasizes deeply relaxing and emotional responses of the body when a conscious, structured and pleasant touch is applied.

A variation of a traditional massage, a hot stone massage utilizes stones that are heated in 120 to 130 degree F water. The stones are placed at focal parts of the body such as the upper and lower back. They release heat and help calm and relax the muscles. The stones are also used to massage the muscles. When stones cool, they are replaced with other heated stones during the duration of a massage.

Hot stone massage is believed to have numerous healing properties. The heat can help relieve muscle tension and allow the body to relax and be at ease. A hot stone massage can also help with inflammation, injury, back pain, arthritis pain, stress, insomnia and help calm the nervous system.

Hot stone massage is priced higher to allow for set-up and cleaning of the stones.

Massage during pregnancy is therapeutic bodywork, which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience. It is a fast-growing field in the United States that has attracted the interest of labor and delivery nurses, nurse-midwives, childbirth educators, and obstetricians. Massage therapy enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue. Benefits of prenatal massage include: emotional support and nurturing touch, relaxation and decreased insomnia, stress relief on weight-bearing joints such as ankles, lower back and pelvis, lessened sciatic pain and neck and back pain relief caused by muscle imbalance and weakness.

Massage during pregnancy is safe for most women. If you are having any problems or complications with your pregnancy, approval from your health care provider is required before proceeding with any bodywork. The following are circumstances in which massage should not be performed: heavy discharge (watery or bloody); diabetes; contagious illness; fever; vomiting; unusual pain; pre-eclampsia; high blood pressure; morning sickness; abdominal pain; diarrhea; any malignant condition. Because of the tremendous physical and hormonal changes that occur in the expectant mother, massage is not recommended during the first trimester without approval from your health care provider.