Quick Guide to Massage Modalities

The following are massage modalities I offer through my sessions at Knot Now, Not Later. Not sure which might be best fit for you? Please contact me with questions.

• Swedish
  • "The Basics," which aim to relax the body by applying techniques including Effleurage (flowing and connecting strokes), Petrissage (application of kneading and gentle squeezing), Jostling, and Percussive Tapotement.
• Neuromuscular
  • Alternatively known as "Deep Tissue". This modality aims to release trigger points through the use of alternating levels of pressure applied with different ranges of concentration controlled by the fingers, flats of fists, forearms, elbows, & sometimes knees.
• Myofascial Release
  • "Myo" = Muscle, "Fascial" = Fascia.
    Fascia is a continuous connective tissue woven throughout muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, veins, & organs. This modality aims to release the fascia from a state of rigidity to allow it to return to a more hydrated, flexible, and stretchy state.
• Cupping Therapy
  • While massage is performed by applying pressure, cupping instead uses negative pressure to pull, lift, open and expand the body's soft tissues. Silicone and plastic cups are suctioned to the body, creating decompression in order to release gummy muscles from each other. This allows the muscles to flow freely, hydrating the tissues in the area where the cup is placed - specifically focusing on the hydration of the fascia, and expediting the hemodynamic process.
• Gua Sha
  • With this traditional Chinese technique, a medical grade stainless steel tool is applied to the body in a scraping motion. This aide in improving circulation and relieving muscle tension, additionally aiming to breakup stagnant qi (energy). Other possible benefits include lymphatic drainage and general relaxation, therefore reducing stress in the body.
• Hot Stone
  • Smooth basalt stones are heated and then used as an extension of the therapist's hands. Placing the stones at specific sites on the body can deepen relaxation and aid the heated muscles in releasing tension and stress deeply and quickly. Massage stones provide a unique experience many find to be tremendously calming, nurturing, centering, and even rejuvenating.
• Cold Stone/Roller Ball
  • This modality utilizes a marble stone and/or medical grade stainless steel ball that is cooled and applied to the body to reduce inflammation and general pain. Smaller cold stones may be used on the face to aide in lymphatic drainage, pain reduction, and allergy relief.
• Contrast Therapy
  • A modality utilized a combination of Hot Stone/Towel and Cold Stone/Roller Ball therapies.  
• Aromatherapy
  • The use of essential oils through inhalation or massaged into the skin. Aromatherapy aims to improve your health and well-being. Please inform your massage therapist if you have any allergies or a general dislike of specific aromas.
• Reflexology
  • A type of bodywork that focuses on applying pressure to the specific nerve zones in your feet, as every part of the human body is mapped into the feet. Unlike other foot massages (which intend to mostly relieve tension in the feet themselves), reflexology is a far more in-depth science that aims to harmonize the entire body. Reflexology treatments have been found to be highly effective for conditions such as allergies, headaches, and depression.