- Swedish MassageSwedish massage is the style that comes to mind when most people think about massage. It was developed in Stockholm two centuries ago and is the most common and best-known type of bodywork performed today. The goal of Swedish massage is relaxation of the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. Additional techniques include: Circular pressure applied by the hands and palms; firm kneading; percussion-like tapping; bending and stretching. Lotion is often used to reduce friction and stimulate the skin. Swedish massage is an exceptional treatment for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation, enhancing flexibility, and easing tension.
- Deep Tissue MassageDeep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage, but is used to target muscle knots (trigger points), release chronic muscle tension, reduce inflammation and aid in the elimination of scar tissue. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints). While Swedish massage uses strokes aligned with the grain of the muscles, deep tissue massage uses strokes across the grain. Because techniques such as deep finger pressure are used, the treated area may be slightly uncomfortable, with soreness that lasts one or two days before giving way to the desired relaxation and pain relief.
- Sports MassageSports Massage Sports massage is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the massage are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice and are often focused on a particular troublesome area like the knee or the shoulder. Aspects of massage are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed massage promotes flexibility, removes fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries, and prepares them to compete at their absolute best.
- Prenatal MassagePregnancy is a turbulent time for an expectant mom, with symptoms that include fatigue/tiredness, swelling, nausea/morning sickness, backache, headache and emotional turbulence. Lower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy; however, it is common to experience a dull backache for the entire term. Fortunately, pregnancy massage can help ease symptoms and let you focus on what is most important: preparing for your newborn baby. Integrated Wellness Systems provides a special table for the maximum comfort of pregnant clients.
- Medical MassageIntegrated Wellness Systems is the largest professional medical massage center in the Rochester, New York area, offerting massage therapy as well as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
- Neuromuscular TherapyThe most effective type of massage therapy for lower back pain is neuromuscular therapy. Neuromuscular therapy is also called trigger point therapy. These painful points located within taut bands of muscle are known as trigger points because they ”trigger” pain in another part of the body. The American Academy of Pain Management recognizes this form of massage therapy as an effective treatment for back pain caused by soft tissue injury (such as a muscle strain). Trigger points are treated primarily with the application of sustained, usually static, pressure. Sometimes this is referred to as ischemic pressure and can vary from very light to heavy depending on the stage of development of the trigger point. Through the softening of trigger points, Integrated Wellness Systems’ Neuromuscular Massage aims to reduce chronic pain, increase range of motion, and correct postural distortions.
- SaunaMassage Therapy isn’t just for relaxation anymore. Did you know massage is a proven, safe and effective way to reduce pain, rehabilitate injuries, improve athletic performance, and alleviate the effects of chronic stress? For your total health, we also provide Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Infrared Sauna options.
- Stretching
- Manipulation TherapyAccording to the American Medical Massage Association (AMMA), medical massage is “A system of manually applied techniques designed to reduce pain, establish normal tissue tension, create a positive tissue environment and normalize the movement of the musculoskeletal system. Medical massage is a scientifically based method of manual therapy that seeks a clear understanding of the scientific principles of physiology that affect connective and soft tissue healing and treatment.”
- Myofascial TherapyCraig’s massage style ranges from a combination of trigger point, tragger, deep tissue, myofascial release, sports massage, and medical massage techniques.
- AcupunctureWe provide medical massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, orthopedic massage, pregnancy massage, acupuncture, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and we are part of an expert network of physical therapists, chiropractors, and clinical psychologists.