A soft tissue massage is a type of massage which aids in relaxing muscles, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, improves the healing time of strained ligaments and muscular tissue, reduces the inflammation of joints and heart rate, improves range of motion and joint flexibility, increases endorphins, strengthens the immune system, decreases spasms, improves oxygen flow and helps to relieve muscle tension. It is also effective at reducing emotional stress and creating a state of deep relaxation.

Rossmoor Rehabilitation offers many types of soft tissue massage: trigger point, deep tissues, sports massage, Swedish massage, myofascial release massage, lymphatic drainage massage, and pregnancy massage. We also offer additional manual therapies such CranioSacral therapy, reflexology and acupressure. All of these therapies are described below.

Trigger points are highly irritated bands of tissue located in or along a muscle. The small point of irritation can cause tightness throughout the entire muscle and referred pain throughout the entire body. The symptoms of irritated trigger points can vary from local discomfort in the muscle, to headaches, numbness, tingling, and restricted mobility. Sometimes trigger points can even mimic the symptoms of repetitive stress injuries. Trigger point massage can be extremely effective at relieving these symptoms.

Deep tissue massage is extremely effective in relieving different kinds of muscle tension and discomfort. It can eliminate the physical stress in the neck and shoulder from working at a computer. It is used by athletes and dancers on a regular basis to help them maintain strength and flexibility as they put their bodies under daily stress. Deep tissue massage decreases the likelihood of sports injury and reduces recovery time between workouts. It is normal to feel a bit sore the day after a deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage draws on western clinical techniques to address specific muscular and connective tissue structures in the body. Our massage therapists have the extensive knowledge of anatomy and pathology required to achieve success with deep tissue massage.

Sports Massage is used by athletes to optimize their training and event performance. It involves techniques to stretch, mobilize, revive, and maintain the structures of the body placed under the intense demands of athletics. Most professional athletes receive sports massage as an essential component of their training as it has been shown to:

• Decrease recovery time from workouts by assisting the elimination of metabolic waste.
• Decrease the chances of injuries by stretching muscles and mobilizing joints.
• Decrease post workout soreness.
• Increase flexibility and mobility of joints.
• Help athletes with specific areas of difficulty in their bodies.

Swedish Massage promotes deep relaxation of mind and body, full body health maintenance, and detoxification through the movement of blood and lymphatic fluid. This modality directly affects the muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems, and is primarily used for decreasing tension, overall stress relief, improving circulation and enhancing the functionality of the immune system. Swedish Massage focuses on rhythmically kneading, wringing, and gliding across the body to gently warm, stretch, and open muscles and tendons, and calm the sympathetic nervous system. Swedish massage leaves you feeling both energized and deeply relaxed.

Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The fascia system, the connective tissue of the body, is a specialized system that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven and connects every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein in the body, as well as all of our internal organs including the spinal cord. The fascia is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption.

The lymphatic system absorbs fluid, macromolecules, microorganisms, toxins, waste products and foreign substances from the body’s interstitial tissue. Numerous substances pass through the regional lymph nodes, where this fluid is filtered, purified and concentrated. The lymphatic flow can stagnate for many reasons, such as swelling, chronic inflammation, lack of physical activity, stress, fatigue, emotional shock, or age. When lymphatic circulation slows down, the regeneration of cells becomes less effective. This condition allows toxins and proteins to accumulate around the cells, causing cellular oxygenation to decrease and tissue regeneration to diminish.

Lymph Drainage Therapy is a gentle, light-touch, non-invasive technique that is used to provide relief from chronic inflammation and pre- and post-surgical applications. It can also be used for cosmetic applications, such as mastoptosis, scars and traumas, and conditions related to breast care in pregnancy and postpartum

Our massage therapists have special training and knowledge of pregnancy and the anatomy of a pregnant woman in order to offer a safe and beneficial experience for mother and baby. Receiving a massage during pregnancy has many benefits as it relaxes and reduces stress.

• Provides relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs.
• Increases blood and lymph circulation which can reduce swelling.
• Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
• Improves outcome of labor and eases labor pain.
• Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues.
• Provides support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering.

The benefits of CranioSacral therapy range from relieving migraine headaches, to alleviating stress and tension, to relieving the conditions associated with scoliosis and other orthopedic conditions. CranioSacral therapy was developed by osteopathic physician John Upledger based on an understanding of the rhythmic pulse of cerebral spinal fluid and the revolutionary idea that the plates of the skull can move independently to accommodate the flow of the fluid as it circulates through the cranium. Restrictions in the structures surrounding the central nervous system can disrupt the flow, and a disrupted flow can also cause restrictions. This modality utilizes light touch (about the weight of a nickel) to work with this pulse as it moves through the cranium, through the spinal column and back to the cranium, ultimately affecting the entire body. The therapist skillfully moves through a series of seemingly static holds to work with the body’s natural healing system to release restrictions, improve nervous system functionality, and bolster the immune system.

Reflexology is the application of appropriate pressure to specific points and areas on the feet, hands, or ears that correspond to different body organs and systems to improve the functioning of the target area. Reflexology is used to release congestion or stress in the nervous system and balance the body’s energy. It is used to treat many health conditions often as a complement to other modalities. This modality is similar to acupuncture and acupressure in that it works with the body’s vital energy through the stimulation of points on the body.  While traditional massage works “from the outside in,” manipulating specific muscle groups or fascia to release tension, reflexology works “from the inside out,” stimulating the nervous system to release tension. During a reflexology session, the client will stay fully clothed.

Acupressure therapy is an ancient healing art using the fingers to press key healing points, which stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure was developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. This therapy is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments and preventive health care for boosting the immune system. Acupressure is used to release tension, increase circulation, and reduce pain.