A classical European massage technique, Swedish massage is what most of us think of when picturing a massage. It is the most requested and one of the most enjoyable massages. Swedish massage uses long strokes and kneading to relieve muscle tension, promote stress relief, and induce relaxation. It helps improve circulation, flexibility, and joint range of motion. Most massage therapists combine Swedish techniques with a few other techniques to complement their work during a Swedish massage session.

A trigger point is a localized area of tightness within a muscle that hurts when pressed on, and often refers pain to another spot in the body. This pain referral phenomenon can confuse the pain sufferer, as well as health practitioners trying to figure out the source of the person's pain. Trigger point therapy involves studying the more common pain referral patterns in the various muscles; it also includes knowing how to release trigger points through massage techniques and stretching. An appointment for a trigger point treatment would be targeted at one or more problem areas which would receive detailed attention, not the whole body. Thus, one 30 minute block of time is devoted to each area of trouble where trigger point work is desired.

Thai massage is the type of massage done in Thailand, and has become very popular in recent years. It is done on a mat on the floor, with the person receiving the treatment dressed in loose, comfortable clothing (sweat pants and a T-shirt, or any comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict or bind you); this is to allow the person to be put through a number of gentle stretches. Thai massage consists mainly of compression massage techniques and stretches. This is very relaxing, and can be a nice introduction to massage for someone apprehensive about receiving a conventional massage on a table.

A warm stone massage is typically begun by placing warm stones on and/or under the body for a while to relax the muscles. Once these stones are in place, other warm stones are used to massage areas not occupied by sitting stones. The sitting stones are then removed, and the massage is completed with more warm stones. The sensation is amazing, and a good massage takes place on very relaxed muscles.
An incredible treatment!

Reflexology is a form of massage in which fine-point pressure is applied to the feet in order to promote relaxation and healing elsewhere in the body. Stimulating the reflex points on the feet that correspond to all the structures of the body helps restore balance throughout the body. Reflexology treatments may also be done on the hands and ears.

Receiving massage therapy while seated in a specially designed massage chair makes massage accessible to almost everyone. One sits and relaxes forward into the facerest, armrest, etc. The recipient is dressed; the cost is small; and it takes relatively little time. How would you like to get a massage on a break at work! Let your boss (or other decision-maker at work) know that chair massage can come right into the office. Whether you or your boss is the one who pays for the massage, the cost of in-office chair massage more than pays for itself in the form of boosting morale, reducing absenteeism, helping to reduce carpal tunnel symptoms, and retaining employees. Chair massage can also spice up a company or family party. It can also draw people to your booth at an expo or fair.

Gift certificates can make great presents at Christmas time, birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, weddings, graduations, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. Consider using massage therapy gift certificates to honor relatives, friends, employees, bosses, or others at any occasion. Discounts are available when buying several gift certificates at a time. You can feel satisfied that your gift is truly good for the receiver, and something they will enjoy.

David Hailstone graduated from the Central Ohio School of Massage in Columbus, Ohio. He has over 10 years experience as a massage therapist in the St George area. David and his wife are from Salt Lake City, and have four children.