My name is Margaret Galik and I am a professional Certified Massage Therapist. I am skilled in Swedish, Sports, and Therapeutic Massage, Pregnancy Massage as well as Acupressure\Shiatsu. For years sport and massage therapy have been my passion. On your initial visit, a health history will be performed, procedures explained and applied techniques appropriate to individual needs and preferences. I will observe your response to the massage and modify as necessary. I am currently an active Member of Associated Bodyworks & Massage Professionals.
What is the Therapeutic Massage?
Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of obtaining or maintaining health.
The Benefits Of Massage:Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs , improving circulation. Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow-the body’s natural defense system.Increase flexibility, lessen depression and anxiety.Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.Reduce spasms and cramping.Relax and soften injured , tired, and overused muscles.Release endorphins-amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
Types of Massage:
Swedish massage is the most widely used system of massage therapy in North America. This type of massage incorporates: effleurage (which are long sweeping strokes), petrissage (a kneading technique to influence circulation), friction (may be applied superficially or deeply, generating heat , promoting venous blood flow, promoting proper scar formation), vibration ( to break up adhesions in muscle tissues), and percussion (aid in decongesting the lungs by loosening and mobilizing phlegm in respiratory tract, tone flaccid muscles).
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage ,but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots.
Sports massage is specific application of massage to maintain the health of the athlete and to enhance athletic performance. Sports massage is divided into three subcategories: event, maintenance (enhances performance, promotes healthy tissue by addressing common tension patterns, spasms, adhesions, trigger points), and rehabilitative massage (enhanced recovery after injury).
Event massage encompasses treatment given around a sport event and can be further divided into three subcategories: pre-event (focuses on increasing the circulation to muscles and increasing flexibility), inter-event (given between games or events), and post-event massage (occurs after activity, and focuses on moving wastes out of the muscles, as well as spreading muscle fibers, promotes rest and recovery).
Trigger point / Tender point massage combined positioning and specific pressure onto trigger/tender points in muscles or connective tissue, to reduce hypersensitivity, muscle spasm and referred pain patterns that characterize the point. Left untreated, trigger/tender points often lead to restricted and painful movement of entire body regions.
Chair or Seated massage usually provided in a business or corporate setting. Also used for introducing clients to massage and bodywork. Clients remain fully clothed.
Pregnancy massage also known as pre-natal massage, promotes relaxation, soothes nerves, and relieves strained back and leg muscles in expectant mother. Pregnancy massage is especially beneficial in the second and third trimesters.
