Massage Therapy Services

Below you will find the individual massage modalities broken down for their descriptions. All services are tailored to the individual needs of each client as the service progresses, so do not stress over “picking the right one” as all services are interchangeable as needed. I also blend services, flowing from moment to moment or issue to issue to effect the best results. A good blend is usually the best possible approach. But, the original services are described below:

Swedish Massage:

Swedish massage is the foundation for massage in general. It is generally characterized by broad sweeping and kneading motions that create a soothing, sedating, nervine response while using with very light pressure. It is therapeutic for relaxation, blood/lymph circulation and skin tone, but does not address muscular pain very well. Serota Swedish massage usually incorporates some elements of craniosacral therapy, foot/hand/facial acupressure therapy, and light cupping therapy movements for lymph drainage purposes and myofascial release throughout.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is the industry standard, heavy therapeutic massage approach. It’s the “FIX ME!” massage where muscular pain, flexibility, range of motion and connective tissue problems are addressed through moderate to HEAVY pressure application. Like I do in all of my services, I do incorporate some of my other training techniques to significantly increase the therapeutic value, such as cupping therapy (for cupping massage, spot cupping, and pin-and-stretch cupping) and stretching applications for fascial (connective tissue) release. It is also typical for me to incorporate some meridian work and acupressure where needed.

Deep tissue therapy has been known to create soreness, sometimes for several days. It initiates a strong detoxification, so drinking plenty of water following each session becomes essential. If coming up on an athletic event, please allow a day or two for recuperation, as deep tissue massage is NOT SPORTS MASSAGE.

Pregnanacy Massage

While I have been trained in prenatal massage, I do not received that request often. If interested, I would first refer you to an associate LMT Brooke Ballard (205.862.8928) who has pursued specialized training and certifications in this modality and would likely provide a more therapeutic, knowledgeable, and comprehensive service. If you still wish to get a session with me, you are welcome to book and just mention “pregnancy or prenatal” in the note section when booking to give me a heads-up on pulling out all of the support pads we might need in your session.

Generally recommended in the second and third trimester, pregnancy massage techniques can help with the changes occurring in the body of the expecting mother by decreasing arm and leg swelling, and relieving muscle and joint pain.

Massage approaches may be particularly helpful when typical medications and other medical options may be more limited or threatening to the pregnancy.

Studies have shown that prenatal massage:

  • Lowers anxiety

  • Decreased back and leg pain

  • Improves sleep

  • Reduces Stress

    • Decreased levels of norepinephrine, which is both a neurotransmitter and a stress hormone in high demand for prolonged mental focus while under stress. It affects the level of tension maintained in muscle tissue and nerves throughout the body.

    • Decreased levels of cortisol, the emergency management hormone that is created when the body is sympathetic nervous system response (aka fight or flight). Production of cortisol is detrimental to production of the hormone DHEA, which is the precursor for over 40 other regulatory hormones needed to regulate and rebuild the body.

  • Improves Mood:

    • Increased levels of serotonin - Serotonin impacts every part of your body, from your emotions to your motor skills. Serotonin is considered a natural mood stabilizer. It’s the chemical that helps with sleeping, eating, and digesting. Serotonin also helps:

      • reduce depression

      • regulate anxiety

      • heal wounds

      • stimulate nausea

      • maintain bone health

    • Increased levels of dopamine - Dopamine plays a role in how we feel pleasure. It's a big part of our unique human ability to think and plan. It helps us strive, focus, and find things interesting. It affects many parts of your behavior and physical functions, such as Blood vessel function, Kidney function, Lactation, Sleep, Mood, Attention, Control of nausea and vomiting, Pain processing, Heart rate, and Movement.