Advanced Alternatives' Services

A brief description of the difference in Massage Modalities offered:

Swedish Massage: A general full body massage, which is most beneficial in general relaxation, relaxing the muscles and nerves for an overall feeling of well-being.

Deep Tissue Massage:This technique goes deeper into the muscle tissue to reduce spasms and scar tissue that often result from chronic injury or overuse. The therapist will use a combination of Swedish and deep tissue massage to enhance circulation and bring relief to the affecte areas.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), sometimes called "Trigger Point Therapy", is advanced massage therapy for pain relief. NMT relieves pain by addressing painful myofascial trigger points that are both tender to the touch, and capable of referring pain signals to other parts of the body. In Neuromuscular Therapy the therapist also manipulates muscle attachments, muscle bellies, and tendons in addition to the trigger points. This approach usually results in long-lasting relief.

Myofascial Release (MFR): Fascia is a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body in a three dimensional web from your head to your feet without interruption. Trauma can create a binding down of fascia resulting in excessive pressure on muscles, nerves and organs. MFR is a very effective hands on technique which provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.

Sports Massage: An athlete is a person who participates in sports either as an amateur or a professional. Often the activity involves repetitive use of one group of muscles more than others, which may result in hypertrophy, changes in strength patterns or changes in connective tissue formation and compensation patterns in the rest of the body. Regular massage allows the body to function with less restriction and accelerates recovery time.
Pre-event Massage is short, stimulating, superficial and fast paced. (Designed to increase circulation and "warm-up" muscles).
Intercompetition Massage concentrates on the muscles being used. (Short, light and relaxing)
Post-event warm down massage can reduce muscle tension, minimize swelling and soreness, encourage relaxation and reduce recuperation time.

Medical Massage is a scientific therapy based on recognized physiological laws and associated principles designed to help the body maintain a level of homeostasis between the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. It combines the scientific application of properly applied pressure, gentle ranges of motion and stretches for the purpose of relieving pain, normalizing muscle tone, restoring postural balance and achieving restorative benefits for the entire body thus eliminating the cause of a person's acute to chronic myofascial pain and dysfunction.

Pregnancy Massage: Performed by technicians specifically trained in the caring art of pregnancy massage; these nurturing and therapeutic treatments can help alleviate upper and lower back pain, aching knees, foot discomfort and overall fatigue often associated with pregnancy. Special pillows enable pregnant clients to enjoy all the therapeutic properties of massage therapy.

ACUPRESSURE is part of Oriental Medicine and has developed several unique styles of treatment throughout the world. When injuries, emotions, disease, stress, or poor lifestyle choices disrupt the circulation of "Qi" (blood, lymph, and other fluids in your body), you begin to feel worse and medical symptoms appear. Acupressure is the gentle but firm stimulation of acupoints on the clients body from the skilled practitioner to help reestablish the flow of "QI" while relieving stress throughout the body.

reflexology is commonly explained as the scientific theory that maps out the reflexes from the hands and feet to all the organs and the rest of the body. By applying acupressure and massage techniques to the feet and hands, the client can experience relaxation, pain reduction and the body's ability to heal itself.

Hot Stone Relaxation Allow the deep, penetrating heat of volcanic basalt stones melt the tension away. Relax while the therapist adds heat to the muscles, which enhances relaxation, circulation and healing process of a therapeutic massage. This modality can combine energy work to help balance the body. Perfect for those wanting a super-deep tissue massage to help stubborn muscles release and relax. The combination of hot cold stone create a relaxing sensation and provide therapeutic value to rid muscle tension

AROMATHERAPY This practice relates the therapeutic healing by utilizing the fragrances of natural essential oils to stimulate the senses. Aromatherapy refreshes the skin and soothes the mind while stimulating circulatory and respiratory functions. Individual oils are used to produce a specific and beneficial effect. Advanced Alternatives exclusively offers Young Living Essential Oils as a complement to any massage session.

HOLISTIC BALANCING is a form of "wellness coaching" to empower the client to take a look at their symptoms and begin their journey toward their desired goal. There are many ways to approach this modality which will be discussed before treatment. We all strive to keep in balance. When we are not in balance, we allow ourselves to be more susceptible to illness or disease. It has been said: One achieves the state of health and well being when the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of oneself are balanced and in a state of harmony.

Classes and Workshops: Pregnancy / Infant Massage, Couples Thai Massage, and Kundalini Yoga classes are open for anyone interested in learning these holistic wellness modalities. Please contact us for scheduling information. We look forward to seeing you.