Tel: (239) 433-5995 15971 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers 33908 AHA@AHolisticApproachCenter.com
Massage Therapies
Chair Massage
​
Using techniques specially developed for working with a massage chair, your therapist focuses on relieving the tension in your neck, shoulder, back, arms and hands. You remain completely clothed
and no oil is used. Deeply relaxing, immediate effects are felt with only a fifteen minute session. Another option for those with little time.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
​
Using a touch equal to the weight of a nickel, CST releases tensions deep in soft tissue by evaluating the motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid that flows around the brain and spinal cord. Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues that influence the craniosacral system.
It is a gentle, non-invasive therapy relieving pain and dysfunction and improving general health and performance. CST also helps to alleviate a variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.
The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and fluid protecting and nourishing the brain and spinal cord. It has tremendous influence over the body's ability to function properly. While it usually moves easily through the body, it can become restricted when our bodies begin to make allowances for injuries that don't heal normally. Such injuries include falls, head traumas and even the birth process. CST focuses on the head and spinal column and works to unlock restrictions and restore function and balance.
As it acts upon the nervous system's deepest structures, CST affects motor,
pain and coordination mechanisms and enhances the digestive system,
the respiratory system, heart function and the endocrine system.
​
Deep Tissue​
Deep Tissue Massage concentrates on the body’s deep muscle layers and fascia. The strokes used are similar to those of Swedish Massage but the pressure is deeper, slower and directed at areas of tension and pain.
Using fingers, knuckles, hands, forearms, elbows and/or various tools, your therapist works along the length of the muscle and across the muscle fibers in order to loosen the muscle and break up adhesions. At certain moments during a Deep Tissue Massage you’ll likely feel some discomfort. Muscular adhesions make it harder for nutrients and oxygen to reach a muscle. Inflammation and toxins build and further add to pain and stress. As the muscles relax, toxins can be released.
Most clients report substantial relief immediately after a Deep Tissue Massage. However, soreness during the two to three days following your session is also common. Breathing deeply during your massage and drinking plenty of water afterwards will help. It is best to keep your day light and avoid strenuous exercise after a Deep Tissue Massage.
​
​
Conditions Benefiting From Deep Tissue Massage
Migraine Headaches - Stiff Neck - Chronic Pain - Lower Back Pain -
Limited Mobility - Recovery from Injuries - Repetitive Strain Injuries - Postural Problems
- Tennis Elbow - Piriformis Syndrome - Osteoarthritis Pain - Sciatica - Fibromyalgia
- Scarring - ​Muscle Tension or Spasm
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, non-invasive therapy used to treat lymphedema. It ​enhances the natural drainage of lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues and back to the heart.
The 400-500 lymph nodes in the body filter and purify lymph - the colorless, white blood cell rich fluid bathing the body's tissues and ultimately draining into the bloodstream. Injury, surgery, infection, cancer and radiation can cause lymph to pool and stagnate. This, in turn, can cause swelling, especially in the extremities.
Using a wavelike motion of the hands and fingers, the tissue directly under the skin is slightly stretched against the fascia in the direction of lymph flow. The underlying muscle tissue is not affected. The amount of pressure used is similar to that used when stroking a newborn’s head yet is enough to move stagnate lymph and reduce even severe swelling.
MLD is non-invasive, oil-free, and safe for the elderly and those in fragile health.
Sessions typically last one hour.
​
Trigger Point Therapy ​
​
Trigger points are tiny contraction knots that develop when a muscle is injured or overworked. They are common in the human body and can cause a surprising level of pain. Often they are areas of chronic holding. Trigger Point Therapy "unlocks" the contraction mechanism, lengthening and softening the muscle.
A session begins with your practitioner discovering your body's trigger points - particularly those on the head, neck, shoulders, back and hip. Using their hands, fists, elbows or various tools, your therapist applies pressure directly on and around each trigger point to "deactivate" it. A certain level of discomfort is to be expected but your therapist will always lighten the pressure upon your request. Once trigger points within a muscle are released, the muscle is then moved through its full range of motion.
You may feel relief after only one session but as trigger points are often long standing, it may take several sessions for your pain to be resolved. Even long- standing chronic conditions can be significantly improved in as little as six weeks.
It is important to drink plenty of water post session. This helps alleviate any discomfort experienced by your body's efforts to dissolve toxins released into your bloodstream by the session.
You can also expect:
~ Some soreness within 48 hours of your session
~ Possible fatigue as a muscle returns to normal tone
~ Possible increase in energy as a muscle returns to normal tone
~ Shift in pain patterns due to shifts in musculature
~ Relief of symptoms you weren't expecting treatment for
A 1.5 hour appointment is suggested for your first trigger point session.
For longer times and for home visits please call:
AHA! (239) 433-5995.