Therapies/Rates

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One of the primary goals of Swedish massage is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by applying light to firm muscle pressure with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation and is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension. Most massage modalities incorporate Swedish massage techniques.

Therapeutic massage addresses soft tissue malfunction that is causing pain or restriction of motion.  It may incorporate advanced techniques such as trigger point therapy, stretching, myofascial release and massage cupping.  Your massage therapist will discuss this with you before and during your session.  If a full body massage is desired then the session will include some relaxation elements from Swedish massage to address those parts of the body that do not have specific issues. 

Swedish massage based session with pure essential oils incorporated.  Clients may choose from available oils or bring a preferred oil.  (Some therapists are not able to work with all oils.)

Deep Tissue Massage focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues and is especially helpful for chronic muscle tension and extremely contracted areas.  Deep Tissue Massage does not have to cause pain.  The slow repetition of strokes, working progressively deeper into the tissue can be both painfree and effective. However, because it usually focuses on specific, already tense areas of the body some soreness may result following the massage.

Focuses on the needs of the athlete per their specific sport and demands placed on the body. Includes stretching as needed to release muscle tension and restore balance.  Studies have shown massage therapy can decrease athlete recovery time and prevent injuries.

A specialized form of manual massage in which pressure and friction are used to release areas of strain in a muscle.  Also called trigger points, these small areas of muscle tissue contracture create a lack of blood and nutrients in that area causing an inability for that muscle to relax.  The area is hypersensitive and can lead to referral pain, which is a phenomenon in which areas far away from the trigger point experience sensations of pain, tingling or numbness. 

(MAT) incorporates myofascial and skeletal balancing techniques to prevent or relieve chronic pain conditions.  MAT was developed by Erik Dalton, PhD, using his knowledge and experience with Vladimir Janda’s postural assessment model, osteopathy and Rolfing. A session of Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy will integrate assisted stretching, Golgi tendon release, muscle spindle relaxation, and facet work. 

**Dress in athletic shorts (or spandex) and sports bras for women.

(MFR) pioneered by John F. Barnes, PT,  involves applying gentle, sustained pressure into myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.  Sessions are performed directly on skin without oils, creams or tools. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.

Unlike other forms of massage that compresses soft tissues, cupping gently lifts skin and underlying soft tissue into the cup with the use of suction.  Cupping is relaxing and generally not painful.  The sensation that is experienced is a pulling of the skin as the cup is moved in a rolling fashion.  Redness or a feeling of warmth is usually experienced after the release of the cup due to increase blood flow to the area. 

Bamboo-fusion Massage is a gentle, yet deep and innovative treatment developed by Nathalie Cecilia, LMT that combines warmed bamboo tools and rhythmic massage movements to relax the body and rejuvenate the soul.  Excellent for Deep Tissue Massage but can easily be adapted for all pressure preferences.  At booking, please choose from Bamboo-fusion for relaxation or for Advanced Bamboo-fusion therapy.

The ultimate treatment for headache and sinus pain relief!  Chilled marble stones are combined with warm, steamed towels to help ease tension, decrease puffiness, improve circulation and decrease stress. This session finishes with organic rosehip oil, containing a wealth of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that can help nourish and hydrate your skin. Combine with a 60 or 90 min massage for a true luxury session. 

Basalt stones have been known for centuries for their healing properties and their ability to retain heat.  Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses smooth, water-heated stones as an extension of their own hands, or by placing them on the body. The moist heat can be both deeply relaxing and help warm tight muscles so the therapist can access deeper muscle layers more quickly.

Himalayan salt is characteristically pink and contains 84 naturally occurring minerals and elements. It has long been used for health and healing in Eastern traditions. During the massage session, therapists use gel and warmed Himalayan salt stones to apply pressure, using Swedish massage techniques. The effect is a profound sense of well-being and promotes healthy, glowing skin through light exfoliation.

CST is performed with the client fully clothed and lying on a comfortable massage table. Using a light touch, the therapist evaluates or “listens to” the body for tension patterns and imbalances. Skilled CST therapists can enhance fluid flow and balance membrane tension, helping to bring increased vitality to the system. Releasing chronic tension patterns and enhancing fluid motility allows the body’s healing mechanisms to operate more effectively, imparting greater balance and ease.

From a meditative state of mind, the practitioner uses gentle touch and a combination of passive and active movement with the intent of teaching the recipient how to move with less effort.  The contact is gentle in a sense or may be quite firm but is without strain, pain or resistance. Profoundly relaxing, and promotes a feeling of well-being, this bodywork was founded by Dr. Milton Trager.  He called his work "Psychophysical Integration"  Please wear comfortable clothing.

A powerful method of healing that combines deep compression, acupressure and passive stretching, it has been said that a single Thai massage is like seeing your massage therapist, acupuncturist and chiropractor in one day, then taking a yoga class!  Intensity and pressure can be modified to your comfort and to achieve your goals.  

**Dress in loose or stretchy clothes. Your Thai massage will be performed on a large, cushioned floor mat. 

Thai foot reflexology works on the feet, lower leg, and knees, freeing up blocked energy in the body’s Thai-based meridians to create a feeling of deep relaxation, balance, and well-being.  According to acupuncture and acupressure theory, there are 7,200 sensory nerve endings in each foot, which are connected to the internal organs of the body. Thai foot massage is based on the belief there are zones and reflex areas in the feet which correspond to the systems of the body.

Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is an alternative medical practice involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, ears, and hands. This is done using thumb, finger, and hand massage techniques without the use of oil or lotion.  An excellent choice for clients who may feel more comfortable fully clothed but still receive the benefits of massage.

Reiki is an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing.  Deriving the term from the Japanese words rei, meaning “universal,” and ki, which refers to the vital life force energy that flows through all living things. Reiki aids in healing by helping people become energetically balanced.

Therapy specifically  tailored for the expectant mother's needs with safety and comfort in mind.  Also called pregnancy massage, this modality draws from Swedish/Therapeutic massage techniques and can focus on specific areas of tension as well as full body relaxation.

Gentle massage session designed to meet the unique and changing needs of someone in treatment for cancer or with a history of cancer treatment. A safe massage plan generally revolves around the side effects (both short and long-term) of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.  The main focus is to support healing.

 A custom Swedish, Therapeutic or Deep Tissue massage session done for two clients with two therapists in our specialty treatment room.   (please call for booking, not available online.   30 minute couples sessions are not offered.)

 Hair-thin needles are inserted and retained to ease the body into a peaceful rest, digest, + repair state. Once the stress response is eliminated, the body can achieve homeostasis. Since Acupuncture encourages the body’s own healing response, there isn’t much that can’t be treated with Acupuncture.  

 Plant medicine goes back to our earliest ancestors. The herbs used at Bull City Massage Therapy are pharmaceutical grade, and tested for heavy metals, pesticides, etc. to make sure it is the cleanest form of herbal medicine available. Custom prescriptions are based on each patient’s current need. This consultation is included in a New Patient Acupuncture/Acupressure appointment or can be booked separately. 

 A small flame is introduced into a glass cup to create a vacuum. The cup is applied to the body at therapeutic locations. The amount of suction can be altered for patient comfort. Cupping helps release stubborn muscle tension and stimulates white blood cell production. This creates a systemic immune boosting response. 

With the combination of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Abdominal Massage, and Lifestyle Counseling, we can regulate the menses/hormones, eliminate PMS + cramping, increase egg quality, and encourage uterine health. East Asian Medicine has many options to ease the transition into Menopause. Katie Depre, LAc., is a Fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine (FABORM). 

~Additional $15 to add a few Hot Stones or Cold Stones, to your session. (Please book as an add-on or request at time of booking.)

~ Add 30 minute focus to hands and/or feet, $50

~Add 30 minutes of attention to feet and a foot polish/scrub to any above session, $60

~Add on Reiki Energy Healing (w/ Liz), $15

~Add Arnica Oil for tired, achy muscles, $12