Massage Therapist integrates various therapeutic modalities to cater to your individual requirements. Your therapist may employ techniques such as Deep Muscle Treatment, Myofascial Therapy, Traditional/Thai/Thai Yoga Massage, Heated Bamboo Massage, Swedish, Relaxation, Myofascial Cupping, Reflexology, Joint Mobilization, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Therapeutic Massage, Trigger Point, and Hydrotherapy Treatment.

Deep tissue massage targets chronic tension in muscles that lie far below the body's surface. Deep muscle techniques involve slow strokes, direct pressure or friction movements that go across the muscle grain.

When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement.

Massage therapists will use their fingers, thumbs, elbow, forearm and occasionally even knees to apply the needed pressure. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. Some of the same strokes are used are classic massage but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.

Unlike Swedish relaxation massage, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as: chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury), repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia, and muscle spasms.

The most popular form of massage, it involves long, flowing strokes along with kneading and circular movements. Usually the whole body is massaged, hands, feet and scalp included. It's used for its deep relaxation benefits for mind and body. This type of massage is suitable for people that enjoy light to moderate pressure only. Great for relieving stress, increases blood flow to muscles which in turn increases nutrients to them, aiding recovery, and relieve pain. Helps improve sleep, increased flexibility, and improve immune system.

Swedish massage is the basis for deep tissue massage techniques. These two massages are different, yet share many similarities. The main difference between the two is the amount of pressure applied by the therapist.

Under Swedish massage, therapists use long strokes and light pressure to offer gentle relaxation to the body. Deep tissue massage uses more pressure to release tension deep in the muscles and connective tissues of the body.

Myofascial cupping is a soft tissue therapy that involves the application of decompressed cups on the skin, creating a vacuum effect that lifts up underlying tissues such as the fascia (connective tissue) and muscles, blood and other fluid, close to the surface of the skin. Once the muscle layer is drawn up into the cup, it stimulates the circulation of blood, breaks up adhesions, and creates a pathway for toxins to be drawn out of the body through the lymphatic system.

Myofascial Cupping has been found in ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Hindu writings. This is a therapeutic practice that involves the attachment of small glass or plastic cups to the skin through suction. And is a staple in eastern medicines.

It can be beneficial for conditions such as: Tight and stiff muscles, sciatica, piriformis syndrome, IT band pain, rotator cuff injuries, plantar fasciitis, respiratory conditions, asthma, and bronchitis.

It can also assist with some emotional balance issues such as: anxiety, depression, stress, migraines, high blood pressure by calming the nervous system, cellulite

Myofascial Cupping stimulates a whole body relaxation response (parasympathetic response) in the body which assists in counteracting the toxic effects of chronic stress by slowing breathing rate, relaxing muscles, and reducing blood pressure. MC also promotes oxygenation and detoxification of blood while promoting a feeling of lightness and relief of pressure.

Myofascial Cupping also detoxifies metabolic debris in our muscle tissue, fascia and skin while increasing our range of motion, breaking up adhesions and promoting healing in scar tissue and chronic injury sites while also promoting increased lymphatic drainage improving circulation and reducing swelling. This aids in reducing recovery time for some chronic injuries.

Myofascial Cupping is not without its side effects; if you have ever seen the marks left behind by a cupping session, you may expect this treatment to be painful, however it is most often pleasant and as enjoyable as a regular massage. It differs from a regular massage in that the cups pull up the tissue in areas where you are being treated, as opposed to downward pressure with a regular massage. It does leave deep red circles which can be expected to fade over a few days to a week. One may remember all of the media frenzy around Michael Phelps’ relay team event at the 2016 Summer Olympics where he looked like a dalmatian. This brought MC to the forefront of discussions and today there are more and more athletes who swear by it, including Phelps, saying it keeps them injury free and speeds recovery.

According to Houman Danesh, M.D., Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Rehabilitation Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital: “blood flow is the body’s way of naturally healing”. Danesh frequently combines cupping with mainstream pain therapy techniques stating that “increased blood flow can be beneficial to jumpstart or restart a blunted healing response.”

At Gwen Massage Therapy we use a technique called gliding cups. It directly focuses on the fascial system with an intent to have soft tissue change and release. This will have you going from dysfunction to function.

A postpartum massage is just as important as prenatal massage. Growing a baby for 9 months and the marathon of childbirth certainly take a toll on your body.
Our body recovers fastest with proper sleep, rest, light movement, nutrition and hydration. Most new moms are so busy taking care of their new baby that little time is left for themselves.

Not to mention, caring for a new baby adds a new host of aches and pains and it is important to address them to avoid long term injuries. Postpartum massage can also have a positive impact on your mental health and help with postpartum depression.

What is a postnatal Massage?
Postpartum massage is a massage received anytime after giving birth up to a year postpartum.

When can a new mom start a postpartum massage?
A new mom can begin to receive a postpartum massage as soon as the day after giving birth! A post-delivery massage within the first 4 days is highly recommended, at Mama Mobile we call this a “labour recovery massage”.

The purpose of this postpartum massage is to help you recover from the marathon of labour.

This labour recovery massage is slightly different than a typical massage. Instead of using deep targeted pressure points your postpartum massage therapist will use very light pressure and broad strokes. Rather than focusing on a few sore muscles your postpartum massage therapist will perform a full body massage. The aim of this massage is to help you relax and to boost circulation in your body.

Pediatric massage between 2 to 16 years old. This treatment involves the gentle manipulation of soft tissues to enhance health and well-being in kids and teens. Nurturing touch is crucial for helping children grow into well-adjusted adults, and massage is an excellent way to provide that care. Kids respond very well to massage, which positively stimulates their bodies to support growth and development.

Massage is beneficial at any age, but it is particularly advantageous for children and teens who are still developing. Pediatric massage therapy considers each child's unique physical and cognitive growth, as well as their health needs.

Research shows that child and youth massage can improve sleep, reduce stress, alleviate growing pains, and correct muscle tone imbalances. It also helps relieve tension and pain in developing muscles, which supports the growth of motor skills. Additionally, studies indicate that massage can enhance concentration, increase focus, and lower aggression levels in children. Some researchers even suggest that regular massage therapy may lead to higher IQ levels in kids.

Children experience physical strain just like adults. They face postural issues daily, such as carrying heavy backpacks, slouching while sitting in school, or playing video games for extended periods. Many kids also engage in sports multiple times a week, which can lead to muscle strains and injuries. Massage helps relieve their sore muscles and joints, boosts blood flow for better circulation, corrects muscle imbalances, and creates a calming environment to ease anxiety and hyperactivity.

Heated Bamboo Massage, similar to hot stone therapy, is a distinctive form of massage that employs heated bamboo sticks to deliver a deep tissue experience. The bamboo is warmed to an optimal temperature, enabling the therapist to effectively address persistent muscle tension while fostering relaxation.

In a Heated Bamboo Massage session, the therapist utilizes a variety of techniques, including rolling, kneading, and tapping with the bamboo sticks, to create a calming and revitalizing massage. The warmth from the bamboo aids in relaxing muscles, enhancing circulation, and gently alleviating tension.

A significant advantage of Heated Bamboo Massage is its capacity to perform deep tissue work without inducing discomfort. The smooth texture of the bamboo sticks facilitates effortless movement across the skin, enriching the overall massage experience.

This innovative therapy is especially advantageous for individuals experiencing muscle stiffness, chronic pain, or those seeking to relax and de-stress. The combination of heat and pressure from the bamboo massage effectively relieves tight muscles and fosters a sense of well-being.

Heated Bamboo Massage provides a unique fusion of relaxation and therapeutic effects that can enhance both physical and mental health. Whether you aim to relieve muscle tension or indulge in a refreshing spa experience, this ancient technique offers a comprehensive approach to healing and relaxation.

Thai massage is also known as Thai Yoga Massage, or informally as "the lazy person's yoga- combines assisted yoga with acupressure techniques. The therapist will incorporate yogic stretching movements as they knead and press muscles along the body's energy line with the hands and feet. Thai massage combines the principles of acupressure whereby the Sen is stimulated, which is said to balance the energy system in the body.

The passive stretching can also help to open up the body which can help increase flexibility and relieve tension within the joints and the muscles. A Thai massage treatment typically begins at the feet with the client lying face down and is more energetic and rigorous than your usual massage. The therapist also often use their hands and feet to apply pressure, and the treatment usually is done through the clothes, although oils and lotions can sometimes be used if requested.

Benefits of Thai massage are: improved flexibility and range of muscle movement through assisted stretching, blood flow is increase, and circulation, release of physical tension to relieve aches and pains, release emotional tension held within the body, combating stress and providing a feeling of relaxation and lastly, like all massage, the stimulation of nerves and skin cells can improve skin quality and muscular function, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

What will the therapist bring and what should I prepare myself?
Prepare a space for the massage bed, these are about 6ft long and 2ft wide. It may help to put the heating on to warm up the space beforehand. This ensures you are comfortable throughout the treatment. Your therapist will bring everything else for your treatment, including a massage table, and oil. We would advise having a hot shower or bath before your massage. This can help you to relax your muscles before treatment begins. This may also help improve muscle recovery after the massage!

What do you recommend to create a spa atmosphere?
We want your experience to be a relaxing one, therefore we would recommend that our mobile therapist sets up in a room that is private and warm. You may wish to draw the curtains if you find it easier to relax in a darker space. You may wish to play your own relaxing music or burn scented candles or oils during your treatment to help you unwind and create a spa-like environment.

What should I wear?
Our massages techniques include the use of oils, so we recommend that you undress to your underwear for the treatment or simply to a level you are comfortable with.

On arrival, your therapist will prepare the bed, music and oils and then they will step outside so you can get undressed in privacy. At the end of the treatment, your therapist will leave the room to allow you to get up at your own pace and get dressed.

Please note, it is required that underwear is worn throughout all treatments.

How do you tailor my massage to my requirements?
Please contact us prior to booking should you have any special requests regarding your treatment. Your therapist will complete a consultation form prior to the treatment in order to tailor your treatment to your specific needs. Ensure your therapist is aware of any injuries and allergies you have and areas of your body you wish for them to give extra attention to. Discuss with your therapist the pressure you wish to be applied before and during the treatment and feel free to let them know if you wish for it to change. We advise that you seek advice from a Medical Practitioner regarding whether massage therapy is appropriate for certain medical conditions.

What will happen during the massage?
Your therapist will leave the room while you undress and lie on the bed on your stomach with the towel over you. They will then work through the requested treatment, working on each parts of the body while ensuring that the rest is covered by the towel. They will assist you in turning under the towel when necessary.

During the massage your therapist will work through the massage requested, and they may speak with you regarding pressure and your general comfort. This is so they can make sure you are completely satisfied and happy with the treatment. Please let your therapist know during your consultation at the beginning of your treatment if you would prefer for it to be carried out in complete silence.

At the end of the treatment, your therapist will let you know and leave the room to allow you to rise in your own time. They will then pack up their bed and equipment and leave you to relax in your home.

Targeted therapy, also known as focused massage therapy, is a technique that aims to alleviate pain and discomfort by addressing specific problem areas in the body. Unlike general massage techniques that provide overall relaxation, targeted therapy focuses on the root cause of the pain. It involves using precise and specific massage techniques to target the muscles and tissues affected by the discomfort.

Targeted therapy is a therapeutic approach that involves applying pressure, kneading, and stretching techniques to targeted areas of the body. By focusing on the source of the pain, targeted therapy aims to provide immediate relief and promote healing.

When it comes to targeted therapy, the importance of focused massage techniques cannot be overstated. These techniques are specifically designed to address the exact areas of pain and discomfort. By applying pressure and manipulating the affected muscles, targeted therapy helps release tension, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation in the targeted area. This focused approach allows for a more efficient and effective treatment for neck and shoulder relief.