Advanced Massage Concepts
Professional Massage Services for the Portland Metro Area
At Advanced Massage Concepts, we bring the focus of our practice back to bodywork. Bodywork consists of deep tissue massage therapy that includes various forms of massage techniques involving the application of touch, pressure or vibration to tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Re-education of the clients' movement patterns and other modalities such as structural integration are commonly used to achieve or support the goal of improved alignment.
Deep tissue techniques are generally designed for more focused massage work. Working a specific joint, muscle or muscle group, the practitioner can access deeper layers of the soft tissue. Starting superficially and easing into the depth of the muscle slowly often allows more movement. If the pressure is applied too deeply or too quickly, the muscle may tighten to protect that area, and unnecessary damage or inflammation can be induced. Very little lubricant is used as the pressure doesn't travel much over the skin.
The most commonly used 'tools' during deep tissue massage may include, 3 and 6 fingers, reinforced fingers, knuckles, a flat elbow, opposing thumbs, the heel of the hand or foot, and the forearm.
A deep penetrating effect achieved by using passive and active stretching techniques to encourage core muscles to relax. Deep Tissue is recommended for athletes and anyone with chronic muscle pain. |
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| Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage that uses thumb pressure and works along the same energy meridians as accupressure and incorporates stretching. While receiving Shiatsu, you are fully clothed while lying on a mat on the floor. |
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Structural Integration is a type of alternative massage which aims to align the human body in the gravitational field. The claimed benefit is that the increased use of balance at finer levels of the neuro-fascial-musculo-skeletal system allows for increased general well-being and physical adaptability and resilience as well as reduced pain from biomechanically caused pain.
Structural Integration practitioners are trained in the application of functional biomechanical and kinesiological analysis and in effective ways of changing a client's structure.
Often connective tissue, in the form of fascia, is manipulated to allow body segments to shift to a more balanced position. Re-education of the client’s movement patterns and other modalities are commonly used to achieve or support the goal of improved alignment. |
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Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia, integument, and muscles with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and equilibrioception.
Injuries, stress, trauma, overuse and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia. This is usually done by applying shear compression or tension in various directions, or by skin rolling.
Myofascial release originators come from physical therapy and from structural integration (rolfing); its current developers include John Barnes, Art Riggs, Michael Stanborough, Tom Myers, Til Luchau and Michael Leahy, the originator of a complete regime called Active Release Technique or ART. |
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This can also be called pressure point massage. A trigger point is an area of a muscle (about 50 cells) that may refer pain sensations to other parts of the body. Manual pressure is applied to these points.
This work was founded by Dr. Janet G. Travell, U.S. President John F. Kennedy's physician and David Simons. This work can be incorporated into other styles of massage therapy such as neuromuscular therapy (NMT) or Swedish. |
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| Structural Relief Therapy is an advanced massage technique that stops involuntary muscle contraction, restores joint function and dramatically decreases pain. SRT reprograms the jammed neurological signals of the muscles to and from the brain. It is an effective technique that quickly and gently decreases pain for the patient. |
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During pregnancy, the body undergoes multiple changes, creating added stress on the entire body. Massage is an excellent way to relieve the stress of overworked muscles.
Pregnancy Massage is performed differently at various stages of growth. Early trimester massage can be performed as normal with a few exceptions, later trimester massages are performed with extra support and pressure is adjusted accordingly to avoid any injury. |
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| Thai massage promotes energy flow, increased flexibility and deep muscle relaxation through a combination of asana yoga's rhythmic movement and acupressure. |
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A favorite of active people, this massage technique focuses on lengthening and loosening muscles. The massage will increase circulation and encourage the breakdown of lactic acid buildup in the muscles, which leads to post-exercise pain.
Sports massage assists your body in recover and helps you return to peak performance. |
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| Also known as Swedish massage, this is a classic massage featuring a variety of techniques that improve circulation, relieve tense muscles and improve your overall well being. This style of massage includes long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction, tapping & shaking motions. |
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We offer various types of massage including: |
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