Massage Therapy at Bull Dawg

massage therapists hands massaging leg

Massage therapy involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibrations, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target areas may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, connective tissue, the lymphatic system, and the gastrointestinal system. At Bull Dawg, our massage therapists use targeted pressure techniques on soft tissues to promote healing and boost wellness.

People often seek treatment for neck, lower back, knee pain, and all-over pain (as with fibromyalgia). Arthritis and other conditions leading to painful hands and feet can also be targeted with massage therapy. Don’t worry if your main concern is feeling “a little stressed out” as opposed to having an injury. Massage therapy addresses a broad spectrum of health goals, from boosting general wellness to acting as a supplemental treatment for illness and injury.

Bull Dawg’s licensed and certified massage therapists are trained to thoroughly evaluate any issues you may have. After your initial evaluation and discussion about your health goals and areas you’d like treatment for, your massage therapist will recommend areas of focus and types of massage. Our massage therapist will help you discover patterns that your body holds (postural habits) and work with you to release those patterns to relieve pain, reduce stress, improve performance, and enhance your overall health.

Different Types of Massage Therapy

The type of massage therapy a client receives will depend on their needs and the therapist’s area of specialty. A regular massage involves gentle manipulation and pressing down on your skin and underlying muscles, tendons, connective tissue, and ligaments, but there are several other types of massage therapy, including: 

  • Swedish massage icon

    Swedish Massage

    Involves gliding, kneading, and tapping or shaking techniques to improve circulation and reduce pain and stiffness.

  • deep tissue massage icon

    Deep Tissue

    Involves more pressure and longer strokes, and lymphatic, in which gentle pressure is used to stimulate the lymphatic (drainage) system to decrease swelling and boost immunity. In trigger point therapy, pain centers are deactivated through targeted massage.

  • myofascial massage icon

    Myofascial Release

    Stretches the body’s connective tissue to reduce pain and increase range of motion.

  • trigger point massage icon

    Trigger Point Therapy

    Deactivates trigger points, which may cause local pain or refer pain to other parts of the body.

  • prenatal massage icon

    Prenatal Massage

    Supports mother-to-be through restorative positioning on the table with gentle strokes to promote circulation and ease discomfort.

Depending on the kind of friction or smoothness needed for the massage, your massage therapist may use body oils.

massage therapist massaging persons back

The Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can be mentally calming and physically therapeutic. Just about anyone can benefit from a session with a trained massage therapist. In addition to helping with physical or painful conditions, massage therapy can also help people with anxiety, depression, and the stress and fatigue related to illness and/or intense medical treatment, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Other benefits of massage therapy include: 

  • Removes toxins from the body

  • Increases immune function

  • Improves circulation

  • Stimulates lymph flow

  • Reduces muscle tension/spasms

  • Increases flexibility

  • Lowers blood pressure

  • Helps with headaches

  • Overall sense of well-being