Q: What is the difference between different types of massage? 

A:  Sports Massage is treatment generally directed at a specific injury or massage designed to complement your training regimen in a specific sport.  In general, cyclists use muscles differently than soccer players do or than pickleball players do, so "sports massage" tends to be less whole body, and more focused on the muscles involved in your sport.  It can almost be a part of your regular workout regime, particularly in the weeks prior to, and immediately after an event.  It is often done fully clothed (or, in kit) and sometimes even at the event. (marathons, triathlons, cycling, tournaments, etc.). It also tends to be shorter in duration, but more frequent.  (e.g. 2x week for 30 minutes, rather than 1x per week for an hour)  

Deep Tissue Massage is generally a full-body massage that aims to not only increase superficial circulation and ROM, but to address deeper layers of muscular and soft tissue dysfunction, tissue adhesions, and restrictions on strength, movement and function of the body. (aka, work out the knots!)    My deep tissue work includes active and passive range-of-motion assessments and techniques, as well as more traditional massage methods.   This work is generally done on a massage table, professionally draped.

Relaxation Massage is generally a full-body massage that aims to gently coax the body to release muscle tension and increase the superficial circulation through the use of both area-focused and connecting-focused massage techniques.  The gentler techniques and flowing nature of this massage helps create a break in the body's stress responses.  This is generally done on a massage table, professionally draped.

Most of my longer appointments are a combination of relaxation and deep tissue massage techniques, because most of my clients have both the goals to use the massage to relax and "get a break", as well as have focused work in some part of their body where they want to increase mobility, decrease pain or both.

Q: What is massage good for? 

A: Massage helps many people relax, which can create a powerful, healthy physical response that interrupts the stress cycle that many of us live in.  Stress is the number 1 killer of humans... precipitating, aggravating, and maybe instigating many cardiac, diabetic, metabolic, and emotional conditions.  Breaking the stress response (a decidedly physical condition that can be measured) with some simple relaxation is easily one of the better health decisions anyone can make for themselves.

Massage also increases circulation and manipulates soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments) in ways that can reduce pain, increase range of motion, and improve function.  Life is all about movement.  When movement becomes painful, we stop moving, and that leads to more challenges in living!

Q: Who is massage good for?

A: OK, I am a little biased on this one.... EVERYONE! young or old, rich or poor, male or female, .... we all actually need touch, and I have yet to meet the person who was just "TOO relaxed". 

Q: Are there any reasons that I should/could not get a massage?

A:  Yes, there are some physical conditions that make massage a bad idea:  

• if you are sick (running a fever, or generally feeling badly due to one of the many wretched viral or bacterial baddies out there that give us sore throats, coughs, tummy upsets, etc.)

• if you have a contagious skin condition, or any skin condition which really makes touch a bad idea.  (please note, conditions like psoriasis or acne do not preclude massage, though we might work around certain areas) 

• if you have a chronic or serious condition (physical/emotional/other), you should discuss the nature of this with me AND get approval from your healthcare provider prior to getting massage treatment.  

I offer free evaluation/consultation session, if you would like to discuss and have me evaluate your specific situation, in person, rather than over the phone.

Q: So, why get a massage from Rob?

A:  I create and work in a relaxed, nurturing, masculine environment. 

I seem to be a good fit for clients who have specific physical goals and understand that massage is one part of a complete plan to get from where they are now to where they want to be with their body. I enjoy the technical anatomical and physiological nature of this type of massage work.   I also do provide a pretty awesome "just relax" massage experience (so I am told ) however, there are lots of therapists with plusher office decor, chill ambience, and extra pampering options that I do not offer.

Q: So, I've made an appointment for a massage. What should I expect ?

A: New clients: I have a minimal "intake form" for you to fill out when you arrive.  I will also talk to you about "what can I do to help you?" and "what are your goals for this massage?" This can take 10 - 15 minutes for you to tell me the story, and for me to ask questions so that I can best treat you. This time is  free, and does *not* decrease your massage time.   So, if you have booked a 60 minute massage, plan on being in the office for 75-85 minutes. This is not just for new clients, but for all clients... because everytime I see you, you are changed from the last time; there is always a new chapter in the story of the body.

Rob Plaugher, LMBT.  License # 5314.  Massage and therapeutic bodywork services since 2006.

call or text: 828.414.1968