TABLE THAI OR TRADITIONAL FLOOR THAI?

My style of massage is heavily influenced by Thai massage, so all sessions booked with me will have elements of Thai massage included. That said, there are some differences between Thai massage that is done on a table vs. a floor mat:

TABLE THAI: 

• on massage table
• client undresses and is draped with sheets
• less stretching
• some Deep Tissue with oil included

TRADITIONAL FLOOR THAI: 

• on Thai floor mat
• client is fully clothed
• more stretching

***If you would like to book a full Traditional Floor Thai session – please let me know when you book.  Traditional sessions will be performed on a floor mat rather than a table and require a different set-up. I will need to know in advance.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF  THAI  MASSAGE?

Like Deep Tissue, Thai Massage is an intensive treatment that focuses on the deeper layers of the muscles,  realigning fibers and connective tissue. Athletes and those who like deeper work will love this style of massage and can also experience a deep level of relaxation in addition to the structural benefits of the session.  As with Deep Tissue, Thai Massage will improve circulation, reduce or eliminate tight spots and adhesions, and facilitate muscle repair.  In addition to all of this, Thai massage incorporates facilitated stretches that will lengthen the muscle tissue making it more supple and resilient.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR SESSION:

Thai Massage is an intense and interactive experience which will hit the pressure points and energy lines of the body. Your therapist will push, pull, twist, and stretch you out.

This style of massage is typically performed on a cushioned floor mat, though I always incorporate a lot of this work into my table sessions.

During your Thai Massage, your therapist will deliver compressions using thumbs, knuckles, elbows, forearms, and even feet.  These compressions are delivered in a rhythmical, evenly timed manner allowing your body to easily predict your therapist’s next stroke- thus facilitating a deep relaxation while simultaneously delivering deep pressure.

Those who have never experienced “stepping” will be amazed at the precision that an experienced therapist can deliver with their foot.  Your therapist will expertly distribute their weight, ensuring that they are administering the perfect pressure for your tight muscles.  On smaller parts of your body, they will ensure to have one foot on the ground- not putting their full weight onto you.  Larger parts of the body, such as the glutes and hamstrings, can easily withstand (and will greatly benefit from) the full pressure of your therapist’s weight.

This beautiful and very effective style of massage is highly reccommended for anyone who enjoys deeper work. Those who are looking for a massage experience in which the main focus is soothing relaxation would be better suited with a Swedish massage.

HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE NEEDED?

This will always depend on your specific goals and the nature of your muscle dysfunction.

For those who are seeking massage as a preventative method to shore up minor imbalances in the body, achieve relaxation, and improve circulation- once a month will be perfect for you.

If you are trying to ease muscle tension from an old injury or from repetitive muscle usage, you should expect that it will take more than one session to achieve these results.  The longer you have been living with a muscle dysfunction, the longer it will take to work through the many layers of fibrous tissue.  For somebody coming in with a dysfunction that has been bothering them for a long time, an average scenario might look something like the following:

1. Initial visit to assess and ease outer muscle layers

2. Follow up appointment in one week to ease the middle layers of tissue

3. Second follow up appointment in one week to ease the deepest layers of tissue

4. Monthly maintenance visits to preserve muscle integrity and prevent return of dysfunction

For athletes, there are many studies showing the benefits that can be received from regular massages.  Some of these benefits include, reduced muscle tension, increased range of motion, decreased muscle stiffness and soreness after exercise, enhanced athletic performance, and prevention of injuries when massage is received regularly. For more information and references, please visit the AMTA website.

HOW MUCH DOES A SESSION COST?

You can find my rates here.