Exploring the Many Styles of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is more than just relaxation it’s a powerful way to support your body’s healing, release tension, and improve overall wellness. At Mountain Medicine Integrative Wellness Center, we offer a range of massage styles tailored to your needs, most of which can be utilized in combination within a single session. Here’s a closer look at what each one offers:

1. Swedish Massage – The Classic Relaxation Massage

Swedish massage is the foundation of modern massage therapy. Using long, flowing strokes, kneading, and gentle circular movements, this style promotes relaxation, improves circulation, and eases muscle tension. It’s perfect for anyone new to massage or looking for a soothing, full-body reset.

Best for: Stress relief, relaxation, improved blood flow.

2. Deep Tissue Massage – Targeting the Tough Knots

Deep tissue massage works on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Your therapist uses slower, more intense pressure to address chronic muscle pain, stiffness, and old injuries. It’s not about “pressing hard” —your therapist gradually works into the tissue to encourage healthy release without strain.

Best for: Chronic pain, muscle recovery, athletes, stubborn tension.

3. Craniosacral Therapy – Gentle Healing for the Nervous System

This light-touch therapy focuses on the craniosacral system (particularly the head and neck). Subtle adjustments help release restrictions in this system, supporting the body’s natural healing and balancing the nervous system.

Best for: Headaches, migraines, stress, nervous system regulation.

4. Cupping Therapy – Ancient Technique, Modern Relief

Cupping uses suction cups to gently lift the skin and fascia, improving blood flow, easing muscle tightness, and encouraging detoxification. It can leave temporary circular marks, signs of improved circulation and release of tension.

Best for: Muscle tightness, athletic recovery, circulation support.

5. Lomi Lomi – Hawaiian Healing Touch

Lomi Lomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses long, flowing, wave-like strokes to nurture the body and mind. It’s deeply relaxing and often incorporates elements of ritual and intention for holistic healing.

Best for: Deep relaxation, emotional release, stress relief.

6. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Using specialized tools, IASTM helps break down scar tissue, improve range of motion, and promote healing in injured or overused muscles. This method can be especially effective for chronic injuries or post-surgical recovery.

Best for: Scar tissue, mobility issues, sports injuries.

7. Trigger Point Therapy – Releasing the “Knots”

Trigger points are hyper-irritable spots in muscle tissue that can cause pain in other areas of the body. Trigger point therapy applies focused pressure to these points to release tension and reduce referred pain.

Best for: Localized pain, tension headaches, repetitive strain injuries.

Find Your Perfect Massage Style
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, pain relief, or injury recovery, our therapists will tailor your session to meet your needs.

Ready to feel better? Book your massage today and experience the benefits for yourself.