Professional Services

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, pain relief, or improved mobility, our therapeutic massage services are tailored to your individual needs. Every session is customized by your therapist to help you achieve your wellness goals.

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Therapeutic Massage Services

Relaxation / Stress Relief

Swedish massage is the most common form of soft tissue manipulation in the United States — for most of us, this is what comes to mind when we think of massage. The goals of relaxation massage are to relieve minor aches and pains, reduce tension, and rejuvenate the body. Swedish massage is a lighter-touch therapy. If you need deeper or corrective work, consider Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, or Myofascial Release. All of these therapies can be applied gently if you prefer a lighter touch, but they typically use firmer pressure as they work deeper into the body. Communicate your preferences to your therapist.

Relaxation for Prenatal

Massage during pregnancy can relieve the stress that comes with a changing body and shifting center of gravity, along with muscle aches, mental fatigue, and tension. Increased circulation supports overall health, detoxification, blood pressure, and swelling. Prenatal massage can be provided safely from 10 weeks through delivery. All massage tables at The Barbara White Massage Studio are prenatal tables, so the mother-to-be can comfortably lie face down on her belly during the massage.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is recommended for releasing tension in the deeper muscle tissues and for those who prefer heavier pressure. Often thought of as “rub me harder,” Deep Tissue Massage is actually a skilled approach to addressing the deeper tissues of the body. Properly applied, it does not mean “hard” and should never hurt. Deep Tissue is firmer than relaxation massage while still embracing a soothing experience. If you’d like this deeper work with a gentler touch, just let your therapist know.

A note on pressure: Many deeper structures can be addressed with light techniques — a way of finessing the tissues. The therapist is working to gain depth into the tissues, which has little to do with the raw pressure applied. If a past deep tissue massage left you bruised or in real pain (beyond minor “workout” soreness), it was improperly applied. Pushing too hard, too fast is counterproductive: it breaks blood vessels and tears the very tissues being massaged, leaving deeper-rooted problems behind. If firm pressure is what you want, tell your therapist — and keep them posted throughout the session if the pressure is too much or not enough. Your body feels pain as a warning that damage is happening or about to happen. Listen to your body, and remember that “no pain, no gain” does not apply to bodywork.

Deep Tissue for Prenatal

This service provides the therapeutic benefits of Deep Tissue Massage, modified for the expectant mother. Massage during pregnancy can relieve the stress that comes with a changing body and shifting center of gravity, along with muscle aches, mental fatigue, and tension. Increased circulation supports overall health, detoxification, blood pressure, and swelling. Prenatal massage can be provided safely from 10 weeks through delivery. All massage tables at The Barbara White Massage Studio are prenatal tables, so the mother-to-be can comfortably lie face down on her belly during the massage.

Myofascial Release

Fascial tissue surrounds every cell and connects the body’s tissues continuously from head to toe. This fascia holds us together and is our primary connective tissue. Fascial restrictions frequently cause postural distortions and pain patterns, and can occur for many reasons — including physical and mental trauma.

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a method of relieving long-term pain patterns that tend to invade surrounding and far-reaching regions of the body. MFR techniques usually begin with light compression, followed by decompression and gentle elongation of the tissues. The therapist sustains pressure and follows any motion that occurs three-dimensionally as the surrounding myofascial environment releases, eliminating or reducing the bracing and holding patterns stored in subconscious tissue memory.

MFR techniques are safe and highly effective for reducing pain and restoring motion and optimal function on a long-term basis by treating the entire myofascial complex. In most cases this is a gentle technique — compression, tissue and limb pulls, rocking, body lifts, spinal extension, range of motion, and stretching — though it can be more aggressive when indicated. MFR can allow for emotional releases during treatment and is an important component of health and well-being. Please share your goals with your therapist.

Scar Work Therapy

Scar work is the gentle manipulation of scar tissue and the surrounding fascial web. It can bring profound changes in nerve pain, lymph flow, muscle tone, muscle growth, skin coloration, and sensitivity, and can positively affect the motion and elasticity of the skin. This work can sometimes restore feeling to nerve-damaged areas and improve range of motion where fascial restrictions from burns, incisions, and other traumas have occurred. Even the smallest scars — from laparoscopic surgery to larger cesarean scars to childhood injuries — can have deep effects by restricting the continuous network of fascia throughout the body.

If you have a scar you would like to improve, or you’re curious whether it could be causing chronic pain or weakness elsewhere in your body, please reach out. We’re always happy to assist your steps in healing.

Transformational Healing Session

Through the combined use of Massage, Myofascial Release, Energy Work, and Breath Work, this session facilitates a deep physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation by addressing blockages in all of these areas.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is an educated approach to addressing compromised tissues. NMT employs a wide array of techniques aimed at helping the body realign and heal itself, activating weak muscle groups and sedating overpowering ones. The client participates in active and resistive exercises during and after sessions. This service is therapeutic in nature, designed for individuals with injuries, chronic pain patterns, structural imbalances, or neuromuscular pathologies.

We recommend booking a consultation before your first treatment, or whenever you commit to a course of therapy and wellness sessions. During this consultation, short- and long-term goals are set and a postural analysis may be performed. Frequency and duration of sessions, home care, and financial obligations will also be discussed.

Recommended for muscle firing imbalances, “charley horses,” postural shifts and structural balancing, and chronic pain patterns including sciatic nerve pain, carpal tunnel pain, TMJ disorders, whiplash, thoracic inlet/outlet disorders, frozen shoulder, scoliosis, sub-occipital pain, and headaches.

Reflexology

Commonly thought of as a foot massage, Reflexology is a much more specific practice than that. This ancient art applies pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears, using the body’s energy meridians to help the body heal itself. Reflexology does not “massage” the foot — rather, it applies pressure to specific points, typically working in tender areas. The therapy should not hurt, though it may be slightly uncomfortable in areas of stagnant or excessive energy and nerve activity. Try this meditative treatment and enjoy an ancient healing art.

Cupping

Cupping creates negative pressure in the tissues, lifting them rather than compressing them. The results are increased blood flow and nutrients to the area, along with separation of adhered fascia — removing adhesions and restrictions. Cupping can also reduce the appearance of cellulite dimpling by releasing the adhesions that create it.

Chair Massage

Chair Massage is performed in a specially designed chair with your clothes on. It is excellent for relaxation and more, depending on the techniques your massage therapist uses. In a private studio setting, tops may be removed and a robe worn backward to open the tissues of the back and neck for more detailed work with cream or oil. Hot stones or bamboo can be added to the service as an add-on.

Corporate On-Site Chair Massage

On-Site Chair Massage is performed in a specially designed chair with your clothes on. It is excellent for relaxation and more, depending on the techniques your massage therapist uses. A minimum of two hours is required for travel. Multiple therapists may be requested for larger events; each chair/therapist is billed additionally.

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Specialty Massage Services

Lymphatic Drainage

Nicknamed the “Silent System,” our lymphatics are, in short, our immune and waste-removal system. Most of us are familiar with the nodes around the neck. These nodes break down large debris and are connected by vessels running from our toes to our heads. They follow the same paths as the veins of the cardiovascular system, but they flow only one way — toward the heart. That means the lymphatic system doesn’t have the benefit of the heart’s pumping action to move lymph and pathogens along. Instead, the vessels rely on the body’s natural rhythms and movements to propel lymph upward. The lymphatic system can bog down when a person is sedentary for too long, or when it’s overwhelmed by pathogens, lipids, or large proteins.

This light-touch modality is recommended for full-body detoxification, frequent illness, immune system support, drug detox, depression, edemas, and surgical recovery — especially recovery involving the removal of lymph nodes, such as mastectomy, cancer treatment, tummy tucks, liposuction, BBL, and breast augmentation. Some cancer recovery programs benefit from Lymphatic Drainage sessions; ask your treating physician. Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy are available for those with Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Primary or Secondary Lymphedema, and Lipedema.

Barefoot Sole Massage (Ashiatsu)

Utilizing ceiling bars, deep massage is applied using the feet, hands, and knees to compress and glide across the muscles. This deeply penetrating massage releases tension throughout the body and opens the vertebral joints. Additional range of motion work through the hips and shoulders opens the joints and relieves tension. This therapy is designed for thickly muscled clients but may be adaptable to other populations depending on goals, body type, and health.

Sacred Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage

Known as the “Rhythm of the Heart,” Sacred Lomi is unique in its ability to massage the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. Long, full-body strokes glide across the body from head to toe. Both the front and back of the body are massaged at the same time, with occasional lifting and rocking. LomiLomi is surprisingly structurally corrective work, without the discomfort of more aggressive therapies, and it addresses both emotional and physical pain patterns. This may be the most amazing massage you’ll ever experience — it will leave you in an altered state. Dynamic, and a must-try!

Hot Stone Massage (Original LaStone Style)

Indulgence! This deluxe massage treatment is sure to top your list of favorites. We use hand-selected, naturally smooth basalt stones — volcanic stones known for holding heat. The stones are heated and applied to the body in a smooth relaxation massage. After each area is massaged, stones are placed along the spine to transfer their heat into the tissues, then tapped to transfer energy as they are removed. While you lie on your back, stones are placed along the chakras (concentrated energy points) to balance body, mind, and spirit. The stones can also be used as deep tissue tools throughout the massage. Let your therapist know your goals for the session.

Hot Stone LomiLomi Hawaiian Massage

LomiLomi is a Hawaiian method that combines a variety of techniques to relax every part of your body. This session incorporates the deeply penetrating moist heat of warm, smooth basalt stones with the long, gliding strokes of LomiLomi. This premier massage service will leave you feeling renewed.

Hot Bamboo MuXing Therapy

Heated bamboo tools are used to deeply massage the fascia and muscles through rolling, gliding, and fanning motions. Layers of hot towels are compressed into your muscles, releasing knots, tension, and fatigue. Oil blends are selected to offer maximum muscle release. Truly yummy and deeply releasing.

Raindrop Technique (60 minutes only)

Raindrop Technique is an essential oil massage treatment developed by Dr. Gary Young that utilizes highly concentrated, pure plant oils for their natural tendencies toward defending against pathogens. Essential oils are naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory, among many other properties. This technique is recommended for anyone looking to support immune response or detoxify. Dr. Young professed that the technique may minimize scoliotic curves by reducing viruses that accumulate along the spine and cause uneven spasms in the musculature. No claims or promises are made to cure or eliminate any disease process.

This essential oil application is sure to relax and unwind you. The oils are dropped along the spine and onto vita flex points on the feet, massaged in, and finished with a hot compress. The typical session is designed for detoxification, emotional balancing, muscular balancing, or relaxation and stress relief. The options are endless — discuss your goals with your therapist.

Ayurvedic Massage (90 minutes only)

This ancient therapy system balances the energies of the subtle body, leaving you feeling energized and rejuvenated. Specific therapies are selected through a constitutional analysis of the recipient — consult with your therapist for the proper therapeutic selection. Eat light before the session and plan plenty of relaxation and reintegration time afterward. Ayurvedic bodywork will get oil in your hair, so allow time to shower before rejoining the real world. A session includes Garshana with Abhyanga or Vishesh Massage. Ayurvedic Massage is best coupled with Shirodhara.

Shirodhara (30 minutes)

The name comes from the Sanskrit words shira (“head”) and dhara (“flow” or “stream”). In this deeply relaxing treatment, warm herbal oils, milk, buttermilk, wine, or coconut water are poured in a gentle stream over the forehead, accompanied by energy meridian therapy. The procedure synchronizes brain waves and profoundly calms the mind, body, and spirit. Shirodhara enhances blood circulation to the brain, improves memory, nourishes the hair and scalp, and generally aids in the release of stress and tension. Its benefits are greatly enhanced after a massage, when the body is already in a very receptive state.

Garshana

A dry-mitt exfoliation preceding a massage, designed to move lymph and prepare the body for maximum benefit from the herbal oils and the movement of energies through the nadis (energy channels). The blood is alkalinized during this treatment, improving immune and digestive responses.

Abhyanga

A rejuvenating body massage with herbal oils. The strokes and techniques employed are light to medium pressure and quick. Abhyanga is an ancient therapy designed to realign physical, emotional, and mental balance. Experience being fully present in the moment. This treatment can be provided with one or two therapists.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu, meaning “finger pressure,” is a Japanese form of finger pressure massage applied to balance the energy pathways of the body and restore proper flow to the body’s organs and tissues. The session is typically conducted fully clothed. Stretches and range of motion work are combined with pressure techniques — fingers, fists, palms, elbows, and knees — to release tension patterns along the body’s traditional energy meridians and access Qi (energy) within them. During a session, Qi stagnation and deficiency are balanced to reduce musculoskeletal dysfunctions that are rooted deeper than overuse strain patterns and often stem from imbalances in anger, grief, joy, fear, and sympathy. The proper balance of Qi supports the functioning of the organ systems. Body, mind, and spirit are all addressed through the 12 primary meridians and 2 extraordinary meridians characteristic of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shiatsu.

Thai Massage

Nicknamed “lazy man’s yoga,” this dynamic bodywork system comes from Thailand and is typically provided fully clothed. The body’s energy channels are compressed, rocked, and stretched to balance energies and increase range of motion. The stretches throughout the session open the joints, reduce stress and tension patterns, lengthen muscles, and improve range of motion across the whole body. The body’s ability to move is essential to regaining and maintaining health. Enjoy this incredible massage.