Stretching is an important part of overall health. Since most clients who receive massage therapy understand the importance of working on soft tissue (muscle and fascia) to keep our bodies functional at optimum levels, adding stretching protocols are a natural extension of that self-care program.
Stretching tends to feel good because it activates your parasympathetic nervous system and increases blood flow to your muscles. It’s thought that stretching may also release endorphins that help to reduce pain and enhance your mood. According to Harvard Medical School: “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.” <Source>
We offer two types of stretching; Thai Stretch (Table) and Active Isolated Stretch sessions.
Thai Stretch and Massage
Thai On The Table
Wear comfortable, loose clothing to experience this ancient healing system combining acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures – all while on the massage table. This relaxing and revitalizing session is appropriate for beginners or experienced recipients!
In Thai massage, the therapist uses her body to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. She also utilizes muscle compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure techniques, as well as energy work to balance your body.
This session is great for anyone wanting to improve pain-free range of motion while enjoying an incredibly rejuvenating session!
Book with Jennifer Willette, Misa McCue, Lisa Tarr, Leah Cataldo or Viktoria Lovy who have had specialized training in this wonderful modality!
Watch the Suncoast View television clip on Thai Massage!
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS)
Wear comfortable loose clothing for this session. Stretches are done either sitting or laying down on the massage table. AIS is based upon the principle of reciprocal inhibition, where the activation of one muscle group will inhibit the opposing muscle group allowing for a better stretch.
- You will actively contract one group of muscles as your therapist stretches the opposing group
- For many movements, the use of a rope or belt will assist in increasing your range of motion
- Each stretch is held for 2-3 seconds at end range. The stretch is repeated multiple times, while coordinated with your breathing to enhance the stretch
Benefits: In addition to learning how to stretch for a life-time of physical health, active isolated stretching benefits you with increased circulation, reduced risk of injury, improved posture, greater muscle strength, faster healing times, relaxed muscles and increased muscle potential. Active isolated stretching has been used by thousands of professional and amateur athletes to increase flexibility and performance while reducing the risk of injury.
Book AIS sessions with Misa McCue LMT, who has received training with Aaron Mattes, the creator of AIS.
Table Thai / Active Isolated Stretch Rates:
60 Minutes – $110
90 Minutes – $140
Thai on the Mat
Thai Massage On The Mat is a series of yoga inspired poses applied to the recipient by the therapist using the therapists’ body to apply deep compressions and the stretches. The recipient does no work, this allows their bodies to relax completely and receive the full benefit of the poses.
During a Thai massage session, the recipient is fully clothed typically in loose fitting or flexible clothing. They are on the floor on a large soft mat. There is no oil or lotion used in traditional Thai massage, but in this session lotion is sometimes used as needed for additional relaxation techniques.
Thai massage is ideal for anyone with an active lifestyle or anyone with limited movement in their day to day lives. Not only does Thai massage relax and renew but it can also increase flexibility, range of motion, reduce stress and improve circulation just to name a few benefits.
Adequate flexibility is an often under appreciated, commonly overlooked but extremely beneficial physical quality. When our bodies don’t have proper flexibility or range of motion they are far more prone to experience muscle and joint discomfort and are far more prone to injury while exercising. Thai massage is the perfect blend of massage style compression and deep relaxing stretches.
Book Thai on the Mat with Viktoria Lovy.
Thai on the Mat Rates:
60 Minutes – $125
90 Minutes – $155
