Massage Therapy

All of our Massage Therapists at Better Life Chiropractic and Massage are licensed through the Oregon State Board of Massage Therapists and utilize a wide variety of effective techniques to assist you. Each Massage Therapist brings their own set of specialized training to our clinic to focus on your medical needs.
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The following are some of the Massage Therapy techniques utilized in our clinic. However, our Massage Therapist are continually attending continuing education seminars and bringing new services and techniques to our patients..

Therapeutic Deep Tissue

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is a broad term that describes a variety of soft-tissue techniques arimed at reducing adhesions between the muscles and surrounding fascial tissues.

Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.
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Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.)
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The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, self treatment instruction, enhancement of strength, improved flexibility, as well as movement and posture awareness.

Myofascial Decompression Cupping

Cupping is a therapy treatment which uses silicone cups to create a suction on the skin. This negative pressure facilitates the draining of excess fluids and toxins, stimulates the peripheral nervous system, brings blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin, loosens adhesions, connective tissue and stubborn knots in soft tissue. The cups are commonly applied to the back, arms, legs, hips and even other regions of the body like the stomach, neck or face.
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Cupping has a very long history as an effective therapy for several ailments and has been used in Traditional Eastern Medicine for many years.
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During your session, you will feel a slight pressure on the skin as the muscles and fascia are pulled into the cup. There is rarely any pain associated with the treatment, if discomfort is experienced the suction pressure can be adjusted by your Massage Therapist. The technique will leave painless red, blue or purplish marks that should disappear within a few days or weeks. The color that appears is important information for the provider, informing them of the condition of the muscles and tissues.

Swedish Flow

Lymphatic Flow

Lymphatic massage is a technique used to encourage lymph flow in the body. Lymph is the clear fluid produced by the lymph nodes, located in the neck, chest, underarms, groin, and abdomen. A healthy flow of lymph supports the body’s immune system in fighting off toxins responsible for viruses and infections. The lymphatic system is the body’s filter system for dangerous toxins and disease-promoting bacteria. For this reason, the health of the lymphatic system is crucial to the body’s ability to heal.
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The potential benefits of this type of massage include, but are not limited to, decreased joint pain, arthritic pain, mood and energy enhancement, infrequent infections, and improved skin conditions. It may also alleviate migraines and menstrual cramps.
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Typically, the touch is incredibly light, as the lymphatic vessels are located directly beneath the skin. This light application of pressure mimics the natural rhythm of the lymphatic system, resulting in a simple, non-invasive encouragement of lymph flow.

Body Scraping

Body scraping is an ancient therapy in Traditional Eastern Medicine and utilizes the use of a scraping instrument (typically made of stainless steel, porcelain or plastic) to treat the tissues of the body. It is a technique used to bring a healthy blood flow to stagnant areas and to effectively loosen tight and bothersome knots and build up in the tissue.
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The most common area for use is on the shoulders and neck, but is very useful on the whole back, forearms or anywhere that has been more troublesome to treat.
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The scrapping is usually not painful. It will leave a red mark that will go away in a day or two. These red marks are caused by broken blood vessels as the increase of blood flow is generated by the scrapping.

Hot Stone

Specialized Hot Stones are placed in hot water, typically at a temperature ranging between 100-140 degrees Fahrenheit to reach a suitable temperature.  In order to maintain adequate external skin hydration massage oils or lotions are commonly applied to your skin.  Sufficient internal hydration is also essential for the treatment.  The stones are then placed on you according to areas of concern or needing treatment, including the back, legs, arms or feet. Alongside this, the stones are held by the massage therapist and used to apply pressure into the muscle acting as an extension of their hands.  

The temperature of the stones are consistently monitored to ensure they remain at a safe and comfortable temperature that will produce the most effective results.

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When combined with other techniques, such as Swedish Flow Massage, the stones will be applied to the skin using long, gliding movements and kneading techniques to relax the muscles.