Types of Massage

The therapists at Ka Hale Ola Massage Therapy integrate components of a variety of massage modalities or styles to meet YOUR personal therapeutic needs to achieve your desired outcomes.

Here are a few of the skills/ modalities we integrate into each unique massage as well as a brief description of each:

  • Swedish– The most common of the massage modalities. Usually it involves a combination of the following strokes: long, flowing strokes (effleurage), kneading (petrissage), friction, vibration, or percussion (tapotement) for generalized relaxation. Oil or lotion is often used to promote more fluid or gliding strokes.
  • Lomi Lomi– Similar to Swedish massage in techniques (with the addition of forearm and elbow strokes), but also adds the component of an acknowledgement to a higher power is incorporated into the session.
  • Trigger Point Release– A technique which requires firm pressure to specific points in muscles (that refer pain to other parts of the body) and stretches to the involved muscles.
  • Myofascial work– A non-invasive technique where the underlying, connective tissue that surrounds muscles is gently stretched to improve the muscle’s ability to perform.
  • Shiatsu– A deeper pressure technique developed by the Japanese to improve the flow of energy and promote the body’s ability to heal.
  • Acupressure– Using acupuncture points, acupressure is the non-invasive alternative. Firm point stimulation to specific points are used to unblock meridians to promote better flow of Chi (or Qi), or energy, in the body.
  • Counterstrain- Using the same trigger points (see above), the involved muscle is passively shortened to decrease the affected muscle that is in spasm.
  • Sports Massage– It is used to reduce the incidents of injury (pre-event or while training) and/or to promote recovery (post-event) with the use of lighter strokes, stretching, and range of motion (ROM).
  • Reflexology– This modality uses various points on the foot, hand or ear to affect a corresponding part of the body.

If you have other specific needs we can provide these other modalities as well:

  • Seated or Chair Massage– Using a variety of massage techniques, it is done with a massage chair. Often used in out-call events or in public, when clients need to remain fully clothed.
  • Prenatal Massage– Usually after the first trimester, women who are experiencing muscular pains can receive massage treatments. Mainly involving side-lying positions, this massage is done to alleviate some of the pains in the back due to carrying the weight of the child.

During our treatments, if lotion is required, we normally use Biotone products.

Future continuing education courses will allow us to learn new techniques and abilities.