We specialize in Deep Tissue and Medical Massage,
Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage,
and Shiatsu.
We also offer Pregnancy Massage and much more.
We are trained in many different styles of massage. There is no need to decide what you want beforehand. During your initial intake and assessment, We will take the time to find out what types of massage are most suitable to help reach your goals. If you have specific preferences, you may find it helpful to read the rest of this page to learn a brief overview of the modalities we specialize in. Write down any questions that come to mind, and we will be happy to answer them for you. For more tips on getting the most out of your massage view this handy guide. The goal at our Waialua massage clinic near Haleiwa is for every massage to be a positive and uplifting experience that reduces pain and tension.
Medical Massage vs. Holistic Massage: What is the Difference?
Medical, Clinical, and Orthopedic Massage on the North Shore of Hawaii:
The terms medical, clinical, and orthopedic are commonly used to describe therapeutic massage that addresses a specific medical condition or injury. Although massage therapists cannot diagnose, we can provide manual therapy to help with pain and the process of recovery. If you are experiencing discomfort or have been involved in an accident, the first course of action is to visit your primary care physician for a diagnosis. During your assessment, discuss with your doctor if massage therapy can help and ask for a prescription. Your prescription should be from a medical doctor and should include the appropriate medical coding. Your massage therapist will then plan a course of treatment using techniques that are based on current medical research. They will keep a record of your progress and document each session for insurance purposes. All massage techniques will be evidence-based and specific to your particular condition/injury. *Please note: Due to the complications caused by the pandemic, we are no longer accepting insurance.
Often, massage should accompany physical therapy and movement re-education for maximum benefit. This is especially the case when dealing with a specific injury. Although most massage therapists receive some degree of training in regards to rehabilitation, it is outside their scope of practice to prescribe therapeutic exercise.
Here at our Waialua massage clinic near Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu, we specialize in medical and clinical massage techniques to help ease your pain and tension. Give us a call or email to find out how we can help your condition.
Often, massage should accompany physical therapy and movement re-education for maximum benefit. This is especially the case when dealing with a specific injury. Although most massage therapists receive some degree of training in regards to rehabilitation, it is outside their scope of practice to prescribe therapeutic exercise.
Here at our Waialua massage clinic near Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu, we specialize in medical and clinical massage techniques to help ease your pain and tension. Give us a call or email to find out how we can help your condition.
Holistic Massage and Bodywork on the North Shore of Hawaii:
The term, "holistic massage," is used to refer to the techniques that are based on indigenous cultural beliefs, new age philosophy, psychology, and/or the intuitive process. A holistic massage therapist focuses on the mind, body, and spirit as an interconnected whole. Sometimes this is referred to as "bodywork" instead of "massage." The massage profession is currently in the process of evolution as it has transitioned towards becoming an acceptable medical treatment. Because of this paradigm shift, various systems of belief regarding the human energy field, meridians, and spirituality must be separately categorized apart from science-based massage techniques. Even though the majority of these holistic massage methods have been proven effective because of their psychological benefits to well-being, pain relief, and stress reduction, they cannot be eligible for medical reimbursement. The reason for this is that the theories behind these approaches are based on spiritual philosophy and faith. Holistic massage therapy has therapeutic value which stems from the psychology of healing, spiritual empowerment, its effects on the nervous system, and its ability to generate a relaxation response. The explanatory models which are incorporated often vary among practitioners and are largely unsupported by medical research.
An integrative approach to massage therapy addresses more than just the physical complaints of each client. While massage therapists are not able to treat emotional health or provide any kind of counseling, our therapists can provide many ways to manage stress levels. Psychological tools, such as meditation, breath work, visualization, and energy work can be taught in order to maintain wellness, reduce pain, and lower stress throughout daily activities. Here, at our Waialua massage clinic near Haleiwa, our goal is to see each patient as a unique individual who needs personalized care.
An integrative approach to massage therapy addresses more than just the physical complaints of each client. While massage therapists are not able to treat emotional health or provide any kind of counseling, our therapists can provide many ways to manage stress levels. Psychological tools, such as meditation, breath work, visualization, and energy work can be taught in order to maintain wellness, reduce pain, and lower stress throughout daily activities. Here, at our Waialua massage clinic near Haleiwa, our goal is to see each patient as a unique individual who needs personalized care.
Our custom massage sessions on the North Shore of Oahu near Haleiwa in Waialua can include any combination of medical, orthopedic, and holistic massage techniques. However, if you are seeking massage in response to a doctor's prescription or for insurance reimbursement, you may only receive evidence-based medical massage therapy. For more information, read this article about current divides within the field of professional massage.
Popular massage modalities
Swedish Massage
This is perhaps the most well-known and often misunderstood technique within the United States. Relaxation spas, in an attempt to distinguish between light and deep pressure for pricing purposes, mistakenly chose to use the terms Swedish and Deep Tissue to refer to these differences. However, this is a misnomer. Swedish Massage is not necessarily the light relaxing technique it has been portrayed to be.
There is some debate over the actual origins of Swedish Massage. Most historians believe that what we now refer to as Swedish Massage can be traced back to the work of Per Henrik Ling. In Europe, the term, Classic Massage is used to refer to what North Americans call Swedish Massage. This style of massage uses a blend of specific strokes called effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration.
There is some debate over the actual origins of Swedish Massage. Most historians believe that what we now refer to as Swedish Massage can be traced back to the work of Per Henrik Ling. In Europe, the term, Classic Massage is used to refer to what North Americans call Swedish Massage. This style of massage uses a blend of specific strokes called effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration.
Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Western style
(DeepFeet Bar Therapy)
This style of barefoot massage originates from India. Unlike the Japanese form of Ashiatsu, our therapists use their feet to glide across the body in addition to pressure point massage. Many people prefer this technique because of the deep amount of pressure being distributed across a broad surface area. Deep compressive effleurage may feel more relaxing than point specific pressure points to many people. Although a large number of our clients are athletes, you do not have to be a specific body type to enjoy this style of massage. The therapist can vary the amount of pressure by supporting the weight using overhead bars and using one foot instead of two. Find out more by reading this article.
Deep Tissue
Massage Techniques
Deep Tissue Massage is an umbrella term that incorporates many different techniques. What distinguishes DT from other massages is the intention and focus of the massage strokes. Deep Tissue massage emphasizes alignment and proper functioning of the body with specific attention to the deeper layers of tissue. This includes tendons and connective tissue or fascia. Some of the following techniques are incorporated in deep tissue massage:
- Myofascial Release
This technique focuses on the connective tissue and fascia that surrounds all of the tissues of the body. In the past, it was believed that the fascia could be restructured and lengthened through the mechanical force of massage therapy. However, current research has disproven this theory and indicates that changes in structure are largely mediated by the nervous system. By using precise applications of pressure and direction of force, the therapist is able to create a stretching sensation. This sensation helps mobilize nerve pathways and also provides novel stimulus for the proprioceptive cells within muscles to regulate length and function. Read more about fascia-related pain in this article from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- Neuromuscular Therapy
Ischemic pressure is applied according to a specific protocol in regards to referred pain patterns. This provides a novel stimulus that helps reduce pain and affects blood flow in the immediate area. This technique is also referred to as trigger point therapy. It is often indicated for people who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia although should be introduced in small increments until the patient has determined sensitivity to massage. Read more about neuromuscular therapy in this in-depth article.
- Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy
This therapy identifies and treats patterns of dysfunction in the body. It is a soft-tissue approach to alignment that focuses on the structure and function of the body along with the nervous system's role in mediating movement according to perceived pain. This technique is based on concepts from Osteopathic Manipulation and Rolfing. Read more about myoskeletal alignment techniques from this article published in Massage Magazine.
Additional Training and Certifications
Here is a list of our certifications at Integrated Massage:
Swedish Massage
Hydrotherapy and the use of Heat and Ice applications in massage
Cross-fiber Massage
Chair Massage
Zen Shiatsu (Advanced certification)
Polarity Therapy (Basic)
Pregnancy Massage
Stretching and Movement Therapy
Comprehensive Training in Deep Tissue Therapy: includes Body reading and analysis, Connective tissue, Myofascial Release, Assessment, Somatic Psychology for Massage Therapists.
Neuromuscular Therapy
TMJ Intra-oral Massage
Reflexology
Sports Massage
Certified Myoskeletal Alignment Therapist
Advanced Myoskeletal Alignment Therapist
Sciatica Treatment Certificate
Carpal Tunnel Treatment Certificate
Geriatric Immune Functioning in Massage Therapy
Fibromyalgia Treatment Certificate
Orthopedic Massage and Assessment Certificate
Lymphatic Massage (Basic)
Postural Analysis Certificate
Acupressure
Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Advanced
Tui Na (Basic)
Thai on the Table
Reiki Master (Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho) Certified Teacher
Hawaiian Lomilomi
Lomilomi 'oluea
Transformation Meditation Teacher Training
Fertility Massage Specialist Certification
Certified Breathwork Instructor
Light Activation Therapy (Trained under Shanta Gabriel)
Heart Centered Therapy and Dialoguing Skills
Massage Self-care certificate
Massage Teacher Training Certificate
Prenatal, Labor, and Postpartum massage certification
Infant Massage Training
Certified Infant and Newborn Massage Teacher
Cellulite Massage and Cellulite Reduction Massage Treatments
Hot Stone Massage
Lomilomi Kapuaokalani Style
Intro to Pain Science
Certificate in Massage for Osteoarthritis