Island Fitness & Massage of SJ

                Book your appointment today for a session dedicated to restoring balance and                     vitality to your mind and body!

Services Available:

Relaxation/Therapeutic Massage: Relaxation massage employs a therapeutic approach characterized by smooth, flowing strokes aimed at fostering relaxation and diminishing stress. Unlike the targeted pressure of deep tissue or other specialized massage, relaxation massage serves to calm the nervous system, improve blood circulation, increase flexibility, improve posture, reduce stress and release muscle tension.

Deep Tissue (Specialized): Deep tissue massage (DTM) is a therapeutic massage technique that uses slow strokes and sustained pressure to target the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues in the body. The goal of DTM is to break up scar tissue and adhesions, which can improve circulation, promote healing, and enhance range of motion. 

Cupping Therapy (Specialized): Cupping is a type of deep-tissue massage; it uses different size cups to create counter-pressure that works deep muscles and fascia. By lifting rather than compressing, cupping is able to facilitate movement of muscles, fascia and fluid in different (and very therapeutic) ways. Counter-pressure is created by use of a suction device on the cup. One of the most misunderstood parts of cupping is the marks left by the treatment. Cupping marks are closer to (don’t laugh…) a hickey, and the coloring varies depending on the type and amount of toxins that were released from deep in the muscles and surrounding tissue during the cupping session. The color of the markings are a diagnostic tool, because they reveal a lot about what is happening internally in that particular area. Cupping marks typically fade within 2-4 days, depending on the severity of the underlying issue and continue to work as the blood dissipates back down through the muscles. So you may find that you find even more relief as the days go by after your session.

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) (Specialized):  Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, light technique that involves moving the skin in specific directions to help move lymphatic fluid through the body. The goal is to help relieve swelling and other issues caused by illness or medical treatments that block the lymphatic system.  During an MLD massage, a practitioner will use gentle, slow, rhythmic skin movements to stimulate circulation and drainage and apply gentle pressure toward the lymph nodes to help clear fluid through the lymph vessels.  MLD can help with a number of things, including: Cleansing tissues, Reducing swelling and bruising, Eliminating toxins, Relieving pain, and Promoting healing. 

***You shouldn't get an MLD massage if you have an infection, inflammation, blood clot, heart problems, or cancer in the area that's swollen***

Somatic Therapy (Specialized):  Somatic massage therapy is a type of bodywork that focuses on the connection between the mind and body to help improve physical and emotional well-being. It's an intuitive and improvised technique that uses touch and movement - gentle rocking and shaking, to communicate with the body's tissues and fluids. The goal is to help the body heal itself by relieving pain and tension, and to help people become more aware of their bodies. Somatic massage therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including: Headaches, Back pain, Neck pain, Stress, PTSD, and Body awareness.

Somatic/MLD Hybrid (Specialized):  In this Hybrid selection you will receive a mixture of Somatic Therapy and Manual Lymph Drainage massage. This session can be done fully clothed in light cotton tank or T-shirt and leggings or shorts.

Prenatal Massage (Specialized):  Prenatal massage is a specialized therapy designed for expectant mothers, focusing on alleviating discomforts associated with pregnancy. This gentle and safe massage technique helps reduce back pain, swelling, and muscle tension while promoting relaxation and overall well-being. Using tailored positioning and techniques, prenatal massage enhances circulation and supports the physical and emotional health of both the mother and baby. Experience the soothing benefits of prenatal massage during your pregnancy journey.

Fascial Release/Blasting (Specialized):  Fascial release massage, also known as myofascial release (MFR) therapy, is a gentle, constant massage that uses deep friction and stroking to release tightness and pain in the body's fascia. The fascia are the tough coverings that wrap, connect, and support muscles. MFR therapy is designed to improve the fascia's ability to move and deform, which can help eliminate pain, reduce structural imbalances, and improve functional ability. 

During a MFR therapy session, I will locate trigger points, or knots, in the fascia and then gently apply pressure until the tension is released. The provider may also use loading techniques, such as stretching the tissues and holding them in a position of restriction until tension is released and may also use a tool to help release the stuck fascia. You might feel pressure and a release of tension, but you shouldn't feel significant pain. 

Hot Stone (Specialized):  A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy that uses heated stones to relax muscles and relieve tension. I will use them to help melt away the tension in your muscles during the massage.  Hot stone massages can have health benefits, such as:  reducing stress and anxiety, promoting sleep, improving circulation, calming the mind, helping with muscular pain, poor circulation, rheumatic/arthritic conditions, fibromyalgia, back pain, insomnia, depression, and autoimmune disease.

Fitness Classes are no longer available as of July 2024. 

Personal Training will open for new enrollment for January 2025.