Hydrocollator Therapy

What is the hydrocollator?  

You may have noticed the big metal thing in our office or experienced the hot packs we have been using, but what is it?  It is our new hydrocollator! The hydrocollator heats water to 160°F and a therapeutic silica gel pack is submersed in the water to soak until removed and placed on the body. The pack provides moist heat to the area of your body to be treated.  This increases blood flow to help minimize pain and stimulate healing. These hot steam packs are wrapped in a towel for your comfort before being placed on the body and  left on the affected area for about 20 minutes so that the penetrating heat seeps deep into your muscles for complete relaxation unit!   

How does the hydrocollator work with massage?

The hydrocollator is most often is used with deep tissue massage but can also be used to relax muscles and aid in overall relaxation.  You do NOT have to have deep tissue massage or can opt for deeper work in a specific area.

What is deep tissue massage?

Of the many types of massage,  deep tissue focuses on the release of muscle tension and chronic knots (aka adhesions).  The moist heat of the hydrocollator relaxes the muscles tissue which allows your therapist to provide more specific and deeper massage to the affected area.  Deep Tissue massage can be used throughout the body or in spot areas that are particularly tight or need extra work.  All deep tissue work starts with Swedish Massage Strokes.  Deep tissue massage is particularly good for chronic conditions as well.

Deep Tissue Massage  should not be painful, but it’s likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish massage. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you. The application of moist heat with hydrocollator packs is key to relaxing your muscles before manipulation.

 

What are the benefits of using hydrocollator  packs?

The penetrating, moist heat of the steam packs treat physical conditions such as muscle spasms, sprains, bruised tissue, and particularly tense areas in preparation for a deep tissue massage. The hydrocollator technique increases blood flow to the treatment area, helping to decrease pain and stimulate healing. Heat is a non-invasive, therapeutic means of treatment following injuries or soreness resulting from exercise, sports or other activities.

What can I expect during my massage?

In addition to classic Swedish Massage the therapist may also use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue part of the massage. You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas.

A good way to recover from a Deep Tissue Massage is by soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salt. This soaking is recommended because it will help get more of the toxins out of your body (Epsom salt draws the toxins out into the water). See Previous Blogs for more info on Epsom Salt!

Some people think that if you just push hard enough, a knot could be worked out in one session, but this is not the case. For built-up tension and chronic knots (adhesions) deep tissue massage and/or hydrocollator therapy is just one part of the treatment. If you do not exercise,  correct your posture, and/or employ relaxation techniques along with Deep Tissue Massage you may not get the full benefits from your massage.

Come experience our new hyrocollator and enjoy the way your muscles will feel after this great moist heat has done it's magic.  (Deep tissue massage optional! *wink *wink!) 

90Minute Massage for $65 ends March 15

Don't forget: 10% Off Gift Certificates all month!  March is my birthday month and I am celebrating with you!
Buy Instant Gift Certificates Online at www.alternativehealingtherapy.net