Massage Therapy

Massage is a wonderful way to reduce stress and rejuvenate after a long week of work or family obligations. It's also a great way to give yourself some care so that you have renewed energy and a positive mood for whatever comes next in your day. Some people use massage to recover after a workout, others to give themselves a weekly tune-up, still others find that they feel much happier after a massage. Whatever your motivation, give yourself the gift of massage and you'll be better for it.

 

At Chez Gabrielle, we have two private massage rooms, as well as two massage chairs. If you want a quick massage at a lower price point, consider doing a chair massage. This massage is done on a massage chair, which is specially designed with a face cradle so you can lean forward and relax. You are fully clothed and the massage therapist, works on your back, arms, and head. You can choose any length of time from 15 minutes up to an hour. However long you choose, you'll relax and wish it could go on longer!   

 

In our private massage rooms, we have a heated table and soothing music. You undress partially or fully and are covered with a sheet. Your massage therapist may use oil or lotion, depending on your preference and the type of massage. We listen closely to our clients and design a massage that addresses their tension level and relaxation needs for that particular day. 

 

Here are the different types of massage that we draw from when working with you:

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• Swedish massage: long strokes on your back and limbs designed to increase circulation and promote relaxation.

• Deep Tissue: deeper kneading strokes on specific areas of tension. Often used in the neck, around the shoulder blades, and low back. 

• Trigger Point Therapy: these are points of tension and pain in your muscles. Holding these points until they release affect both the trigger point and patterns of referred pain in other areas of the body. 

• Reflexology: these are points in the feet that relate to other parts of the body. Some people like to just have their feet rubbed and find it to be all they need to fully relax. Other people enjoy having focused attention on their feet and ankles, as well as other parts of their body. 

• Muscle Energy Technique: this is a guided isometric exercise used while you are on the table to release a stubbornly tight muscle.

• Facilitated Stretching: while you are on the table, your massage therapist will gently stretch your shoulders, hips, low back, neck and ankles. This can feel very good because it gets to places that you can't stretch on your own. The therapist is careful to make sure that you are comfortable and not being overstretched.

• Acupressure and Shiatsu: these are Asian massage techniques that use pressure along points of the meridians. This increases your energy or "chi" and contributes to your overall health and well-being.

• Hot Stone Therapy: we use hot basalt river stones to enhance your massage experience. These stones hold heat longer than a hand. Sometimes we place them on the chakra points, or key acupressure points, or use them in hand as a massage tool for a longer stroke. Either way, they feel warm and relaxing and your muscles will respond by letting go of tension.

• Prenatal Massage: this is a time in your life when your body is changing and stretching as your baby grows within you. Prenatal massage can ease some of the aches and pains that come with these changes. It is also a wonderful way to give yourself some care in light of this big life change that is coming. And if it's your second child, you know what I am talking about!

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As you can see, our massage therapists have a wide range of knowledge and modalities to draw upon. Come into Chez Gabrielle and experience their trained touch. They are all certified by the California Massage Therapy Council.