Massage therapy is a holistic approach to enhancing physical and mental well-being through manual manipulation of soft tissues. Your Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) is skilled to use various techniques such as kneading, stretching, tapping and pressure to alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, and bring balance to the body. Massage therapy can be used for as part of a treatment plan for your condition, prevention of injury, and part of a wellness routine.
With two decades of experience as a holistic provider and entrepreneur, Estephanina Martinez, affectionately known as Nina, has seamlessly navigated through leadership roles in start-ups, outreach, and nonprofits. Evolving from a seasoned body worker and mind-body specialist into a revered alternative medicine pioneer. In 2003 she obtained her NCBTMB as a Nationally Licensed Massage & Bodywork Practitioner and has a background in orthopedic massage. She has also been a Reiki Master since 2010. Nina later founded her company Ortho Touch Therapy in 2013.
As a Holistic Life Guide, Nina empowers individuals to discern their passions, skills, values, and goals, guiding them towards a life aligned with their soul's purpose. Focusing on leaders, she improves the performance and wellbeing of individuals across different industries by employing a comprehensive approach including ancient and modern techniques.
You can contact her by calling (314) 720-6750 or through email at [email protected]
Her offerings include:
- Specialty Massage
- Craniosacral Therapy
- Reflexology
- Sound Massage
- Wellness Coaching
- Guided Meditation
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Energy Healing Service
- Shamanic Healing Service
- Reiki
- Shamanic Healing Mentorship
Deep Tissue Massage
While many massage techniques induce relaxation with soothing and gentle kneading, deep tissue massage involves more intense muscle manipulation. Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. Additionally, this type of massage reduces stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.
Unlike most traditional massage that promotes whole-body relaxation, deep
tissue massage is often used to target specific trouble spots after an
accident or injury has left you stiff and sore, as in instances of whiplash
or falls.
Hot Stone Massage
Intensely comforting and remarkably gentle, hot stone massage is a unique pampering experience that is perfect for those who prefer a lighter massage with many of the benefits of deep tissue work. With hot stone massage therapy, the heat conducted by the smooth stones used during the massage loosen and relax tense muscles, promoting deep relaxation that allows a massage therapist to manipulate the muscle intensely without causing pain or discomfort.
Hot stone massage is a variation of traditional massage techniques and engages the use of smooth stones containing basalt, which retains heat well. The smooth, rounded stones are heated in water to the ideal temperature and then placed in optimum spots on the body, such as the spinal column, and placed in the palms of the hands and between the toes. The stones are also often used as massage implements and help massage therapists deeply massage the muscles with minimal discomfort. Many hot stone massage clients enjoy the comforting warmth provided by the stones, making this type of massage very popular.
Hot stone massage offers many benefits. The warmth of the stones is welcomed
by clients with cold feet, and the heat can spread warmth and also increase
circulation throughout the body. Hot stone massage effectively zaps tension,
relieves stress, and many report its ability to alleviate symptoms of
disorders like depression, insomnia and arthritic stiffness.
Relaxation Massage
Indulgent and soothing, relaxation massage may not provide therapeutic treatment, but the psychological benefits of the deep relaxation it provides are equally beneficial to body, mind and spirit. Intended to relax tense muscles and ease stress, relaxation massage is the perfect antidote to workweek stress and a wonderful way to unwind.
Relaxation massage is typically performed in a temperature-controlled room with a soothing ambiance, delicate lighting and relaxing music. The client lies comfortably on a massage table, undressed, but adequately draped with a large sheet. This type of massage is entirely customizable. The massage therapist will tailor the massage to the needs and preferences of the client and increase or decrease pressure accordingly. Gentle and soothing, relaxation massage involves rubbing and kneading of the upper tissue layers, inducing profound tranquility that can often lull clients to sleep.
Relaxation massage focuses on the neck muscles and shoulders, where much tension is held, as well as the muscles of the back, legs and feet for head-to-toe soothing. Fragrant oil aromatherapy is often combined with relaxation massage for a holistic and nurturing sensory experience.
Following a relaxation massage, clients should feel relaxed, pampered and
recharged. In the hours following a relaxation massage, clients are
encouraged to drink plenty of water to help flush toxins and to rehydrate
the body.
Sports Massage
Though originally designed to help athletes perform at optimum levels during games, sports massage is growing in popularity as an effective treatment for sports-related injuries or limited range of motion. Sports massage focuses on a client’s trouble spots, like shoulder soreness after eighteen holes of golf, or a tender hamstring just before a big race. Sports massage therapists understand sport-related injuries, and can help minimize pain, speed recovery and help clients perform their best at their favorite activities with full range of motion.
There are four variations of sports massage and choosing the right one is based on the client’s current level of discomfort and upcoming athletic events:
Pre-event sports massage involves a vigorous and stimulating Swedish
massage that targets the muscles that will be used during the upcoming
event, boosting circulation and revving up energy levels with brisk massage
techniques that invigorate.
Post-event sports massage is designed to help the athlete wind down after
intense physical exertion, targets muscle soreness and helps to normalize
body tissues and prevent muscle stiffness the next day.
Restorative sports massage is provided during training to keep an athlete at
peak performance level. Muscles are kept warm and supple, enabling more
intense exertion during training time and minimizing the risk of injury.
Rehabilitative sports massage is aimed at treating sports injuries and
speeding recovery time. Targeted at a specific trouble spot, rehabilitative
sports massage helps increase circulation and protect range of motion.
For anyone participating in regular physical activity, sports massage
therapy every week or two may be a great addition to your normal regimen.
Swedish Massage
Considered the perfect balance of therapy and relaxation, Swedish massage is universally popular for its gentle yet effective results and benefits. Swedish massage is the perfect “beginner’s massage,” providing gentle pressure and friction that soothe sore muscles and loosen tight joints. Among its many benefits, Swedish massage effectively eases tension, wipes out stress and promotes deep relaxation.
Swedish massage is performed on a massage table with the client undressed and draped in a sheet for comfort and privacy. Using massage oils to lubricate the skin, Swedish massage consists of massage strokes that vary from smooth gliding to kneading, stretching and tapping.
The pressure and amount of friction used during a Swedish massage can range from light to firm, depending on the preference of the client and the goals of the therapist. As with any massage procedure, the client’s comfort level is of the highest importance and clearly expressing touch and pressure preferences to the therapist can only enhance the overall experience and increase the effectiveness of the massage.
Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. This type of massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, and improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
