Services
Like most people, Riverbend’s therapists tend to enjoy variety in life. For their benefit and yours they enthusiastically pursue their Continuing Education year after year, thereby deepening and broadening their skill base. “When you love the work, you love the work!” And given that different forms of massage exist in just about every culture in the world, Riverbend’s therapists never run out of things to learn. Currently, Riverbend’s services tend to fall into one of three broad categories, therapeutic massage/body-work, energy work and mini-spa services. For a brief description of each modality or service, click on the items below.
Therapeutic Massage/Bodywork
Energy Work
Mini-Spa
Description of Services
Swedish Massage
Swedish is the best-known style of massage in the United States. Performed directly on the skin using a hypoallergenic oil or lotion, Swedish is an excellent choice for “first-timers”. Respecting your need for modesty, your therapist will drape you with a sheet and you may wear your undergarments if you like. Light, medium or deep, YOU control the amount of pressure used because Riverbend’s therapists are trained to listen to and respect the client.
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Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is, in many ways, very similar to Swedish. The emphasis is, however, on providing a greater amount of pressure when desired/needed by the client. With deep tissue your therapist is apt to use a massage lotion that creates more “drag” (ie. friction) and rely on forearms, elbows and closed fists to increase pressure. Many experienced receivers and those having dense and/or well-toned muscles often prefer this style of massage.
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Sports (aka Athletic) Massage
Sports massage also utilizes Swedish techniques but usually incorporates special stretches designed to increase flexibility and help restore mobility. Pre-event sports massage warms and invigorates muscles. A post-event massage calms and relaxes them, relieving metabolic waste build-up and increasing the blood and oxygen flow needed for recovery. It is often highly effective for common sports injuries such as ligament sprains, tendonitis and muscle strains.
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Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is a wonderful way to relax and relieve discomfort during pregnancy. It can often help to reduce muscle cramping, relieve low back pain, reduce excess fluid retention and relieve headaches at a time in a woman’s life when there is a heightened need for a little extra TLC as well. Special positioning, bolstering and techniques are used to ensure both comfort and safety.
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Seated (aka chair) Massage
Often referred to as chair massage, this is a great way to reduce stress right on the job (or just about anywhere else) because it is done fully clothed and in the seated position. It typically addresses the head, neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands and makes a great “coffee break”…without all that caffeine! Over the years, Riverbend has provided chair massage to the employees of such well-known companies as Travelers and CIGNA Corporation as well as the Town of Manchester. Chair massage is also a much-appreciated treat for guests at family, social and business gatherings.
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Thai Massage
Some might say that Thai is more stretching than it is massage if one has Swedish in mind when defining massage. In fact, Thai is oftentimes called “lazy man’s yoga” simply because it does such a wonderful job of stretching the client’s entire body. Here, however, it is the therapist, not the client, who does most of the work to accomplish the goal. At Riverbend, Thai is performed fully clothed and on the massage table as opposed to the floor. It’s a great way to totally “unwind” and improve one’s flexibility and posture.
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LaStone
Although hot stone massage has become more popular in recent years, there are still relatively few certified LaStone therapists in CT. It takes a minimum of 4 ½ days worth of training, months of practice and the use of a very extensive set of stones (72) to bring you the “Mercedes Benz” of hot stone work. In 1½ hours, this original form of geothermotherapy utilizes both hot and cool stones to warm, cool, “weight” and massage you into a complete state of serenity. Don’t plan to do anything important or strenuous after your session!
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Energy Balancing
Energy Balancing is received fully clothed and, at first glance, might be mistaken for Reiki. At Riverbend, however, it is simply a light touch “holding” therapy that does not use symbols or guides of any kind. It is deeply relaxing and grounding in that it helps to re-balance the electromagnetic healing system within our bodies.
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Shiatsu (aka acupressure)
Shiatsu is an ancient form of body work built on the same Asian medical model in which acupuncture has its roots. Shiatsu focuses on balancing one’s Chi (energy) that flows throughout the body as a means of promoting good health. Done fully-clothed, Shiatsu employs gentle finger pressure, NOT needles, to specific points (tsubos) found along energy pathways called meridians. This is gentle work that is very calming.
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Foot Reflexology
Foot Reflexology is the art/science of promoting self healing through the application of pressure to the feet in accordance with ancient pressure maps that show correlations to the major organs. Throughout history and in many cultures, Reflexology has been known to promote a wide range of health benefits. Preceded by a luxurious aromatherapy footbath, a Foot Reflexology session at Riverbend will, at the very least, be the best treat for tired, aching legs and feet! (It also tends to promote napping.)
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Raindrop Technique
Riverbend’s Raindrop Technique combines Swedish massage with the use of a minimum of 9 Young Living essential oils and oil blends. When applied properly to the neck, back and feet, these extremely pure oils balance and rejuvenate the mind and body, leaving you feeling refreshed…and smelling wonderful! However, those with very sensitive skin or allergies should discuss the properties of these aromatic oils with the therapist before scheduling an appointment.
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Simple Facial
This basic facial is an extremely satisfying experience that is tailored to your specific skin type. Riverbend uses only high-quality hypoallergenic products but does NOT sell them so you’ll never experience the dreaded high-pressure, high price sales pitch after your uplifting treatment. (We’ll simply tell you where you can purchase the products.) A facial consists of cleansing, exfoliation, toning, non-mechanical steam treatment, a facial massage, mask and moisturizing. And because you’re at Riverbend you just know you’ll enjoy your accompanying mini-massage of the neck, shoulders, décolletage, arms and hands.
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Back “Facial” Treatment
This treatment for the back and shoulders includes cleansing, exfoliating, toning, steam treatment, mask, massage and moisturizing. It’s a real treat for the well-tanned sun worshipper in the summer, those living with the annoyance of winter-dry skin and, of course, those who simply love a good back scratch!
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Hand Paraffin Treatment
Whether your hands are dry from washing dishes, the cold winter air or the type of work you do, having a hand paraffin treatment can help you restore and maintain the moisture in your hands. A simple paraffin treatment can leave ones hands “soft as a baby’s bottom” for days and often offers pain relief to those with arthritic hands.
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Aromatherapy Foot Bath
For those who’d like just a bit more pampering, an aromatherapy footbath is a nice “add on” to a massage or facial. Sit back; enjoy the massaging bubbles and your choice of essential oil while your therapist gives you a nice hand and arm massage.
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Private Mini-Spa Party
Riverbend’s Mini-Spa Party is a great way to celebrate a special event, say “thank you” to someone special and/or spend quality time with people you appreciate and enjoy. Available early Saturday evenings and a few Sunday afternoons each month, it’s “after hours” time Riverbend reserves for small gatherings of (3-4) discriminating guests who are looking for a bit of personalized “VIP treatment”. Each spa party includes:
- exclusive use of our cozy, aesthetically pleasing facility
- aromatherapy footbath treatment
- hand paraffin treatment
- one-hour Swedish or deep tissue massage
- refreshments and beverages of your choice (which you may provide or order from our fabulous caterer for an additional fee.)
Plan to spend a couple of hours with us when you’re in need of some serious pampering. After all, good things are not to be rushed.
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