AquaFloat offers a wide variety of modalities in therapeutic massage. Whether you are looking for a Swedish/Relaxation massage to compliment your floating experience or a Deep Tissue massage to focus on specific areas of pain and discomfort, we have a licensed massage therapist qualified to meet your needs.
We also pride ourselves in providing the entire length of time to hands on therapy. For example- If you book a 60 minute massage, you will get 60 minutes of hands-on therapeutic massage.
All of our Licensed Massage Therapists have been specifically trained to perform superior therapeutic massage techniques. While the therapist will listen to your needs and develop a plan accordingly, the following modalities may be of primary focus or integrated into the treatment.
Customized Therapeutic Massage
A massage therapy session personally tailored to your individual needs. Our practitioners pull from their skill sets and unique styles, aiming to provide your ideal bodywork. Various modalities may be utilized, including but not limited to: Swedish, deep tissue/neuromuscular therapy, trigger point therapy, accupressure, and sports massage techniques.
Hot Stone Massage
A therapeutic massage with the utilization of natural basalt stones, warmed to the ideal temperature of 127-130 degrees. Stones may be used actively, as in long strokes, circular motions, and tapped together to provide vibration or passively, by leaving stones on areas of high tension. The added heat increases the amount of circulatory, pain, and stress relief benefit of massage therapy.
*Optional, but recommended; chilled marble stones may also be included in order to bring balance to the nervous system, soothe more deeply worked areas, and decrease inflammation.
Prenatal/Postpartum Massage
Specific massage techniques for the pregnant body, labor induction and postpartum phases. The (specially trained) therapist concentrates on certain areas that are affected during pregnancy to help relieve tension, stress and painful muscles. It also helps improve circulation, reduce swelling and helps regulate your moods and sleep. Labor induction reflexology stimulates key pressure points to encourage labor naturally. Recommended for 38-42 weeks pregnant. Postpartum therapy encourages return of normal musculature, also helping to decrease stress & depression, hormone regulation, and improve breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before receiving massage.
AquaFloat’s convenient location in downtown Charlottesville offers easy on-site parking. You’re seconds away from blissfully sinking into the massage table!
Massage Therapy not only provides relaxation – It’s been scientifically proven to relieve stress and anxiety, reduce pain, lower blood pressure, increase circulation, strengthen the immune system, improve posture and increase overall health and well-being of the mind and body.
Whether to have a massage before or after you float is personal preference – For first time floaters, a massage before the float is recommended to help relax quicker and acclimate to the tank environment. It all boils down to personal needs.
Mind or Body is the question.
Float before Massage – If you’re in need of deep relaxation and some body work done for maximum effects, then a float before the massage may be in order. The warm, relaxing saltwater helps to melt away stress and muscle tension. These loose muscles allows for the massage therapist to get to deeper layers of tension and focus on healing the specific areas in need of relief.
Massage before Float – If your mind is racing and need to decompress and relax before entering the float tank to “turn off,” then this is the way to go. The relaxation massage helps to calm the mind and body and better prepare you for your floating experience.