Welcome

Vanessa Vozar, LMT

I am a licensed massage therapist offering in-home massage in the Montclair, NJ area.

I specialize in Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Prenatal Massage, and incorporate elements of Shiatsu and Thai Massage stretches and meridian energy work into my sessions. 

What Are the Differences in Types of Massage?

Massage has been part of traditional medicine practiced in China, Japan, and Thailand (among other places) for many centuries. So-called Swedish massage was invented in 1868 by a Dutch physician, Johann Georg Mezger, who named the 5 classic strokes and applied them to treating patients with soft tissue injuries. All massage therapists have their own styles, which they develop from teachers and experience, but here are some general definitions:

Swedish: The 5 classic strokes are effleurage (long and flowing), petrissage (kneading), friction, tapotement, and vibration. Many people associate this modality with light pressure, but pressure can actually vary from light to deep, according to the client's preference.

Deep Tissue: Deep pressure massage, achieved by using long holds (compression) with forearms and hands, as well as elbows, thumbs, and sometimes knees. 

Prenatal: For pregnant clients who cannot lie prone, bolstering is used with pillows to accommodate side-lying and supine positions.

Feel free to contact me with questions or for an appointment.