Darren Sharp, LMT - Massage Techniques Page

I use a combination of Massage Techniques

Traditional Swedish & Neuromuscular ASHIATSU/Deep Tissue Massage

What is ASHIATSU?

Although, the roots of Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy came from the Far East, this American adaptation is truly a western phenomenon.

This barefoot massage technique used deep compression effleurage strokes that glide over the body. It combines flowing centrifugal and centripetal push, pull pumping movements which can create a structual change in chronic soft tissue damage. Bars are used above the head for balance and lubricant is essential for it's purest application.

Although the Japanese term "Ashiatsu" is used in the trade name, the technique Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy and it's application are very different. The root word "Ashi" means "foot" and "Atsu" means "pressure", so together they symbolize foot pressure. Only a few forms of barefoot massage use the hands above the head, and some of these healing art forms can be found from Eastern Asia to the Pacific Rim.

What is Neuromuscular Therapy?

When muscle fibers have been taut, for an extended amount of time, small tears in the fiber begin to accumulate toxins. These small areas become painful. These pressure points are known as trigger points. By using static pressure on these points, the toxins will be removed, then allowing the muscle fibers to heal naturally.

What is Swedish Massage?

Swedish Massage was brought to the USA, in the late 1800’s, by Peter Ling of Sweden. This Western form of massage is wonderful for relaxation. Swedish massage uses long flowing strokes, as well as other variations. The most common strokes are effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, vibration. The amount of pressure used, by the therapist, is determined by the tolerance & medical history of the client.

Darren Sharp is a licensed male massage therapist in the Tampa Bay area. Modalities are Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular therapy, and Ashiatsu for men and women. My office is located in Clearwater Florida. I serve the surrounding areas of Pinellas , Hillsborough, and Pasco county such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Ruskin, Sun City, Bellaire, Largo, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Clearwater beach, Holiday, New Port Richey, Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Bellaire, Pinellas Park, Kenneth City