Point Signature Massage | Massage Therapy
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Your First Massage, What to Expect
At Point Signature Massage, we aim to make your first experience as comfortable and personalized as possible. While we can speak only to what you’ll experience with us, we want you to feel confident and at ease when you walk through the doors.
When you arrive, you’ll enter Tiarah Day Spa. Feel free to bypass the front desk, as the spa area is open for you to enjoy. You can have a seat on the couch and relax while waiting for your massage therapist to greet you. Once the room is prepped, your therapist will come to meet you and escort you to the therapy room.
Upon entering the room, we’ll review the health intake form you completed online. This is your opportunity to share any information about your health and specific concerns. We well also take time to discuss the goals for your session.
What Are Massage Goals?
Massage goals can vary from person to person. Some clients simply want to relax without any focus on pain or discomfort. Others may have specific issues—like neck and shoulder pain from a desk job—that they want addressed, but still wish to enjoy a calming experience. Or perhaps you have no pain at all but prefer a firmer touch on your neck, shoulders, or head. Whatever your needs, your massage is customized to you.
Once we’ve established your goals, you’ll be asked to undress to your comfort level. The therapist will leave the room to give you privacy.
Comfort level can mean different things for different clients—some prefer to be nude, others may leave on their underwear, or even wear shorts and a bra. The key is that YOU choose what feels right. Your massage therapist is experienced and comfortable with whatever you decide. Rest assured that you will always be covered with a sheet, with only the area being massaged exposed. At no point will the gluteal cleft, breasts, or genitals be exposed.
After a few minutes to settle in, the therapist will knock and re-enter the room. She will then prepare the oil or balm and wash her hands before beginning your massage.
The Massage Process
Your massage will typically start with your legs, working as high as the glutes (with your permission). Afterward, the therapist will massage your back. Once that is complete, you'll be asked to scoot down and turn over onto your back. A pillow will be placed under your head, and a heated eye pillow may be placed over your eyes to help deepen your relaxation.
The massage will continue with your arms and hands, then move on to your legs and feet, and finish with your neck, shoulders, face and scalp. The time spent on each area depends on the goals of your session. Generally, most of the time is focused on the back, but each massage is tailored to you.
During the intake time if the goals of the massage do not allow for a full body massage due to time constraints, your massage therapist will discuss this with you. You can also dictate that the massage be focused on one area, such as an upper body massage only.
After the Massage
Once the massage is complete, the therapist will quietly clean up her materials, allowing you a moment to ground and reconnect with your body. She will then say, "We've come to the end; I'll wash my hands and step out." After she washes her hands, you can take your time to get dressed. When you're ready, open the door and she will have water waiting for you.
Payment can be settled at that time as well as a quick review of your massage and any suggestions from the massage therapists or feedback from you as a client, completing your first massage experience with Point Signature Massage.
We’re here to ensure that you not only feel relaxed but that you also leave feeling restored and balanced, with a clear understanding of what’s best for your body. Thank you for choosing Point Signature Massage!
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Affordable TMJ Relief from the Inside Out
Monica Matuszak LMT, May 2025
Relief from the Inside Out: Intraoral Massage for TMJ Dysfunction
If you've ever experienced jaw pain, clicking when you chew, or tightness around your temples, you may be familiar with the temporomandibular joint or TMJ for short. This joint, located on each side of your head just in front of your ears, connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bones of your skull. It’s responsible for essential everyday functions like chewing, speaking, and even yawning.
Unlike other joints in the body, the TMJ moves in more than one direction. It opens and closes, glides forward and backward, and shifts side to side. Because it's in near-constant use, it's no surprise that it can also become a source of discomfort or dysfunction.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction (commonly referred to as TMD) affects an estimated 12% of Americans at some point in their lives. For some, it's a temporary annoyance. For others, it’s a chronic issue that can affect quality of life. Symptoms may include jaw pain, headaches, earaches, facial tension, and difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully.
The exact causes of TMJ disorders aren’t always clear, but several known contributors include:
- Physical trauma to the jaw or head
- Arthritis affecting the joint
- Bruxism (clenching or grinding teeth, often during sleep)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Recent dental procedures or surgeries
- Infections affecting the joint area
A Holistic Solution: Intraoral Massage
If you're looking for a more holistic, hands-on approach to managing your TMJ discomfort, intraoral massage is a powerful option worth exploring. This specialized technique focuses on the small but mighty muscles inside the mouth that are directly involved in jaw movement and tension. Using a gloved hand, a trained massage therapist gently works inside the cheek and along the inner jaw to release tightness and trigger points.
Intraoral massage can offer several benefits, including:
- Reduced jaw and facial tension
- Fewer and less intense headaches
- Improved range of motion in the jaw
- Greater comfort with everyday activities like chewing, speaking, and yawning
Unlike medications or more invasive treatments, intraoral massage is a natural, non-invasive option that supports the body’s own ability to heal and restore balance.
CAM-Friendly and Budget Conscious
For those exploring Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), intraoral massage fits seamlessly into a self-care routine that values prevention, body awareness, and natural healing. It's an excellent addition to chiropractic care, acupuncture, and other bodywork modalities.
It's also a budget-friendly alternative for those seeking pain relief without resorting to frequent prescriptions, costly dental appliances, or surgical interventions. Many clients find that incorporating intraoral massage into their regular wellness plan helps reduce flare-ups and improves their overall quality of life without breaking the bank.
Is Intraoral Massage Right for You?
If you struggle with TMJ dysfunction, tension headaches, or jaw tightness especially if you clench or grind your teeth at night this therapeutic technique may be an ideal solution. Your massage therapist will always conduct a thorough intake to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Living with TMJ dysfunction can be frustrating, but relief may be closer and more accessible than you think. Intraoral massage is a gentle, holistic, and cost-effective way to support jaw health and reduce pain from the inside out. Curious if it’s right for you? Reach out to learn more or schedule a session. Your jaw will thank you.
Lomi Lomi is the ocean’s embrace in human form—fluid, ancient, and deeply healing.
What Is Lomi Lomi Fusion? A Modern Take on a Sacred Tradition
Lomi Lomi is more than just a massage—it’s a sacred healing art that has been passed down through generations in Hawaii. Rooted in ancient tradition, Lomi Lomi incorporates not only fluid, rhythmic massage techniques, but also a deeply spiritual component. In its traditional form, Lomi Lomi is taught over many years, often within a cultural and familial lineage, and is practiced as a form of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
At Point Signature Massage, I offer what I call Lomi Lomi Fusion—a respectful, modern interpretation of this traditional art. While I have trained in the manual techniques of Lomi Lomi, I do not claim to practice the spiritual lineage that defines traditional Lomi Lomi massage. Instead, Lomi Lomi Fusion focuses on the physical elements: the long, flowing strokes, the gentle rhythm that mimics the motion of ocean waves, and the traditional draping style that allows for continuous, uninterrupted movement across the body.
This technique is designed to calm the nervous system, promote circulation, and create a sense of fluid connection from head to toe. The result is a massage that feels deeply nurturing, grounding, and unlike any other bodywork modality.
Lomi Lomi Fusion is perfect for those seeking something beyond the routine—an experience that is both relaxing and intentional, blending ancient technique with modern bodywork principles.
Curious to try it for yourself?
Book a Lomi Lomi Fusion session and experience the flowing rhythm of this beautifully unique massage.
11/28/2024
Massage Therapy for Desk Workers: Easing the Strain of a
Sedentary Lifestyle
In today’s work environment, desk jobs have become the norm, leading many of us to spend long hours seated in front of screens. This sedentary lifestyle can take a toll on physical health, leading to discomfort and stress that accumulate over time. Fortunately, massage therapy offers a way to counteract these effects, helping desk workers manage pain, boost energy, and improve their overall well-being.
Common Physical Issues Faced by Desk Workers
Back and Neck Pain: Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture, often leads to chronic back and neck pain. This discomfort can impact focus and reduce productivity over time.
Muscle Imbalances: Desk work can create imbalances in the muscles, as repetitive movements and long periods of sitting weaken certain muscle groups, increasing the risk of injury.
Eye Strain and Vision Problems: Staring at screens for extended periods can strain the eyes, leading to dryness, headaches, and even vision changes.
Poor Posture: Sitting for hours each day can promote a forward head position and rounded shoulders, resulting in spinal imbalances and muscle strain.
Weight Gain and Metabolism Slowdown: Sitting all day reduces calorie burning, which can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity and related health conditions.
Reduced Energy and Fatigue: Long periods of sitting can lead to sluggishness and fatigue, which may lower productivity and increase feelings of burnout.
Stress and Mental Health Concerns: The combination of physical discomfort and high work demands often contributes to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Poor Musculoskeletal Health: Desk work can cause joint stiffness, decreased flexibility, and increased risk for musculoskeletal issues like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Benefits of Massage for Desk Workers
Massage therapy can alleviate many of these physical and mental strains, providing much-needed relief to the modern desk worker. Here’s how:
Improving Posture and Reducing Pain: Massage helps release tension in the muscles of the neck, back, and shoulders, which can improve posture and reduce pain caused by prolonged sitting.
Correcting Muscle Imbalances: Massage helps to stretch and strengthen muscles that have become imbalanced from repetitive movements, reducing injury risk and improving flexibility.
Reducing Eye Strain and Headaches: Massage can promote relaxation, relieving tension that builds up in the muscles around the neck and shoulders, which often contribute to headaches and eye strain.
Boosting Energy Levels: Massage improves circulation and can help increase energy levels, alleviating fatigue and promoting alertness throughout the day.
Reducing Stress and Improving Mood: Massage triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, helping to counteract the effects of stress and improve mental well-being.
Massage Techniques Beneficial for Desk Workers
Several massage techniques are particularly effective for the issues desk workers face:
Swedish Massage: This gentle massage uses long, flowing strokes to relax muscles, improve circulation, and relieve overall tension, making it ideal for stress relief.
Deep Tissue Massage: This technique targets deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue, helping to release chronic muscle tension, pain, and stiffness that accumulate from long hours at a desk.
Trigger Point Therapy: Focusing on releasing “knots” or tight areas within muscles, trigger point therapy alleviates pain and restores normal muscle function, addressing specific areas of discomfort that are common in desk workers.
Finding the Right Balance for Long-Term Health
While no single solution fits everyone, regular massage therapy, combined with mindful desk habits, can make a significant difference in alleviating the strain of desk work. For most people, scheduling a massage every 4-6 weeks can provide ongoing relief and support both physical and mental health. By addressing these modern work-related issues, massage therapy can help desk workers stay comfortable, focused, and energized.
11/11/24
Tech Neck and Massage Therapy
Monica Matuszak, LMT
Tech Neck
"Tech neck" has become a widespread issue, especially among those working from home or in office settings, due to the amount of time spent on electronic devices. This condition occurs when the repetitive forward tilt of the head places excessive strain on the neck and shoulders, leading to a muscle imbalance that can cause discomfort, restricted mobility, and even chronic pain.
SCM and Traps
One of the primary muscles affected is the sternocleidomastoid (SCM). This muscle, located at the front and sides of the neck, is responsible for nodding and rotating the head. However, when subjected to repeated strain, the SCM becomes shortened and takes on the task of supporting the head, leading to muscle fatigue and discomfort.
Meanwhile, the trapezius muscle in the upper back, which attaches to the skull and shoulders, becomes overstretched and strained as it tries to compensate for the SCM. This strain draws the shoulder blades upward and inward, putting pressure on the rib cage and impacting posture. As the trapezius works harder to assist with head rotation, it leaves other muscles, such as the rhomboids (responsible for stabilizing the shoulder blades), pulled out of alignment as well as many other back muscles. All this misalignment leads to tension, trigger points (commonly known as “knots”), adhesions, and reduced mobility create pain that can make even simple tasks uncomfortable.
Pull and Strain
When we look down at our screens, the weight of the head—typically around 10-12 pounds—creates additional strain on the neck. This forward posture compresses muscles in the front of the neck while overstretching muscles in the back, resulting in an unhealthy shift in muscle function and positioning.
Fortunately, massage therapy can be highly effective in relieving the symptoms of tech neck. Targeted massage techniques can release tension in the SCM, trapezius, and other affected muscles, restoring balance and relieving strain. By helping to reduce muscle tightness and improve mobility, massage therapy provides lasting relief, allowing you to correct your posture and make necessary adjustments in your daily routine.
Regular massage can support a healthier balance in the body, making it easier to manage the physical demands of modern technology use. By understanding the impact of tech neck and taking proactive steps to address it, you can work toward long-term well-being and improved comfort in both personal and professional life.
How Massage
Can Help
Massage Benefits
10/23/24
How Massage Influences Autonomic Nervous System Regulation
Advancements in wearable technology, such as portable EKG devices, are enabling real-time measurement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its response to stimuli, offering significant implications for massage therapy. Research reveals that massage influences heart rate variability (HRV), a key indicator of ANS balance, with higher HRV values associated with better health and lower values linked to stress and disease. While massage has been shown to increase vagal tone (healing phase), it can also elevate stress levels in certain patients, underscoring the need for adjunctive techniques like acupressure or essential oils to optimize outcomes. By leveraging evidence-based science and demonstrating its medical legitimacy, the massage profession can transcend its current perception as merely adjunctive or recreational, positioning itself as essential to health and rehabilitation.
Behind The Scenes
Being an effective massage therapist means continually expanding my skills and collaborating with other professionals to provide the best care for my clients. Allison Denney, owner of Rebel Massage, is a respected educator in the massage therapy field. I often incorporate her techniques to help address muscle dysfunction that contributes to rounded shoulders, supporting my clients in achieving better posture and relief.
10/14/2024
Massage and Hormones: Managing Stress for Better Health
The Impact of Chronic Stress
In today’s society, work-related stress has become so common that we often overlook it, assuming stress is just part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, when stress becomes a constant presence, it can lead to chronic stress, which can significantly impact both mental and physical health. Chronic stress disrupts the brain’s production of serotonin—the “happiness hormone”—a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation and helps guard against depression. When serotonin levels are affected by ongoing stress, it can lead to mood imbalances and a diminished sense of well-being.
How Massage Helps Regulate Hormones and Reduces Stress
Massage therapy has been shown to support the body’s response to stress through its calming effect on the autonomic nervous system. This system controls essential involuntary functions, like heart rate and digestion, and helps regulate the body’s stress response. Massage can stimulate the production of serotonin, helping to rebalance mood and improve emotional health. Additionally, massage often triggers the release of endorphins, another key “feel-good” chemical, which creates a sense of relaxation and even mild euphoria. These combined effects make massage an effective way to reduce stress, elevate mood, and promote overall well-being.
Finding a Routine That Works
While each person’s stress levels and wellness needs are unique, regular massage is often beneficial in helping clients manage chronic stress and maintain balance. For most clients, a massage session every 4-6 weeks can be a helpful approach to keep stress levels manageable and support emotional health. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, stress relief, or mood support, regular massage offers a holistic way to maintain balance and enhance your quality of life.
Point Signature Massage
Tiarah Day Spa
5370 US-10 Ste F, Stevens Point, WI 54482
715-551-5900
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