Massage Therapy

Theraputic Benefits of Massage

Therapeutic Massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm and stress. It also improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems, and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness.

Other benefits include:

        · Promotes relaxation 

            · Increases joint mobility 

            · Helps eliminate metabolic waste from the body 

            · Relieves muscle tension & stiffness 

            · Promotes increased flexibility, length and pliability in muscle tissue 

            · Lessens depression and anxiety 

            · Encourages deeper, more effective breathing 

            · Improves posture 

            · Increases body awareness 

            · Stimulate Immune System 

            · Releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain killer 

            · Reduce post-surgery adhesions 

            · Relieve tension headache/migraines 

            · Help athletes of various levels prepare for and recover from strenuous workouts 

            · Promotes quality sleep 

   	· Helps manage chronic pain 

What to Expect?

Massage techniques are generally applied on a table, unclothed, with a sheet and blanket covering the body. Only the areas being worked on are uncovered and professional draping techniques help maintain a sense of privacy. However, patients should be aware that they only have to undress to their level of comfort. Please let your therapist know how you feel, we want to respect your boundaries. Effective techniques can still be applied through loose, comfortable clothing such as a sports bra or tank top and shorts.

Lubricant is often applied to reduce drag and pinching, as well as assist the therapist in feeling for different textures in the tissue. We have unscented oils for those with sensitivities and/or allergies.

After having deep tissue massage, the body generally goes through an inflammation process. This is normal. You may feel slightly sore or tender 24-48hrs post-massage. If you have any questions or concerns about how you are feeling, please call the office.

During the initial visit, the patient must fill out a Massage Intake Form (which can be found on this web-site.) It is important for the therapist to have medical history information, as well as personal goals for the massage session. This way, an appropriate and customized treatment plan can be created.

*Please arrive early for your first appointment so your session can begin on-time. The therapist will review the paperwork with you and talk through any questions or concerns. REMEMBER- this is your time, please feel free to ask any questions, let the therapist know if the pressure is uncomfortable, if the temperature needs adjusting, etc… we want you to feel comfortable and at ease during your massage session.

Frequency and Duration

Recommendations for frequency and duration of massage appointments will be made after the initial visit. Please keep in mind, not all problem spots can be solved in the first session. Soft tissue release can be a process. More frequent visits initially aide that process before going into a maintenance routine. Regular Massage Therapy can release chronically contracted muscles and restricted fascia which contributed to creating balance in the joints. As your tissue becomes more lengthened and flexible, you’ll feel more able to be active, less stressed and less prone to injury. Frequent massage leads to body awareness. You will become more aware of your chronic tension patterns and postural distortions. This understanding will help you prevent pain before it develops. You will feel the difference.

Massage Therapy Techniques

    * Deep TissueOrthopedic Massage
    * Swedish Relaxation
    * Myofascial Release
    * Trigger Point Therapy
    * Sports Massage
    * Postural Assessment
    * Prenatal Massage
    * Hot Stone

Massage Therapy Hours

Monday                    9:00 am - 7 pm

Tuesday                   9:00 am - 2 pm

Wednesday             9:00 am - 7 pm

Thursday                  9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Friday                       9:00 am - 5 pm 

Links for Information and Research on Massage Therapy:

Touch Research Institute

www6.miami.edu/touch-research/ 

 Massage Therapy Foundation

www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/index.html

· American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)

www.amtamassage.org/infocenter/home.html

· National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)

www.ncbtmb.org/massage_faq.php

Related Topics

    * Melissa Van Leuvan, B.S., LMT
    * Therapist Thomas Drury, LMTTheraputic Benefits of Massage