Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage has been around since ancient times and has evolved with the recognition that touch combined with the natural defense and healing processes of the body is a restorative, maintenance and preventative treatment that counters the wear and tear effects of strenuous physical activity involved in day to day life.

The different massage modalities use different techniques and methods to address the different concerns that you may have. Click on the links on the left menu to learn more.

 

Information and Suggestions for your Massage Session

  • Prior to your massage, please remove all jewelry. Pull long hair back with a clip.
  • As a rule, massage is given while you are unclothed. Modesty and comfort levels vary from person to person. You may choose to wear undergarments or a swim suit or nothing at all. This is YOUR massage and you should feel as comfortable as possible.
  • During your massage, you may want to give your therapist feedback as to pressure (deeper or lighter) or point out painful or ticklish areas of your body.
  • Feel free to ask your therapist any questions about their procedure. Your therapist is a highly trained professional and will be happy to make you feel well informed and comfortable.

 

Massage and Stress

Prolonged periods of stress can negatively affect many systems of the body. Stress has been shown to aggravate, or even cause, such problems as heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, memory loss and decreased immune function. But it doesn't just contribute to physical ailments. Stress can sap joy from your life, cause seemingly inexplicable fatigue, and leave you less able to enjoy your relationships and leisure activities.

Massage therapy is one of the best antidotes for stress.  Massage boosts the body's immune system, which can become compromised from extended periods of stress. Tension can build up in the muscles, causing a decrease in circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues. Manipulation of the soft tissue decreases muscular tension, increases removal of metabolic waste and promotes nutrient delivery to healing tissue. Knots in your muscles can inhibit your ability to perform regular, daily tasks. As other parts of body try to compensate for the ache of a tight muscle, they also start to become tight and uncomfortable. Before long, a tightness in the neck can trace to shoulder, down to the back and into the legs.  Coupled with modest changes in nutrition and activity levels, massage can be the start of a profound change for better health and comfort.

 

Pre Menstrual Syndrome

Massage relieves symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to a great extent. Women suffering from symptoms of PMS, for instance irritability, headaches, anxiety and weight gain feel relief by getting regular massage sessions. The results of a study on massage and PMS indicated that women who went through massage therapy experience a decrease in anxiety, depression, and perceived pain (and an overall reduction in PMS symptoms including pain and water retention. Massage therapy may be an effective long-term aid for pain reduction and water retention, and short-term for decreasing anxiety and improving mood for women with premenstrual dysphonic disorder [Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, March 2000, Vol 21, pp 9-15 ].

 

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a clinical syndrome associated with chronic widespread muscular pain, exhaustion and tenderness. Many fibromyalgia symptoms include pain, stiffness, fatigue, depression which can be relieved with massage therapy. Massage alters the sleep pattern, which reduces levels of the chemical messenger for pain.  A person with fibromyalgia experiences pain when "trigger points" are pressed. Previous studies have shown that exercise, stretching, relaxation therapy, and massage therapy can provide relief for people with fibromyalgia. Massage therapy has also been shown to reduce pain, stiffness, fatigue and sleeping difficulties.