WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE?

Therapeutic massage involves manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm and stress. Massage affects the body in its entirety. It is known to increase the circulation of blood and flow of lymph. The direct mechanical effect of rhythmically applied manual pressure and movement used in massage can increase the rate of blood flow. Also, the stimulation of nerve receptors causes the blood vessels (by reflex action) to dilate, which stimulates blood flow. A milky white fluid called lymph carries impurities and waste away from the tissues and passes through gland-like structures spaced throughout the lymphatic system that act as filtering valves. The lymph does not circulate as the blood does, so its movement depends largely on squeezing effect of muscle contractions. Consequently, inactive people fail to stimulate lymph flow. On the other hand, the stimulation caused by vigorous activity can be outstripped by the increased waste produced by that activity. Massage can dramatically aid the movement of lymph. For the whole body to be healthy, the sum of its parts--the cells--must be healthy. The individual cells of the body are dependent on an abundant supply of blood and lymph because these fluids supply nutrients and oxygen and carry away wastes and toxins. So, it is easy to understand why good circulation is so important to our health and why massage can be so beneficial for the entire body due to its effect on circulation alone.

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

PHYSICAL

• Relieves stress and promotes relaxation
• Alleviates muscle tension and stiffness
• Promotes faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
• Helps reduce muscle spasms
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion· enhances athletic performance
• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
• Helps reduce blood pressure
• Relieves tension headaches and effects of eye-strain
• Improves posture and skin tone· strengthens the immune system

MENTAL

• Peace of mind
• Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
• Relieves mental stress
• Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond accordingly
• Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
• Emotional benefits· satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch
• Reduces levels of anxiety
• Increases awareness of mind-body connection
  

PHYSICIANS ARE PRESCRIBING THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS INCLUDING:

• Allergies, Asthma and Bronchitis Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Chronic and Temporary pain, Stress
• Circulatory problems
• Digestive disorders, including spastic colon and constipation
• Headache, Insomnia, Sinusitis
• Myofascial pain
• Range of motion sports injuries, including pulled or strained muscles and ligaments
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
  

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A MASSAGE THERAPY SESSION

A massage session is generally an hour in length. Clients are usually asked to remove as much clothing at their comfort level and rest on a well cushioned massage table. The client will be given respect on their personal privacy and provide adequate warmth and will be covered or draped with a clean sheet or towel so that only the part of the body being worked on is exposed at any given time.