| Fast Facts
Definition of Massage:
Therapeutic massage involves manipulation of soft tissue in ways that
promote health and wellness. Many types of massage are available.
What to Expect:
The first massage appointment generally begins with the massage therapist
asking what prompted your interest in getting a massage, your current
physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress level and painful
areas. For a full-body massage you will be asked to remove clothing to
your level of comfort. Undressing takes place in private and a sheet
and/or towel are provided for draping your body. Only the part of the body
being massaged will be undraped. In this way your modesty is always
ensured. Chair massage is done while you are fully clothed.
Types of Massage
Swedish Massage:
Uses long strokes,
kneading, and friction on the more superficial layers of the muscles.
Promotes general relaxation, improves circulation and relieves muscle
tension.
Neuromuscular
Massage:
Applies concentrated deep
finger pressure to relieve muscle spasm and chronic tension to restore
structural integrity to muscle. Also may involve positioning of the body
to obtain pain relief and stretching.
Health Benefits:
As research proves its healing effects, therapeutic massage is
increasingly recommended by doctors to complement traditional medicine.
Here are some ways massage can help improve a person’s health:
 | Reduces stress and tension; |
| Relieves chronic and temporary pain; |
| Helps relieve tension, sinus and migraine headaches; |
| Improves flexibility; |
| Strengthens the immune system; |
| Increase blood circulation and lymph flow; |
| Reduces heart rate and blood pressure; |
| Increases levels of serotonin, protecting against depression; |
| Increase endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers; |
| Alleviates carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis
and more. |
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