Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is the systematized manipulation of soft tissues for the purpose of normalizing them. Practitioners use a variety of physical methods including applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, or causing movement to the body. Therapists primarily use their hands, but may also use their forearms or elbows.  The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being.

Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension, which, experts believe, accounts for 80%-90% of disease. Massage has been proven beneficial in treating fatigue, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, low back pain, post-operative surgery, infertility, and depression to name just a few.

Touch is the core ingredient of massage therapy and also combines science and art. Practitioners learn specific techniques for massage and use their sense of touch to determine the right amount of pressure to apply to each person and locate areas of tension and other soft-tissue problems. Touch also conveys a sense of caring, an important component in the healing relationship.

When muscles are overworked, waste products such as lactic acid can accumulate in the muscle, causing soreness, stiffness, and even muscle spasm.

What to Expect

At your first appointment, we will discuss your health and goals for the massage.

Traditionally massage is performed with the client unclothed, but you may undress to your own comfort level.  You will always be draped with a sheet and only the area being treated will be undraped.  However, keep in mind that for many conditions, working directly on your skin will provide you with the best possible treatment.

Once a treatment protocol is determined to reach your goals, your massage will begin.  A light oil or gel will be used to avoid excessive friction to the skin.

During the massage, close your eyes and allow yourself to relax as completely as possible.  Focus your attention on breathing slowly an deeply.

Results may be noticed within the sessions and will continue after the session has ended.  Following a massage, it is important to drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins that have been released from your soft tissue during the massage.

Common Conditions We Treat With Therapeutic Massage:

• Acute & Chronic Neck/Back Pain
• Auto Accidents
• Sports Injuries
• Headaches
• Soft Tissue Trauma
• Postural Dysfunction
• TMJ Syndrome
• Muscle Sprain/Strains/Cramps