Therapeutic Massage is a manual therapy that manipulates the soft tissues and decreases muscle tension, pain, stress and depression.
However, when posing the question, “What is therapeutic massage?” it is common to hear the following replies: “Massage is such a luxury.” “Ah, massage, it is so relaxing.” “Massage is something I treat myself to on special occasions.” While all of these statements capture the idea of massage as a way to relax and to treat ourselves, none come close to touching on the true essence of getting a therapeutic massage and the actual therapeutic benefits to body, mind and spirit.
Therapeutic benefits
Massage makes you feel and perform better. Massage has the following benefits:
- Â Increases circulation;
- enhances the immune system;
- promotes nervous system functioning;
- reduces blood pressure;
- relieves pain and muscle tension;
- improves mood, intellectual reasoning and job performance;
- positive effect on conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, diabetes and migraine headaches.
The power of touch
The simple act of placing the hands on the body can itself encourage a person to thrive. Many studies have illustrated that without physical touch babies (human or animal) will not thrive and may not even survive. Touch also has a positive effect on caregivers. For example, mothers who regularly have a great deal of physical closeness with their babies experience postpartum depression to a far lesser degree, and elderly caregivers feel a decrease in stress, anxiety and depression when they touch and are touched.
Types of massage
We offer the following bodywork modalities: Therapeutic Massage, Swedish Massage, Lymphatic Massage, Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release
Therapeutic massage
Therapeutic massage is designed to treat a specific condition, and an licensed or certified professional is trained to assist with soft tissue injuries and dysfunctions, as well as support general recovery. Extensive training enables the therapist to take a thorough history, identify contraindications (reasons to not massage) and make referrals to and receive referrals from other health professionals such as physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors and dentists. A health care provider can write a prescription for massage therapy and the therapist or practitioners who fills the prescription may be able to bill insurance groups and workers’ compensation for the therapy services.
Cautions:Â There are individuals that are not formally trained and do not have a license or certification. Those individuals can perform a “spa style” massage for relaxation purposes. The fees charged are comparable even though the knowledge base and skills differ. If you have no health issues, want a basic massage and do not anticipate needing any therapeutic work, obtaining the services of these practitioners is an option. However, if a therapeutic need crops up during a session, a referral should be made to a trained and sanctioned practitioner.