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Are
you ready to feel better?
Can Massage, Bodywork, Therapies
Benefit Me?
Massage therapy improves circulation by bringing oxygen and other nutrients to body tissues.
It relieves muscle tension and pain, increases flexibility and mobility, and helps clear lactic acid and other waste, which reduces pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.
What a Typical Massage Therapy Session is Like
A typical massage therapy session is between 40 and 90 minutes. Your massage will begin with a brief consultation and review of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
You will be asked to undress (many people keep their underwear on) while the massage therapist is out of the room, and lie face down under a sheet on a padded massage table.
The massage therapist will knock on the door to make sure you are ready. The massage therapist re-enters the room and will then adjust the face rest and pillows to ensure that you are comfortable and properly positioned. Tell the massage therapist if you are too warm or cold.
The massage therapist uses a light oil or lotion on the skin and begins the massage. A full body massage usually begins on the back and then moves down to the legs. You will then be asked to turn over so you are face up. The massage continues on your arms, legs, neck, and abdomen.
You are underneath the sheet at all times, and in North America, only the part of the body being treated at any one time is uncovered.
After the massage, the massage therapist leaves the room so you can get changed.
Take your time getting up. If you sit or stand too quickly you may feel lightheaded or dizzy.
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This is the most common type of massage therapy in the United States. It is known as Swedish massage or simply massage therapy.
Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.
Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body.
The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage. To learn more, read the full article on hot stone massage.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.
Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage. To learn more, read the full article on deep tissue massage
Increase
the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting
massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of
bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled
self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and
how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting
time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly
an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage
feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic.
Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health
and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish
a treatment schedule that best meets your needs. |
