Therapeutic Massage

 

Therapeutic massage can be used to promote general well-bring and increase self-awareness bringing one in touch with what's going on in his or her own body.  Massage can also enhance the body's immune system to benefit blood pressure, circulation,muscle tone, digestion, and skin tone. 

Therapeutic massage comes in many forms and styles.  Many different skills are employed by massage therapists in order to facilitate healing and wellness for their clients.


Orthopedic Massage and Assessment

Orthopedic massage addresses painful orthopedic conditions of the soft tissue.  The therapist utilizes active range of motion (AROM), passive range of motion (PROM), and manual resistive tests (MRT) to determine which muscles and structures are involved.  A plan is created specifically for the client to work on the presenting condition.  Using different massage techniques, the therapist works on muscles and soft tissue to restore mobility and function.  The client also participates using self care and exercises to strengthen the weakened muscles and stretches to release the tight muscles.
 

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body.  This technique is meant to assess the tissues and to help warm them up and prepare them for deeper work.  

This type of massage uses lubricant such as lotions, creams or oils to give the therapist the ability to glide over the skin.  Swedish massage is a very comforting treatment and brings the body into full relaxation as well as aiding the body on a cellular level to perform its most intricate, life sustaining processes.      


The benefits are numerous and may include:
 

* Promoting relaxation and reducing stress and tension                                                                                                   * Improving the circulatory and lymphatic systems
* Helping to free up restricted fascia, tissue of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and lubricating joints    

 

 Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage focuses on treating the deeper layers of muscle and fascia in the body.  Deep tissue work can sometimes be slightly uncomfortable to the client.  Treatment sessions require excellent communication between the massage therapist and the client to work within the comfort level of the client to address the issues in the tissues.

Sessions should not be extremely uncomfortable or painful as too much pressure or discomfort can trigger the "flight or fight" response, causing the muscles to tense up and counteract the intentions of the treatment. 

Benefits of deep tissue massage may include:

    * Helps to break the pain-spasm-pain cycle
    * Assists to break up chronic pain holding patterns
    * Helps to relieve and aid in the breakdown of “stuck” tissue, or adhesions
    * Brings pliability and flexibility back to the muscles and joints
    * Increases Range of Motion
    * Decreases pain

 

 Pre/Post Natal Massage

 
Pregnancy massage is typically done after the first trimester of pregnancy as long as there are no complications and the client's doctor is made aware of the massage visit.  Women go through significant hormonal as well as postural changes which can cause discomfort from muscle aches and skeletal shifts.  The ligaments become more relaxed during pregnancy in order to prepare for carrying and delivering the baby.  The massage table is padded for comfort and extra pillows are always available to make the client as comfortable as possible in a side-lying or reclined position.
 

 The benefits of massage during pregnancy may include:

 

* Reduction of swelling due to increased circulation

* Reduction of stress on weight-bearing joints
* Improvements in the outcome of labor and easing of labor pains
* Enhancement in the pliability of the skin and other soft tissues
*Providing relaxation and comfort for the new expectant mother                                                    

 

 



 


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