Massage Therapy

 

WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?

Massage therapy consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of soft tissues of the body including, muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage Therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions.

Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained and improved; and physical dysfunction and pain and the effects of stress can be relieved or prevented through the use of Massage Therapy.

The practice of massage therapy has been present throughout world history and culture. From the East to the West people discovered that natural healing through massage could heal injuries, relieve pain, and prevent and correct illnesses. What’s more, it helped reduce stress and produce deep relaxation. Many believe that massage therapy is the precursor to all other forms of manual therapy; including physical therapy, chiropractic and orthopedics.

 

HOW DOES MASSAGE THERAPY WORK?

Before a treatment and based on the initial assessment and health history, your massage therapist will propose a personalized treatment plan to you. The assessment generally consists of various tests to determine the condition of your muscles and joints. Through various specialized movements of the hands over the skin or clothes (your massage therapist must obtain your consent to work on any part of your body), make up the massage therapy treatment. The massage therapist will work with your level of comfort during the treatment, and the treatment can be stopped at any given time should discomfort occur. The massage therapist, through mutual discussion, will develop a short or long-term treatment plan with you, depending on the the severity of the condition, to ensure appropriate treatment is given to help return you to normal everyday activities.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR FIRST VISIT?

On the first visit to a massage therapy clinic the patient can expect to complete a confidential health history report as part of the initial assessment process. This information is important as the massage therapist needs to know if any medical conditions exist or if the patient is taking any medications and to get to know their patient better. The massage therapist will listen to any concerns, assess each individual's needs as well as other factors that may be contributing to the problematic condition (lifestyle, nutritional status, etc.).

 

WHAT CAN MASSAGE THERAPY TREAT?

Massage therapy is widely used to help obtain relief from many specific problems or as a preventative measure and has been proven beneficial to people of all ages from infants and children to the very elderly.

Patients who suffer from headaches/migraines, post-injury rehabilitation, whiplash, back/shoulder and neck pains, muscle spasms/strains/sprains, stress and tension, never compression syndromes, tendonitis, pregnancy discomfort, and poor circulation can benefit from massage therapy.

Massage therapy can also provide: relaxation of the whole body, loosen tight muscles, relief of tired and aching muscles, increased flexibility and range of motion, diminished chronic pain, strengthen the nervous system, lower blood pressure & heart rate, enhance skin tone, reduced mental stress, improved circulation, and promotes restful sleep.

For more information and to learn more about Massage Therapy contact a RMT near you