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Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage
involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to
prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress; and, to
promote health and wellness. Massage therapy improves functioning of the
circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may
improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and
illness.
Research
shows massage reduces the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases
blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of
motion, and increases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
Therapeutic massage enhances medical treatment and helps people feel less
anxious and stressed, relaxed while at the same time more
alert.
Although massage therapy
does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles
and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity
resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a more
complete recovery from exercise or injury.
Intentional Massage
Intentional massage provides a gentle, more passive
approach to injury recovery, allowing the benefits of massage during times
of physical trauma where conventional massage might be
contraindicated.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is a whole body hands-on approach to
evaluate and treat the muscle and connective soft tissues of the body.
Restrictions in these tissues can lead to postural misalignments and
abnormal tensions that cause a lack of mobility and pain. Using specific
positioning and/or intelligently placed gentle pressures, a release of
these abnormal tensions, as well as restrictions may be experienced. This
leads to improved postural alignment and increased mobility with little or
no pain. Myofascial release is not only helpful for chronic pain
sufferers, but also for athletes. This technique will enhance their
performance by allowing more freedom and fluidity of
movement.
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage uses a system of long strokes,
kneading, friction, percussive and vibration techniques on the more
superficial layers of muscles, combined with active and passive movements
of the joints. It is used primarily for full-body sessions and promotes
general relaxation, improves blood circulation and range of motion, and
relieves muscle tension.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger Point Therapy (a.k.a. Neuromuscular Therapy or
Myotherapy) applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points"
(painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and
pain.
Therapeutic massage can help with a wide
range of medical conditions, including:
•
Anxiety
• Arthritis
(both osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis)
• Asthma and
bronchitis
• Carpal tunnel
syndrome
• Chronic and temporary
pain
• Circulatory
problems
•
Depression
• Digestive disorders,
including spastic colon,
constipation and
diarrhea
• Headache, especially
when due to muscle
tension
• Insomnia
• Myofascial pain (a
condition of the tissue
connecting the
muscles)
• Reduced range of
motion
• Sinusitis
• Sports injuries,
including pulled or strained
muscles and sprained
ligaments
•
Stress
• Temporomandibular
joint dysfunction (TMJ)
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