Massage Therapy

What is massage therapy?

Most people are familiar with Swedish massage, the form most commonly available in salons, spas, and at vacation destinations. This approach uses long, sweeping strokes and mild-to-moderate pressure to relax your muscles.

Many people who perform massage in nonclinical settings are not trained in the intricacies of anatomy and physiology. Your experience might be relaxing and incredibly enjoyable, but you aren’t likely to experience all that a professional massage has to offer.

Massage therapy offers a range of massage styles and techniques. Some of the available options include:

• Deep tissue massage
• Postsurgical massage
• Pregnancy massage
• Injury massage

Your provider can also deliver a relaxation massage if that is the approach you prefer.

What are the benefits of massage therapy?

An expansive body of scientific research supports the benefits of massage therapy. Some of the reasons men and women incorporate massage into their ongoing health and wellness routines include:

• Stress reduction
• Pain management
• Improved circulation
• Enhanced immune response
• Better sleep
• Improved flexibility
• Detoxification
• Reduced fatigue
• Less inflammation

Some evidence exists to support the use of massage in treating depression and anxiety. This is great for those who want to improve their quality of life without pharmaceutical interventions.

What can I expect during a massage therapy session?

Having a therapeutic massage should always be an enjoyable experience. Even with modalities that use a significant amount of pressure, like a deep tissue massage, you should always be comfortable.

Your practitioner discusses your treatment goals, current medical issues, and preferences before the massage begins. That information enables your therapist to give a massage that is customized to your specific needs.

You can undress to your level of comfort, but rest assured that your body will always be draped during your massage. Your therapist uncovers the area of focus while working on that part of your body, then covers you again before moving to the next area.

A neutral gel or lotion is used to help your therapist’s hands glide over the surface of your skin.

You’ll be asked for feedback on the level of pressure. Feel free to ask for more or less pressure, and never hesitate to speak up if any technique used during your session becomes uncomfortable.