MASSAGE

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage Therapy is an ancient technique that has been widely used to decrease the intensity of pain, relieve muscle spasms, increase physical activity and promote general relaxation. "The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain."

There appears to be a renewed interest in the use of massage. Massage is an ideal way to involve family and friends. It helps to convey caring concern, sympathy, security, acceptance, support, and encouragement and at the same time is serves as a psychosocial interaction.

Types of Massage

There are many types of massage, but Swedish massage is the most popular. It uses long flowing strokes, deep kneading, light tapotement, surface friction, joint mobilization, application of pressure to specific points and more.

The Treatment

The average full-body massage therapy session lasts approximately 1 hour. You will be asked to fill out a health history form which is confidential and gives consent to proceed with the assessment to determine and identify any physical conditions. It’s important that the therapist is aware of all health problems and medications you are taking.

The therapist explains the treatment plan and areas of the body that will be treated. You are given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the desired outcome of the session. You are instructed to remove clothing and items you are comfortable removing and positioned on a treatment table between 2 fresh sheets. Draping techniques will keep all areas of your body properly covered at all times to keep you warm and comfortable, except for the area being worked on.

In general, Swedish massage may start with broad, flowing strokes and gentle pressure to calm your nervous system. Pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve muscular tension. Light oil is used to hydrate the skin, to allow a smooth flow of strokes, and to avoid dragging the skin. It’s important to communicate immediately any discomfort so that another approach may be used. Hygienic conditions are maintained at all times. Self-care, remedial exercises and/or hydrotherapy is prescribed at the end of the cession.