Understanding Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is defined as a group of systematic and scientific manipulations of the soft tissues of the body performed with the hand for the assessment, treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints. It is used to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or to relieve pain. Treatment may include the use of hydrotherapy, stretches and exercise. Massage helps alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain syndromes. It can reduce the development of painful muscular patterning if employed early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury. Massage is used effectively as a form of preventative medicine.
Massage Therapy is one of 23 Healthcare professions federally governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), which protects the rights of the consumer to safe, effective and ethical health care. Massage Therapists are licensed in
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is a non-invasive procedure that may be used to correct tissue dysfunctions and improve overall function. It stimulates venous circulation and lymphatic flow facilitating the exchange of nutrients and wastes within the tissues, relaxes muscular and connective tissue allowing more tissue and joint flexibilty, releases tension, alleviates pain, breaks down soft scar tissue and adhesions, stimulates glandular tissue, reduces mental and physical fatigue, promotes tissue healing, and is helpful in improving overall health. It is an effective treatment benefical to people of all ages and is widely used to obtain relief from many specific problems, including:
Acute & Chronic Pain
Reflexology
Reflexology is foot massage of specific reflex pathways on the feet and hands. The stimulation of these pathways using thumb, finger and hand techniques encourages relaxation, stress reduction, and promotes the opportunity for physiological changes to manifest in the body including improved circulation and stress reduction. Reflexology is rooted in ancient traditions that are amazingly appopriate for the modern world.
Hot Stone Massage
The healing power of warmed basalt stones has been recognized by numerous cultures for centuries. Combined with traditional Swedish massage, heated stones are used to dissolve muscle tension and induce deep relaxation. Smooth, warm basalt stones are placed on a client's body and may be placed in the palms or between the toes. The massage therapist may also use the heated stones to perform various massage techniques to relax the body. The weight and feel of the stones also provide a physical and mental comfort. Research studies have improved the understanding of how massage benefits the body. Founded by Tiffany Field PhD in 1992, The Touch Research Institutes and affliated researchers from Harvard, Duke, Maryland and other major universities, have conducted more than 80 studies on the positive effects of massage on many functions and medical conditions. Many of the benefical effects appear to be mediated by decreased stress hormones.
