Massage is the treatment and practice of manipulation of the soft body tissues with physical, functional, i.e. mechanical, medical/therapeutic, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals. The word comes from the French massage "friction of kneading," possibly from Arabic massa "to touch, feel, handle" or from Latin massa "mass, dough". (In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage itself was anatripsis, and the Latin was frictio.)
Massage involves acting and manipulating the patient's body with pressure (structured, unstructured, stationary, and/or moving), tension, motion, or vibration done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, and/or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm, and feet. There are over eighty different massage modalities. The most cited reasons for introducing massage was patient demand and perceived clinical effectiveness.
Peer-reviewed medical research has shown that the benefits of massage include pain relief, reduced trait anxiety and depression, and temporarily reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and state anxiety. Theories behind what massage might do include blocking nociception (gate control theory), activating the parasympathetic nervous system which may stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin, preventing fibrosis or scar tissue, increasing the flow of lymph, and improving sleep but such effects are yet to be supported by well designed clinical studies.
What is Therapeutic Massage?
Massage is a manual manipulation of the body's soft tissue for the purpose of stimulating circulation and promoting relaxation. It has been used in many world cultures for more than 4,000 years. Massage allows you a quiet tiime to focus on yourself and become more connected to your body.
Massage is generally used for the reduction of stress and pain. It has been shown to boost the immune system as well.
Since most diseases are exacerbated by stress, massage can help you become and stay healthier.
Massage can help with the following:
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stress reduction
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anxiety
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relaxation
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muscle aches and pains
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sleep problems
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depression
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immune system function
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sports conditioning
What is Swedish Massage?
Swedish massage is primarily used for relaxation. Cream or oil may be used with light strokes. Usually, this is a full body massage. You may want to have some areas skipped or opt to have the massage therapist work on all of your body.
What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep Tissue massage is a goal-oriented massage. With this type of work, the massage therapist may use his/her forearms, elbows or thumbs to apply pressure. Deep tissue work can be used in conjunction with Swedish massage to loosen the muscles in a specfic area,or by itself for a mini-target session.
What is Myofascial Massage?
Myofascial massage is the slowest type of body work. This type of work is used to relieve aches and pains. Lotions are not used. Instead, the therapist will apply pressure, using the palm of his/her hand or finger tips. You may be asked to breathe during this session, or move your arms or legs during a stroke so that muscles be better accessed.
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