What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is a process of manual manipulation of the body's muscular and soft tissue structure through a variety of techniques ranging from relaxation to clinical and therapeutic applications.

 

What are the Benefits?

Massage encourages the feeding and development of the muscular system by stimulating its circulation and cell activity. A full-body massage causes the muscles to become both firmer and more elastic. Muscles too weak to be used voluntarily can be strengthened by a massage treatment. Massage is also an effective means of relaxing tense muscles and releasing muscle spasms.

 

The supply of blood to the muscles is proportionate to their activity. It is estimated that blood passes three times faster through muscles being massaged than through muscles at rest. Particular massage movements create a pumping action that forces the venous blood and lymph onward, and brings a fresh supply of blood to the muscles. Massage aids in the removal of metabolic waste products and helps nourish surrounding tissues.

 

Muscle tissue that has been injured heals more quickly and with less scarring and adhesions when massage is applied regularly. Massage can have a positive effect on the range of motion of limbs that had previously been constrained by tissue injury, inflammation, muscle tension or strain.

 

What is a Trigger Point?

Trigger points are painful points located within taut bands of muscle and are treated primarily with the application of sustained static pressure. Sometimes this is referred to as ischemic pressure and can vary from very light to heavy depending on the stage of development of the trigger point.

 

What do I wear during a massage?

During a massage you are covered by a sheet and blanket, only the area being worked on is exposed. You should dress down to your comfort level.

 

What should you expect after a Deep Tissue massage?

After a Deep Tissue massage, soreness is expected; however, the muscle pain that brought you to the Deep Tissue option will be alleviated. The soreness is much like the soreness associated with working out. This soreness is greatly helped by drinking lots of water after your massage.

 

Why Should I drink water after?

Water after a massage helps the body flush out any accumulated materials in the muscles which were released during the massage. Massage stimulates circulation in the body while expressing water, salt and other minerals from the muscles. Circulation is designed to carry away waste materials generated by cells.

 

Should I tip my therapist?

Tipping is never expected but always appreciated.