Conditions

Research studies have shown that the benefits of massage include reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure and increasing blood circulation and lymph flow. It also relaxes muscles, improves range of motion and increases endorphins, which all can enhance medical treatment. Therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, although it can stimulate weak and inactive muscles, which helps to compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity caused by illness or injury.

Massage can be used to treat a variety of stress-related physical conditions, including:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety and depression
• Pain, including muscle tension, back, shoulder and neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Repetitive stress injuries

Evaluation

At your initial session, your massage therapist will first ask questions about your health and what symptoms you are experiencing in order to determine how to best treat you with massage therapy. Please be sure to inform your massage therapist of any health problems that you are experiencing or medications you are currently taking. He or she also will discuss which parts of your body you would like to receive massage.

Treatment

Your massage will take place in one of our comfortable and pleasant massage rooms. It is up to you how much you undress for your massage, for we want you to feel as comfortable as possible. Your massage therapist will leave the room while you undress and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket. Acupressure massage can be given through clothing.

After your massage, you will most likely feel relaxed and possibly a little sleepy. You may then experience an increased surge of energy, awareness and concentration. Massage helps to release toxins from your soft tissues, so it is highly recommended that you drink plenty of water afterwards to flush them out of your system.