Massage Therapy 

Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm and stress, and to promote health and wellness. Therapeutic Massage and Muscular Therapy offer effective, drug-free treatment for pain and stress management.

Therapeutic Massage doesn't just feel good. It reduces the heart rate and blood pressure, improves functioning of the blood circulation and lymph flow, improves range of motion, improves the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness.

How can massage be medically beneficial?
People find that massage can help with a wide range of medical conditions:

• Allergies
• Anxiety and Stress
• Arthritis
• Asthma and Bronchitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Chronic and Temporary Pain
• Circulatory Problems
• Depression
• Digestive Disorders
• Headache, especially due to muscle tension
• Insomnia
• Myofascial Pain
• Reduced Range of Motion
• Sinusitis
• Sports Injuries
• Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)

How long is a massage?
The length of the massage needed depends on the condition being treated.  In some cases on site therapeutic massage on a designated area is all that is needed.  This can usually be accomplished within 10-15 minutes.  In other cases more work may be necessary.  We offer both 30 minute and one hour sessions. This is enough time for a deeply relaxing full body massage, or more in-depth work on a particular area, for instance back, neck and shoulders. We also offer half-hour massages for concentration on one area of the body.

What can you expect on your first visit?
On your first appointment, our massage therapist will usually ask you what prompted you to get a massage, your current physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress level, and painful areas. Our massage therapist may ask you about your health goals and what you hope massage will do to help you achieve those goals.

For a full body massage with lotion or oil you will be asked to remove clothing to your level of comfort. Undressing takes place in private and a sheet, towel or gown is provided for draping. The therapist will undrape only the part of your body being massaged, insuring that your modesty is respected at all times. For Shiatsu massage, your therapist will work through your clothing and you will not need to disrobe. Your massage will take place in a comfortable atmosphere and on a cushioned table. The room will be warm and quiet, with soft music to set a relaxing mood.

How will I feel after my massage?
Most people feel very relaxed after a massage. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up from months of tension or repetitive activity in their daily life. People often feel an increase in energy that can last for several days.

What are the benefits of therapeutic massage?

• Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excess scar tissue
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances athletic performance
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain
• Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
• Improves posture
• Strengthens the immune system
• Fosters peace of mind
• Promotes relaxed state of mental alertness
• Helps relieve mental stress
• Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
• Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
• Satisfies needs for caring, nurturing touch
• Fosters a feeling of well being
• Reduces levels of anxiety
• Increases awareness of mind-body connection