Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues and joints of the body to gain a therapeutic response. Soft tissue includes muscles, skin and connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and membranes. Swedish massage is currently the most common form of therapy practised; however, Massage Therapists may use a variety of therapies and techniques, depending on your needs and their specialties, including hydrotherapy (hot and cold packs, ice, baths, etc.), heat lamps and remedial and postural exercise recommendations.
Massage Therapy not only treats specific aches, pains and injuries, but also affects the whole of your metabolism through normalizing your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems. One of the many positive side effects of Massage Therapy is it’s ability to boost your immune system through this increase in overall circulation and relaxation. Many of today’s health problems arise from stress. Because stress upsets the delicate integral balance of all your body’s functions, regaining this balance requires a holistic approach. Massage Therapy provides an alternative health option to help alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain syndromes. It can also greatly reduce the development of chronic muscle pain when used after accidents involving trauma and injury.
On your first visit, you will be asked for a confidential medical history, which will help your therapist form your assessment and treatment plan. Massage Therapy should take place in an atmosphere of safety and confidence. It is a partnership between you and your therapist, who will help you to understand the processes behind your pain and how you can work together to alleviate it. Your body has the capacity to heal itself, and Massage Therapy is a highly effective way to assist your body in doing this.
Massage Therapy is a safe effective treatment that can benefit people of all ages. From Infant massage, to expectant mothers to helping older adults, Massage Therapy is an extremely versatile modality that can be adjusted in many ways to accommodate the needs of the individual and their particular concerns. Common conditions treated with Massage Therapy include: