Massage Therapy
About massage
Massage, when properly applied by licensed practitioners, can help build and maintain a healthy and vigorous body. The stress of modern living can contribute to a decline in physical vigor. Massage helps provide the means for offsetting the tensions from daily stress and creates the opportunity to enjoy more vibrant health.
Massage is the mechanical manipulation of the body's soft tissues by such movements as rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling and tapping. Therapeutic massage has direct psychological and physiological benefits.
Physically, massage directly influences the muscular system in the body. The muscular system supports the skeletal system. Muscular impairment and tensions can cause skeletal weakness. Physical fitness requires proper circulation, a healthy metabolism, muscle flexibility and stamina, all of which massage therapy may help improve. Because blood carries nutrients to the skin, massage also is beneficial in keeping the skin healthy.
Other physical benefits of massage therapy include:
| • | Hastens healing (in some cases) |
| • | Increases metabolism |
| • | Increases the activity of the circulatory and lymphatic system |
| • | Relaxes and refreshes the muscles |
| • | Relieves pain |
The psychological benefits of massage include:
| • | Calms the nervous system |
| • | Promotes a sense of relaxation and renewed energy |
| • | Reduces tension |
| • | Relieves fatigue |
Types of massage
Swedish massage — This therapeutic full-body massage reduces stress, increase circulation and relieve muscle tension. Swedish massage is the most commonly used massage in health spas and for professional athletes.
Shiatsu massage — This is a type of Oriental massage based on acupressure philosophy. The therapist manipulates pressure points on the body to stimulate certain functions of the body or help reduce pain. Headaches, sinus problems and facial pain respond well to Shiatsu massage.
Deep-tissue massage — Deep-tissue massage focuses on muscles of the body that require applied pressure directly to the muscle or connective tissue to reduce tension. The therapist can apply deep-tissue massage with Swedish massage or Shiatsu massage. Muscular pain in the neck, back and shoulders responds well to deep-tissue massage.
Reflexology massage — This massage of the feet is derived from Shiatsu techniques using pressure points on the foot believed to influence organs in the body. This massage is easily used with other techniques, such as Swedish massage and deep-tissue massage. Reflexology massage also relieves foot tension and pain.
Facial massage — Facial massage helps reduce sinus pain, headaches and neck pain. The therapist massages the face, scalp, neck and shoulders.
Aromatherapy massage — Aromatherapy massage uses specialized oils to reduce stress and physical tension. The aroma and the properties of these herbal- and floral-based abstracts influence the body through the senses of smell and touch. The therapist can apply all other types of massage with aromatherapy oils and methods.
Half-hour and one-hour massages are available. It is customary to pay for professional service at the time of the appointment. For your convenience, we accept Master Card and Visa. For more information or to make an appointment, please call the hospital’s Center for Rehabilitation at (319) 768-4100.