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Neuromuscular Therapy | |
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| Massage | ||
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| Energy Healing | ||
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| Exercise | ||
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| Aquatic Therapies | ||
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| Frequently Asked Questions | |
| Massage |
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| What are the origins of therapeutic
massage? |
The methods used today have both eastern and
western origins. The first written records of massage date back 3000
years to early Chinese folk medicine. Modern western massage is credited
primarily to Peter Henrik Ling, a 19th century Swedish athlete. His
approach, which combines hands-on techniques with active and passive
movements, became known as Swedish massage. This is still one of the
most commonly used methods in the western world. |
| What is the average cost of
a massage therapy session? |
The national range is from $45 to $80 per hour.
Variations in price are due to location, demand, type of business,
skill level and experience. |
| What credentials should a qualified
massage therapist have? |
A therapist should have a license to practice
either from the State or from the local Board of Health if there is
no state licensure. S/he should be able to document professional training
in massage therapy at an institution accredited by the American Massage
Therapy Association and/or offering the National Certification in
Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Most therapists should be able to
show at least 500 hours of training and a certificate of graduation. |
| What should I expect when receiving
a therapeutic massage for the first time? |
At your intake session, the therapist should
ask about your reasons for getting a massage, your current physical
condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress level and specific areas
of concern or pain. If undressing is necessary, it should take place
in private and a sheet, towel or gown should be provided for draping
during the massage. The therapist should undrape only the area of
the body being treated, ensuring modesty at all times. The massage
should take place on a comfortable padded massage table or futon (shiatsu). |
| Does the client have any responsibilities
during the therapy session? |
It is the responsibility of a person receiving
a massage to give the therapist accurate health information. A client
should report discomfort of any kind, whether from the massage itself
or due to room temperature, volume or type of music or any other distraction.
The client’s safety and comfort are of the highest priority. |
| If I have a cold, flu or am
recovering from an illness, should I have a massage? |
If you have a fever or an active infection,
you should not be treated, otherwise massage will most likely be OK.
It may make your recovery shorter or possibly make you feel worse. |
| What are the benefits of massage? |
Massage increases blood flow and therefore
healing to the soft tissues of the body. Sore, stiff or aching muscles
will feel relief. Massage also increases lymphatic flow, thereby reducing
swelling and edema, flushing the tissues of toxins that irritate the
nervous system, and strengthening the immune system. The techniques
used provide a gentle stretching of connective tissue, releasing muscles
from restrictions and adhesions and reducing subcutaneous scar tissue
formation. The healing power of touch releases endorphins which relax
muscles and reduce anxiety and stress Deep tissue work increases circulation
and relieves tension and adhesions in the larger and deeper muscles
of the body, preventing athletic injury and increasing flexibility.
It also decreases chronic pain by changing structural alignment and
taking the pressure off muscles held out of balance by faulty postural
and movement patterns. Pregnancy massage reduces low back, buttock and lower limb pain caused by the increased pressures of birth weight. It increases the flow of blood and fluids in the tissues, decreases sleeplessness caused by the discomforts of pregnancy, and prepares the body for childbirth. Sports massage prepares the muscles for activity by increasing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen. It lengthens tight muscles so they can work more efficiently, increasing endurance. It clears the soft tissues of toxins and metabolic waste products by increasing blood and lymph flow, reducing soreness from a hard workout or event. Hot stone massage deeply relaxes the muscles by stimulating blood flow throughout the body, right to the core. It turns the connective tissue into a more liquid state, decreasing tensions and holding patterns caused by intramuscular scar tissue and the excessive collagen bonding that occurs from inflammation, overuse, disuse and injury.The unique combination of heat, pressure and touch takes you into a profound state of relaxation. |
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