MASSAGE WORKS
Natural Health Center, LLC

121 N. Second Ave
Alpena, Michigan
(989) 356-0970

Testimonial -

Massage from Amy has changed my life both physically and mentally. I appreciate the immediate relief of tension in my lower back muscles. I would recommend massage therapy to anyone with back pain, for relaxation it is better than a deep sleep.
- Kendall S.

Testimonial -

Amy did a wonderful job getting rid of the stress and muscle pain that I had in my shoulder blades because of hunching forward at my job all day. I felt great for weeks afterward.
Thanks Amy!
- Elsie L.

Frequently Asked Question's

What is massage therapy?
Hands-on manipulation of muscles, tendons and other soft tissues of the body with the intention of improving an individual’s overall health and well-being.

What are the key benefits of massage therapy?
Physical…to stretch and loosen muscles and improve blood flow for removal of metabolic wastes resulting from exercise or inactivity.

Mental…provides a relaxed state of alertness, reduces mental stress and enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity.

Emotional…satisfies the need for caring and nurturing touch, creates a feeling of well-being and reduces anxiety levels.

Who can benefit from massage therapy?
…from the very young and the very old, to those in between. Everyone has some sort of muscular tension and everyone can benefit from a caring touch.

What conditions may be improved by massage therapy?
The basic benefits of massage therapy are that it lowers blood pressure, increases circulation, relaxes muscle and relieves stress.

Massage has also been known to relieve; arthritis, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic/acute pain, gastrointestinal disorders, headache, immune function disorders, insomnia, myofascial pain, premature infants, reduced R.O.M., sports injuries, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), etc.

What is the origin of therapeutic massage?
The first written records of massage date back 3,000 years to early Chinese folk medicine. Shiatsu acupressure and reflexology spring from the Eastern sources, as do other contemporary methods.

Western civilizations were introduced to therapeutic massage by Greek and Roman physicians. Modern Western massage is credited primarily to Peter Henrick Ling, a 19th century Swedish athlete. His approach which combines hands-on techniques with active movements became known as Swedish Massage – still one of the most commonly used methods in the Western world.

How is massage therapy regarded by the medical community?
In many countries, massage therapy is an extremely important part of the healthcare system, with massage therapists working alongside doctors. While many physicians support the discipline, America is the only developed country where massage is not yet an official part of the healthcare system.

Is massage therapy a luxury?
This is a mistaken perception that is rapidly changing as massage therapy becomes increasingly accepted as a natural part of a healthy lifestyle.

What is the average cost of a massage?
Nationally the range is from $35 to $75 for an hour-long treatment, with outpatient calls (home visits) sometimes more expensive due to travel and set up time.

What credentials should a qualified massage therapist have?
…at least 500 hours of classroom instruction in anatomy and physiology, massage therapy and technique, first aid and CPR, plus related subjects. In Michigan you should look for a Massage Therapist to be Certified, as this state does not yet offer licensing.

What is fueling the growth of massage therapy?
…the health and fitness movement. Athletes and performing artists praise massage for the way it helps to improve performance and enhance recovery.
Doctors increasingly recommend it for stress relief and as part of treatment programs for chronic pain and other medical conditions. Also, businesses have begun to recognize its potential to boost worker productivity and morale.

What should a consumer expect when they receive a massage for the first time?
…the therapist should ask questions about your current physical condition and medical history. Only if necessary, undressing takes place in private and a sheet, towel, or blanket is provided for draping. The therapist will undrape only the part of the body being massaged, insuring that modesty is respected at all times. The massage takes place on a comfortable padded table.

** American Massage Therapy Association documentation provided as a courtesy by
Amy (Golder) Traylor, CMT @ MASSAGE WORKS, 356-0970

Massage Therapy Works!