Massage therapy is 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?
 

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

Physical (Body)…to stretch and loosen muscles and improve blood flow for removal of metabolic wastes resulting from exercise or inactivity.

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

 

Who can benefit from massage therapy?
…anyone from the very young to the very old, and those in between. Everyone has some sort of muscular tension and everyone can benefit from a relaxing, trained and 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 muscles, and relieves stress, and in turn, reduces anxiety and depression.

 

Massage may improve: arthritis, asthma, back pain, bursitis, carpal tunnel, chronic/acute pain (neck, shoulders, mid and low back problems), circulation concerns, constipation, gastrointestinal disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches/migraines, immune function disorders, insomnia, joint pain (even little joints), myofascial pain, reduced range of motion, sciatica pain, sports injuries, stress (stress leads to 90% of illness), reduced range of motion, sports related injuries, stress and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), and more.

 

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?
The average cost range is from $70 to $90 nationally 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?
In addition to education requirements, the therapist in training must also take and pass one of the following nationally recognized massage therapist exams: MPLex, or NCETM/NCETMB. Massage therapists now must be licensed in Michigan, no longer just certified.

 

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.

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What happens during a Reiki treatment?…clients experience a quiet, relaxing session while the therapist places hands on or near the body, with the intention of allowing balance and healing to flow through the body. This service is very gentle, encouraging emotional peace and pain relief, and brings about a sense of well-being and most clients enjoy it more than they imagined they would!

 

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