Massage and Bodywork

Introduction to Massage

Massage is one of the oldest healing arts: Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.

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So What Is It Exactly?

Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies are defined as the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body. Specifically:

Massage: The application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. The many variations of massage account for several different techniques.

Bodywork: Various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.

Somatic: Meaning “of the body.” Many times this term is used to denote a body/mind or whole-body approach as distinguished from a physiology-only or environmental perspective.

There are more than 200 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies and many practitioners utilize multiple techniques. The application of these techniques may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction, and pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. This may also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or application of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body. The use of oils, lotions, and powders may also be included to reduce friction on the skin. Please contact us with any questions you may have regarding body therapy and massage techniques.

Swedish Massage
	A collection of massage strokes designed for relaxation. Some of the therapeutic effects include increased circulation, increased flexibility, removal of lactic acid and toxins, relaxes the nervous system and stimulates the skin.
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Trigger Point Therapy (neuromuscular therapy)
	Trigger points (TrP) are hypersensitive areas of muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments that refer pain to distal regions of the body. They can be the result of repetitive or stressful motion, trauma, or poor posture. Dietary, environmental and emotional stress can also create these localized areas. Treatment is sustained digital pressure applied to the TrP to relieve pain and discomfort.
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Deep Tissue Massage
	DT massage uses slow strokes, direct pressure, and/or friction applying greater pressure than with Swedish massage affecting the deeper layers of muscles. Deep tissue work is helpful in treating chronic pain and injury rehabilitation.
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Reiki
	Non-intrusive method of hands-on healing that taps into the energy source of life. Reiki is a technique that addresses both chronic and acute conditions, promoting balance among all the body’s systems. Most clients report experiencing a sense of well being and calmness after a session.
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Other Massage Therapies
	Hot Stone Massage:  A deeply soothing massage using hot stones.  The hot stones heating effect will enhance the wellness benefits received from the massage experience making muscle relaxation, faster, and deeper. Reflexology:  This pressure point massage on the feet helps to alleviate stress and pain, releases toxins, improves circulation and increases energy.  This treatment actually helps to calm the nerves throughout the body which results in total body relaxation.
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Please note: Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine.

Will My Insurance Cover It?

The services of a bodywork professional may be covered by health insurance when prescribed by a chiropractor or osteopath. Therapies provided as part of a prescribed treatment by a physician or registered physical therapist are often covered. Please consult your insurance agency.