Massage Therapy

What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old. In fact, Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine,
Referenced massage when he wrote, in the 4th century B.C.

"The physician must be acquainted with many things, and assuredly with rubbing."

Now days, in addition to "rubbing” massage therapy, often referred to as bodywork or somatic therapy, refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands, although massage therapist do use other areas of the body, such as the forearms, elbows or feet. All of the techniques are used for the benefit the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. In fact, massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client; it is a hand-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. It is also an alternative health option to help alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with and occupational stresses, muscular overuse and many chronic pain syndromes. It can also greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning, if employed early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury.

Massage therapists work to improve the circulation of blood through the body and to speed the removal of metabolic waste products from muscles. Their skilled kneading increases the flexibility of muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Some people visit massage therapists to relieve pain or to warm up before a sporting event. Others want to relax and reduce stress.

Physical and mental benefits

• relaxes the whole body
• loosens tight muscles
• relieves tired and aching muscles
• increases flexibility and range of motion
• diminishes chronic pain
• calms the nervous system
• lowers blood pressure
• lower heart rate
• enhances skin tone
• assists in recovery from injuries and illness
• strengthens the immune system
• reduces tension headaches
• reducing anxiety
• reduces mental stress
• improves consentration
• promotes restful sleep
• aids in mental relaxation
• increasing range of motion in joints

Massages offered at Midwest Medicorp.

Swedish Massage- generally regarded as the most common form of massage, Swedish massage involves a combination of five basic stokes and concentrates on the muscles and connective tissues of the body for improved circulation, relaxation, pain relief, and overall health maintenance and well-being. Swedish massage is also one of the less demanding techniques for massage therapists to practice as it usually does not involve deep-tissue work. A Swedish massage works predominantly with muscles and soft tissue. Reduces tension, soothes sore muscles and draws the body into a state of relaxation.

Connective Tissue Massage- connective tissue massage is similar to myofascial release in that involves working with the body's fascia, or soft tissue, to relive pain , tightness, and discomfort. The idea behind connective tissue massage is that restriction in one area of the body negatively affects others areas of the body. Practitioners of this technique "hook" their fingers into the connective tissue and utilize pulling strokes to lengthen the area. Benefits include pain reduction. See also soft-tissue massage.

Soft-Tissue Massage- soft- tissue massage is a generic term for any modality that is used to treat the soft tissue in the body. Including muscle, fascia, and scar tissue. Common modalities used include Swedish, myofacial release, deep- tissue massage, trigger point therapy, connective tissue massage.

Deep-Tissue Massage- deep-tissue massage utilizes slow strokes, direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, the thumbs or elbows. Deep- tissue massage works deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains; its purpose is to reach the fascia beneath the surface muscles.
Practitioners must have a thorough understanding of the human body and have been trained to administer deep- tissue massage, as injury can occur if the technique is not performed properly. This technique is useful in treating chronic pain, inflammation and injury, and relieves muscular spasms. Compensates for overuse due to stress, work or athletic activities.

Medical Massage- practitioners of medical massage have a strong background in pathology, disease, illness and injury, and the contraindications of specific massage techniques related to various medical conditions. Medical massage therapists frequently work under the direction of or at the request of physicians. The fundamental distinction between medical massage and other forms of massage is the fact that medical massage is performed only on persons with dysfunction diagnosed by your doctor. The goal of medical massage is to apply therapeutic impact on body parts by systems and organs using direct and indirect method of treatments.

Scalp Treatment- a beautiful, relaxing scalp massage will improve circulation and replenish, the blood and oxygen supply. Enjoy relief from mental and physical fatigue.

Stones- a therapeutic ancient treatment that combines a full body massage and hot stone that are gently placed a stroked throughout the body to help soothe the body and mind while restoring energy and alleviating stress. A must for relaxation!!!!

Reflexology- is therapy of pressure points that are applied to the feet or hands stimulating the whole body into a state of balance with an added treat of warm paraffin to increase circulation and improve joint mobility truly well deserved.

Hydrotherapy massage- this massage is especially effective in relieving soreness and aches from tight muscles. With this therapy there's no need to undress just simply let the hot water pressure soften the neck and back muscles due to streets, work or athletic activities.

Aromatherapy- many essential oils that are derived from plants, herbs, flowers, and roots have beneficial therapeutic qualities. Aromatherapy involves the "burning" of essential oils to elicit a desired effect; for example, lavender is known to induce calmness and relaxation. When combined with bodywork, aromatherapy can enrich the massage experience immensely. A few drops of essential oil can be added to massage cream or oil and applied to the skin. Professionally trained aroma therapist also blend oils to treat specific conditions. Only experienced professionals and/or those knowledgable in the properties of aromatherapy should attempt to blend oils or utilize them in practice, as some oil combination can be toxic, while others can burn the skin.

Chair massage-helps desk-bound workers, a stiff neck. Aching wrists. Shoulders that feel as if someone folded them up. Any one who has sat behind a desk will recognize the symptoms of workplace fatigue. According to David Palmer, co-developer of the first massage chair and founder of the touchpro institute in San Francisco, most office-related physical symptoms can be attributed to loss of circulation. Tight muscles caused by stress and sitting behind a desk all day, especially at a work station that is not ergonomically designed, can impede blood and lymph flow through the body. The result is mental fogginess, decreased energy and susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome.
"Enhancing circulation will enable the body's self-healing mechanisms," he said. Chair massage counters the circulatory problems inherent with office work-and provides an appreciated break for employees. Sitting in a massage chair opens up the back muscles, relives strain on the neck and provides a gentle respite for eyes usually glued to a computer monitor. Even 15 minutes of massage to the neck, back, arms and hands can increase circulation, returning energy levels and helping keep the body injury free.

"When chair massage is used preventively, if you have problems it allows you to maintain a homeostatic balance that prevents the little problems from getting worse...

In our office you can relax on a chair massage, free of charge, while you are waiting for your treatment......

Coming soon!:

Spa treatments- this term refers to several types of treatments generally performed in resort and day spa. Some of these include manicures and pedicures, mud wraps, body scrubs, sea salt scrubs, paraffin treatments, hydrotherapy treatments, scalp treatments, facials, and herbal seaweed body wraps.