Body Massage
Body Massage is the ideal treatment for stress reduction and overall relaxation and is a great way to treat yourself.
Take the time to unwind. After our Body Massage you will be relaxed and refreshed.
People use many different types of massage therapy for a variety of health-related purposes. We are happy to help you determine if Body Massage is a good relaxation therapy option for you. Please note that vigorous massage should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders or low blood platelet counts, and by people taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. Although massage therapy appears to be generally safe for cancer patients, they should consult their oncologist before having a massage that involves deep or intense pressure. Any direct pressure over a tumor usually is discouraged. Cancer patients should discuss any concerns about massage therapy with their oncologist. Pregnant women should consult their health care provider before using massage therapy.
The term "massage therapy" encompasses many different techniques. In general, therapists press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. They most often use their hands and fingers, but may use their forearms, elbows, or feet.
In Swedish massage, the therapist uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration, and tapping. Sports massage is similar to Swedish massage, adapted specifically to the needs of athletes.
Among the many other examples are deep tissue massage; trigger point massage, which focuses on myofascial trigger points - muscle "knots" that are painful when pressed and can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body; and reflexology, which applies pressure to the feet (or sometimes the hands or ears), to promote relaxation or healing in other parts of the body.
A single session of massage therapy can reduce "state anxiety" (a reaction to a particular situation), blood pressure, and heart rate, and multiple sessions can reduce "trait anxiety" (general anxiety-proneness), depression, and pain.
In addition, recent studies suggest that massage may benefit certain conditions, including chronic low-back and/or neck pain.
There are numerous theories about how massage therapy may affect the body. For example, the "gate control theory" suggests that massage may provide stimulation that helps to block pain signals sent to the brain. Other examples include theories suggesting that massage might stimulate the release of certain chemicals in the body, such as serotonin or endorphins, or cause beneficial mechanical changes in the body. However, additional studies are needed to test the various theories.
Therapists usually ask new patients about symptoms, medical history, and desired results. They may also perform an evaluation through touch, to locate painful or tense areas and determine how much pressure to apply.
Typically, the patient lies on a table, either in loose-fitting clothing or undressed to their comfort level (covered with a sheet, except for the area being massaged). The therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on the skin. Sometimes, people receive massage therapy while sitting in a chair. A massage session may be fairly brief, but may also last an hour or even longer.
To learn more about Body Massage, call us at 314.994.1536 to schedule a consultation.
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