Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing fields in health care.
Massage therapists can improve a person's health and well-being through the
manipulation of muscles and tissues in the body. Sessions at Aurora
Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center range from 30 to 90 minutes. Gift
certificates are available.
What are the potential benefits of massage therapy?
Physiological
Improves circulation
Relieves muscle tension
Stimulates the immune system
Relieves chronic pain
Improves range of motion
Mental
Improves focus and concentration
Calms the mind
Creates a relaxed state of alertness
Emotional
Satisfies the need for caring touch
Enhances self image
Reduces anxiety levels
Allows greater expression of feelings
How many massage techniques are there?
Many techniques have been developed around the world. The benefit of many
techniques is that therapists can better address the many conditions of
their patients. A licensed massage therapist at Aurora Sheboygan Memorial
Medical Center is available to perform the following types of massage:
Swedish massage – uses a system of long gliding
strokes, kneading and friction (rubbing) techniques on the top layers of
muscle to promote relaxation.
Shiatsu massage – uses applied pressure of the
thumbs and gentle stretches. Oriental medical tradition claims that it
will stimulate the body's vital energy flow.
Reflexology – uses firm pressure on specific points
in the hands and feet. In some healing traditions, reflexology is
believed to affect other organs in the body, but this has not been
proven.
On-site massage – 10-15 minute seated massage;
client remains fully clothed; therapist focuses on the back, arms,
hands, neck and head. On-site massage is offered in a variety of places
such as office buildings, airports, shopping malls and health fairs.
Lymphatic massage – uses light-pressured movements
directed towards the heart and lymphatic ducts; directs the lymphatic
flow throughout the body. It is sometimes used for edema (swelling).
Neuromuscular therapy – applies finger pressure to
“trigger points” (painful, irritated areas in muscle) in order to break
the cycle of spasm or pain.
Massage for special populations
Sports massage – is a vigorous massage of the
muscles being used in athletic activity.
Prenatal massage – is carefully done for women in
all stages of pregnancy; movements are focused on the back, buttocks and
legs to help relieve stress and aches associated with pregnancy.
Geriatric massage – applies a sequence of strokes
and compressions on an older adult to offer comfort and help ease the
discomforts that often come with age.
