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.
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. Here are some common techniques used:
Swedish massage – uses a system of long gliding strokes, kneading and
friction (rubbing) techniques on the top layers of muscle to promote
relaxation.
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.
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.
Infant and child massage – a calming touch usually given by a parent;
uses gliding strokes, first away then towards the heart, to potentially
enhance the health and well-being of the infant/child and improve the bond
between child and parent. Classes are periodically held at various Aurora
facilities. Check our calendar of events
for dates and times.
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.
Contact the American Massage Therapy Association to get a list of the
certified therapists in your area.
What is the next step?
Before making your final choice on a massage therapist, ask the therapist
the following questions:
Was the therapist properly trained at an accredited institution?
Does the therapist have a valid license or certification to practice
massage in your state?
How many years of practice does the therapist have?
Is he or she professionally affiliated in a national organization?
Is the therapist's place of practice clean, safe and comfortable?
What is a certified massage therapist?
Certified – means that an individual has completed a course of
training from a school of bodywork, which generally means 100-1000 hours
of training. Some practitioners have taken a national certification exam.
Others are affiliated with a national organization which may or may not
require a level of proficiency for admittance.
What about cost?
Call the site location nearest you for pricing information. Senior and
employee discounts available.
