What is massage therapy?
What are the key benefits of massage therapy?
Your Very First Massage
Is Massage Therapy Right For You?
Benefits of Massage Therapy

What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy spans a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, working to improve an individual's health and well being through the hands-on manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body.
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What are the key benefits of massage therapy?
Physical: Massage therapy is designed to stretch and loosen muscles, improve blood flow and the movement of lymph throughout the body, facilitates the removal of metabolic wastes resulting from exercise or inactivity, and increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissues. In addition massage stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkiller into the brain and nervous system.
Mental: Massage therapy provides a relaxed state of alertness, reduces mental stress and enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity.
Emotional: Massage therapy satisfies the need for caring and nurturing touch, creates a feeling of well being and reduces anxiety levels.
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Your Very First Massage
The first appointment generally begins with the massage therapist asking what prompted you to get a massage, your current physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress level and painful areas. The massage therapist may ask you about your health goals and what you hope the massage will do to help you achieve those goals.
For a full body massage (usually one hour), you will be asked to remove clothing to your comfort level. Undressing takes place in private, and a sheet is provided for draping. The therapist will undrape only the part of your body being massaged, ensuring that your modesty is respected at all times. Your massage will take place in a comfortable atmosphere and on a cushioned table. You should expect a peaceful, relaxing experience.
Some massages, such as those onsite at your place of business, are done while you are fully clothed. For this type of massage, often called "seated" or "chair" massage, you will sit in a specially designed portable massage chair.
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Is Massage Therapy Right For You?
Therapeutic massage may not be recommended in some cases, such as people with:

  • Inflammation of the veins (phlebitis)
  • Infectious diseases
  • Certain forms of Cancer
  • Some skin conditions


If you have one of these or some other diagnosed medical condition, always check with your doctor before seeking massage.
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Benefits of Massage Therapy
Whether seeking relief from a medical condition, searching for a method to help deal with the stresses of daily life or wanting to maintain good health, more and more people are turning to therapeutic massage therapy. Massage therapy can provide benefits for everyone from infants to the elderly. People find that therapeutic massage can help with a wide range of medical conditions, such as:

  • Allergies
  • Anxiety & Stress
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Chronic & Temporary Pain
  • Circulatory problems
  • Depression
  • Digestive Disorders
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Increased flexibility & range of motion
  • Sinusitis
  • Sportsinjuries, including pulled or strained muscles & sprained ligaments
  • Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
  • Fibromyalgia

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