FAST FACTS
Definition of Massage
Therapeutic massage involves manipulation of the soft tissue of the body to promote health and wellness. Many types of massage are available.
What to Expect
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. Some massages, such as chair massages, are done while you are fully clothed. For a full body massage you will be asked to remove your clothing to your level of comfort. Undressing takes place in private and a sheet will undrape only the part of the body being massaged; insuring modesty is respected at all times.
Find a Massage Therapist
To find a massage therapist go to: www.fsmta-tampabay.org
Or call 1-800-FSMTA-4U
Before selecting a massage therapist, ask questions:
1. Are you a graduate of a training program accredited by the Board of Massage Therapy?
2. Do you have advance training or are you certified in any specialized massage techniques?
BENEFITS FROM MASSAGE!!
1. Increase blood circulation and lymph flow.
2. Reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
3. Reduce stress and tension.
4. Relieves chronic temporary pain.
5. Improves flexibility.
6. Increases levels of serotonin, protecting against depression.
7. Increase endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
8. Strengthens the immune system.
9. Helps relieve tension, sinus and migraine headaches.
10. Alleviates carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma,bronchitis and arthritis.
SOME OF THE TYPES OF MASSAGE
Chair Massage
Massage given with the recipient seated in a special massage chair. The recipient remains clothed. This type of massage often lasts between 10 and 30 minutes and is designed to help the recipient relax and improve their circulation.
Sports Massage Therapy
Maintenance massage – an ongoing series if regularly scheduled sessions to help the athlete reach optimal performance through injury-free training. Pre-event massage – takes place before competition to enhance circulation and reduce excess tension. Post event massage – is geared toward the trauma that occurs after vigorous exercise. It relieves soreness and assists in the removal of lactic acid.
Swedish Massage (Deep Tissue)
Uses friction, kneading and long strokes on the more superficial layers of the muscles. Promotes general relaxation, improves circulation and relieves muscle tension. Deep tissue massage is basically the same concept except it involves more pressure and more work from the therapist and thats why is usually more expensive.
Neuromuscular Massage
Applies concentrated deep finger pressure to relieve chronic tension and muscle spasm, restoring structural integrity to muscle.
Craniosacral Therapy
This gentle non-invasive technique detects and corrects cerebral and spinal imbalances. It utilizes the cranial bones and the sacrum to detect the increasing and decreasing rhythm of the cerebral spinal fluid within the spinal column.
Myofascial Release
Opens and releases the restrictions of the fascia
caused from and/or inflammation. Fascia is the connective tissue that extends throughout the entire body. Restrictions in the fascia can increase pressure to the circulatory, neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems
as well as various organs.
Infant Massage
Gentle strokes to help growth, increase serotonin levels and improve the immune system of an infant.
Shiatsu and Acupressure
Oriental system suing finger pressures to release
blocked energy along meridians (invisible channels in which energy flows throughout the body.) Blocked energy causes physical discomfort, so releasing the blockages can re balance the energy flow.
Thai Massage
This unique form of body therapy combines gentle rocking, rhythmic compressions and passive stretching which are both relaxing and energizing. It parallels Chinese medicine and India’s Ayurvedic healing by stimulating the free flow of energy to help restore general well being.
Reflexology
Deep finger pressure that is organized around a system of points on the hands and feet correspond (or “reflect”) to different parts or organs of the body.