Massage Therapy
"It's proven – massage provides tremendous therapeutic benefits. Scientific research shows that massage reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscles and improves range of motion. Massage compliments traditional healthcare by soothing a number of ailments, such as stress, arthritis, back pain and headaches." — AMTA
Massage has been practiced in many cultures for thousands of years. In the United States, massage therapy first became popular and was promoted for a variety of health purposes starting in the mid 1800's. People use massage for a wide variety of health related intents. The long term outcomes may range from better quality of sleep, better immunity and health, to a more positive body image, enhanced concentration, less chronic muscle tension and less chronic pain.
There appear to be few risks to massage therapy, if it is used appropriately and provided by a trained massage professional. A program of regular massage will put you in touch with your body, teaching you to monitor the signals to know how and when to care for yourself, to avoid damaging stress and to gain control of your sense of well being.
What are the Benefits of Massage?
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What Types of Massage Are Offered?
There are many types of massage — most involve manipulating the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. At Quakertown Wellness, we offer the following types of massage:
- Swedish: Therapeutic strokes that promote relaxation, stimulate circulation and may lower blood pressure. Swedish massage is a good beginner-level massage.
- Deep Muscle: A therapeutic technique that releases chronic tension and pain through slow, deep, targeted pressure strokes focusing on specific problem areas. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.
- Myofascial Release: A very effective hands on technique that provides sustained pressure into connective tissue (fascia) to eliminate pain and restore motion. Myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.
- Reflexology: A non-invasive complementary modality involving the use of alternating pressure applied to the reflexes within the reflex maps of the body, located on the feet, hands and outer ears. Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, this bodywork involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion. Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body’s energy flow to stimulate self-healing and maintain balance in physical function. This technique is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress-related illness and emotional disorders.
- Reiki: A Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also restores order to the body where vital energy becomes unbalanced. As a harmonic flow of energy is strengthened, within the client and practitioner, healing occurs through the return of physical, mental, and spiritual balance.
- Craniosacral Therapy: A gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the cranio-sacral system, comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using soft touch (about the weight of a nickel), practitioners release restrictions to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
- Chair Massage: Popular in the workplace, chair massage focuses on the upper body while the client is seated in a specially designed chair while fully clothed. A combination of compression, percussion and acupressure help to relieve tension especially in the neck and shoulders.
How Often Should I Have a Massage?
The appropriate frequency, duration and number of massage sessions for each client will depend on a variety of issues. If you have chronic pain, then once a week may improve your quality of life. During stressful periods, many people choose to have them more often. We work with each of our clients to provide a plan that meets your personal needs and goals.Is Massage Always Appropriate?
There are certain conditions for which massage is not appropriate. Always update your therapist of medical conditions, even minor ones so that we can together decide on the best course of action, if any. If a medical condition exists, let your primary health care practitioner know you are receiving massage. We will gladly provide regular progress reports to your doctor as needed. Communication is important for the best results.Will Insurance Cover Massage?
At present, some health insurance plans cover massage therapy. The good news is that the concept of health care is changing due to consumer demand, allowing complementary and alternative approaches to be covered more and more. Check your policy for current coverage and monitor it for changes. We will be happy to provide appropriate forms for insurance.
The Quakertown Wellness Massage Therapists are Bonnie Schuyler and Karyn Jennings.
