Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of soft tissue throughout the body in order to bring about generalized improvements in health, increased relaxation, relief from stress, and reduction in muscle discomfort.
Benefits of Massage
- Increased circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and vital organs
- Lymph system stimulation against toxic invaders - in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer
- Relaxation of injured or overused muscles
- Reduced spasms and cramping
- Increased flexibility of joints
- Reduced recovery time for strenuous injuries
- Release of endorphins, the body's natural painkiller
- Reduction in post-surgery adhesions and edema
- Improved range of motion and decreased discomfort for patients with low back pain
- Less pain for migraine sufferers and decreased need for medication
- Exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduced shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion
- Shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety, and shortening hospital stays
Massage Therapy Modalities
At the Depew Health Center, we specialize in four areas of massage therapy:
- Relief of chronic pain
- Stress relief
- Sports massage
- Massage for women
Our massage techniques include:
- Hot stone - heated stones deeply penetrate into muscles, aiding the release of tension and stress
- Swedish - a traditional massage based on principles of stress reduction and relaxation
- Shiatsu - Asian massage utilizing the meridian system and acupressure points
- Deep tissue - focusing on individual muscle groups
- Hand and foot - gentle massage, along with the application of paraffin wax, to increase energy and circulation
- Facial - promotes circulation and fights effects of stress, using a series of herbal towel wraps, detoxifying cleansers and moisturizing oils