Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy (MT) is one of the oldest forms of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissue of the body (skin, muscle, fascia, ligaments, tendons) through an organized system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, promote relaxation, or stimulate and tone the body. The muscular, circulatory, lymphatic (immune) and nervous systems are all impacted in a massage. Massage therapy stimulates the blood circulation and assists the lymphatic flow to eliminate harmful waste in the body or to detoxify. Through promoting muscular and over-all relaxation and supporting the immune system, the effects of stress are reduced and the body's natural healing process is facilitated. In injuries and strains, massage can reduce muscle tension or spasms, stiffness and pain. MT may also prevent potential strain by relieving tension locally and generally following overuse or over working. Massage can either stimulate or calm the nervous system, leaving a fatigued individual feeling rejuvenated or a stressed individual feeling relaxed. Massage may be superficial or very deep. There are many different types of massage offered by practitioners, the most common being therapeutic massage.