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THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Therapeutic massage is an age-old remedy and health practice. It is found in all major civilizations past and present. From the ancient Greek gymnasia and Roman baths to modern day spas and health clubs, massage has been recognized for its health enhancing effects. The healing systems of many cultures, including our own, use hands-on therapy to soothe aches and pains and facilitate the body's own healing powers.
From infancy to old age, massage has been found to enhance general health and well being. Therapeutic massage has many applications and variations. Because it is used for health promotion as well as for its curative aspect, it can truthfully be said "if you have a body, you can benefit from therapeutic massage."
PROVEN EFFECTIVE
Many of the therapeutic effects of massage recognized by personal and clinical experience over the years have been supported by scientific research (1). In addition to the commonly known benefits of relaxation, improved circulation, and relief for muscle tension, new applications for therapeutic massage are surfacing in areas related to mental and emotional well-being, infant care, aging, and other special situations.
Exciting new discoveries link touch in general, and therapeutic massage in particular, to improved immune system functioning (2).
MANY BENEFITS AND USES
Enhances General Health.
Therapeutic massage can be an important component of your health maintenance or wellness plan. It helps keep the body and mind functioning optimally.
- Promotes well-nourished and healthy skin.
- Improves circulation of blood and lymph.
- Relaxes muscles and improves joint mobility.
- Encourages general relaxation.
- Improves immune system functioning.
- Improves energy flow.
Alleviates Problem Conditions.
Therapeutic massage can help bring the body back to optimal functioning.
- General muscular tension and aches.
- Tension headaches.
- Muscular back pain.
- Poor circulation.
- Stress and anxiety.
Supports Your Fitness or Sports Program.
Therapeutic massage can be an important adjunct to a fitness or sports program, helping you achieve your performance goals with minimum injury and pain.
- Relieves tired and sore muscles.
- Helps to improve flexibility.
- Relaxes tight muscles.
- Speeds recovery from strenuous physical exertion.
- Reduces the anxiety of athletic competition.
Chiropractic & Therapeutic Sport Massage
Combats the Negative Effects of Aging.
Therapeutic massage is effective in combating the negative effects of aging noticed in the middle to late years of life. It helps keep body tissues and basic functions in a more youthful state.
- Enhances tissue elasticity and joint flexibility.
- Improves blood and lymph circulation.
- Promotes healthy vibrant skin.
- Improves immune system functioning.
- Relieves muscles aches and stiffness.
Relieves the Effects of Stress.
Therapeutic massage helps balance the effects of stress in our lives, and avoid stress related disease and dysfunction.
- Triggers the Relaxation Response.
- Relaxes tense muscles.
- Reduces anxiety level.
- Normalizes blocked energy flow.
- Improves immune system functioning.
- Restores a calm mind and feeling of well-being.
Special Cases.
Therapeutic massage can help in certain temporary or long-term situations which cause unique physical and mental challenges.
- For mothers-to-be during pregnancy.
- For infants, especially premature and other developmentally challenged babies.
- For the disabled, especially those in wheelchairs and others with challenging orthopedic conditions.
- For the elderly.
Complements Other Health Care.
Therapeutic massage is frequently used to enhance the beneficial effects of other types of health care.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy.
- Chiropractic.
- Psychotherapy.
ESPECIALLY BENEFICIAL FOR...
Care-givers
For those who care for others, for example: mothers and fathers, teachers, recreation leaders, daycare workers, nurses, midwives, and healthcare workers of all kinds.
Physical workers.
For those who stress their bodies in their work or trade, for example: construction workers, domestic and custodial personnel, truck drivers, postal workers, electricians, plumbers, painters, professional athletes, dancers, and musicians.
Desk workers.
For those whose work involves long hours sitting at a desk using a computer, or talking on the telephone; or at a bench assembling parts, fixing things, or creating works of art.
Travelers.
For those spending long hours sitting in an automobile, train or airplane, for example: commuters, sales people, business travelers, and vacationers.
WHICH APPROACH IS BEST FOR YOU?
There are several popular approaches or styles of therapeutic massage. Each one has its own unique character, focus, techniques, and theoretical base. Some are more effective for certain goals than others. How do you know which one is best for you?
Classic European massage is very versatile and forms the basis of many other approaches. Swedish and Russian styles are most common and contain the familiar long strokes, kneading, vibration, friction, and percussion techniques. It can be applied effectively for general relaxation, general health enhancement, sports massage, injury recovery and rehabilitation, and many other purposes.
Massage and bodywork forms of Asian origin include amma, acupressure, and shiatsu. These Asian styles are generally focused on energy flow according to the Chinese medical model. In acupressure and shiatsu the characteristic technique is finger pressure on individual points. The Ayurvedic medical model from India gives rise to other forms of body therapy, which incorporate theories of yoga and chakra energy flow. These are also used effectively for relaxation, general health enhancement, and remedial work.
In addition to the basic approaches described above, other forms of therapeutic massage and body therapies are available. Most experienced massage therapists use an eclectic approach and combine different forms of therapeutic massage in their sessions. Ask your massage therapist if the approach used is appropriate for your health goals.
REFERENCES
(1)(A Physician's Guide to Therapeutic Massage: Its Physiological Effects and Their Applications to Treatment. By John Yates. Massage Therapists' Association of British Columbia, 1990).
(2)(The Bodywork Knowledgebase; Practitioner's Desk Reference. Volume 1 (1959-1988) Compiled by Richard van Why, 1989)
MASSAGE THERAPY GIVES YOU A CHOICE
Massage Therapy gives you a choice of different massage techniques to choose from.
To reduce stress and tension try a Swedish Massage.
To relax and release emotional and physical stress try one of the energy evoking massages, such as Polarity & Reiki.
To relax muscles after a day at the gym or for a sports injury try the Sports Massage.
To enhance any of your massages add Aromatherapy.
Your local Massage or Chiropractic office may have or be able to refer you to a group of Licensed Massage Therapists to choose from, both male and female, in your region.
LOCAL CHIROPRACTORS (Salem-Beverly Area)
73 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
978-741-9416
Green Chiropractor PC
310 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
978-744-1123
Palombo Chiropractic Office
1 Colonial Rd
Salem, MA 01970
978-744-3590
Fantini Chiropractic Office
20 Central Street
Salem, MA 01970
978-745-5454
Dupilka Family Chiropractic
48 Congress Street
Salem, MA 01970
978-745-6224
A Rosen Chiropractic
528 Loring Ave
Salem, MA 01970
978-745-6868
Gordon Chiropractic PC
76 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
978-745-8862
Beverly Depot Chiropractic
142 Rantoul Street
Beverly, MA 01915-4241
978-921-4440
Beverly Venti Chiropractic
332 Cabot Street
Beverly, MA 01915-3362
978-927-2270
579 Cabot Street
Beverly, MA 01915-2548
978-927-5825
Franson Family Chiropractic
181 Elliott Street # 101d
Beverly, MA 01915-6115
978-927-8466
Gauthier Chiropractic Office
72 Sohier Rd
Beverly, MA 01915-2654
978-927-5880
Kintish Chiropractic Office
58 Dodge Street
Beverly, MA 01915-1043
978-922-0127
Mager Chiropractic
139 Elliott Street
Beverly, MA 01915-3205
978-922-1605
New Life Holistic Health
38 Enon Street Rear
Beverly, MA 01915-1139
978-922-1723
Russell Center For Chiropractic
319 Elliott Street
Beverly, MA 01915-2421
978-927-2607
Troy Wheelwright DC
Wheelwright Chiropractic
319 Elliott Street
Beverly, MA 01915-2421
978-921-2110
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