Massage

History of massage

It may be the oldest form of medical treatment, and has been used through out the ages by many cultures. It was called anatripsis by the Greek physician Hippocrates and was referred to as tripsis, friction, manipulation and rubbing. Massage possibly derives from the Arabic word “masah” which means stroke with the hand.

In ancient Greek and Roman literature there are numerous references to massage. It was advocated before and after sport, used instead of exercise during convalescence, and treatment for such varied conditions as asthma, and digestive problems.

Massage has always been greatly valued in India and is incorporated in Ayurvedic treatments-an Indian system of medicine dating back to 1800 B.C.

The term Swedish massage was founded in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, under the influence of a Swede, Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839), whose system of Swedish massage spread throughout Europe.

At the end of the nineteenth century, massage was a popular medical treatment, and was frequently used by eminent surgeons, cardiologists and physicians, who either performed the massage themselves or trained people to do it for them.

Today the therapeutic value of massage is being recognized and has its rightful place in health care as a complement to other medical treatments and as a means of helping maintain health.

Swedish: Massage can stimulate and relax the body and the mind. The skin, blood, and lymphatic systems are stimulated, which boosts circulation, aid cellular renewal and removes toxic wastes. As tense muscles relax, stiff joints loosen and nerves are soothed, an allover feeling of relaxation and well-being comes about.

Swedish massage is based on the following techniques:

Effleurage : describes long, soothing, stroking movements using the flat of the hand. These are often used to apply oil, and as a important link between other techniques.

Petrissage : describes a number of movements, which involve various ways of kneading, rolling and picking up the skin and muscles.

Tapotement : or percussion describes movements, which are fast, and stimulating. They include cupping, hacking, pounding or pummelling. These sequences stimulate the blood circulation, tone and help strengthen sagging skin and muscles.

Frictions: or connective tissue massage is a penetrating circular movement, which applies deep direct pressure to one particular site. Used extensively with tendentious.

Other therapies:

Cranial sacral: Working with the cranial bones, sacrum, and the connective tissue of the body.

Muscle energy : Is a method of treating unbalanced, stiff joints with a contract relax technique.

Myofascial release : is a whole body treatment with the focus on the fascia also known as connective tissue system.

Visceral Therapy: Is the rebalancing of the organs and the connective tissue that supports the viscera.

Trigger point therapy : Is a focused treatment on a hyperirritable spot in the muscle or connective tissue. A trigger point has a referred pattern of pain at rest and/or on motion, and is always tender.

What to expect during your Treatments:

Your therapist will take a thorough medical history, asking about past accidents, surgeries, medications, your current concerns, and goals. If warranted your therapist will do a postural evaluation to determine which direction the treatments should proceed.

Since a massage therapist’s education encompasses several modalities your treatment will include more than massage!

Massage therapy will address:

For the first treatment we require a 45-60 minute appointment.

After the first consultation and treatment the therapist will have a better understanding of your body, and will be able to recommend a treatment plan, and ultimately decide if we can help you on your journey to health and vitality.

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Rehabilitation