Benefits of Massage

 

Massage Therapy is a clinically proven effective treatment for stress and pain relief. Therapeutic massage is increasingly being recommended by doctors and other health care professionals as research continues to document that it is powerful and cost-effective.

Here are some of the many ways massage can help improve a person’s health:

  • Increases Blood Circulation and Lymph Flow
  • Reduces Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
  • Reduces Stress and Tension
  • Relieves Chronic and Temporary Pain
  • Improves Flexibility
  • Increases Levels of Serotonin, Protecting Against Depression
  • Increases Endorphins, the Body’s Natural Painkillers
  • Strengthens the Immune System
  • Premature Infants Gain Weight Faster When Massaged
  • Prevents Sports Injuries And Increases Athletic Performance
  • Helps Relieve Tension, Sinus And Migraine Headaches
  • Alleviates Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Asthma, Bronchitis, Arthritis and more

A valid Massage Therapy License issued by the Department of Health is required to provide massage therapy in the State of Florida. If you suspect someone is practicing Massage Therapy without a license or at an unlicensed establishment, please report this unsafe and illegal activity by calling (toll-free) 1-877-HALT-ULA. You can confirm licensing by searching on the Board of Massage Therapy’s License Verification Screen

Definition of Massage: Chapter 480 Florida Statute – Massage Practice 480.033
“Massage therapy” means the manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body with the hand, foot, knee, arm, or elbow, regardless of whether such manipulation is aided by hydrotherapy, including colonic irrigation, or thermal therapy; any electrical or mechanical device; or the application to the human body of a chemical or herbal preparation.

Types of Massage Therapy:

We have listed some of the many types of massage below. A licensed Massage Therapist will be able to help you discover the type of therapy which will benefit you the most. Massage Therapy help the body heal itself while increasing health and well-being.

  • Aromatherapy Massage is massage therapy combined with a blend of essential oils created from the pure essences of plants to create harmony, heal, and balance all aspects of a person from mental to physical to emotional and spiritual.
  • Chair Massage is performed in an ergonomically designed chair, using a concise massage protocol, usually with the client fully-clothed. The massage protocol is designed to access the areas of chronic tension in the client's body in a short period of time, from ten to thirty minutes, without the use of oil as a lubricant.
  • CranioSacral Therapy – a light touch manipulation technique of the head and the bottom of the spine which treats cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages. It is useful for treating sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction including headaches, whiplash, back pain, jaw problems, and problems of the eyes and ears.
  • Deep Tissue – a massage with firmer pressure that works deeply into the muscles and connective tissues to release chronic aches and pains. It is work that involves slow strokes and deep pressure.
  • Lymph Drainage Therapy – a gentle therapeutic technique using rhythmic pumping movements. The process creates movement of stagnant lymphatic fluids around the body to improve health. This therapy is decongestive and reduces excessive amounts of fluid the body may contain.
  • Myofascial Release – a form of massage involving manipulation and stretching of the connective tissue (fascia) that surrounds the muscles of the body. Long, gentle sliding and stretching strokes are used to release muscle tension by gently releasing restrictions in the connective tissue layer to rebalance the body.
  • Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) – this treatment applies pressure to specific points in the muscles that are painfully irritated (trigger points) to stop the spasms and pain and restore structural integrity to the muscle. Also known as Trigger Point Therapy
  • Pregnancy Massage is a specialized massage that focuses on specific needs that arise during and after pregnancy. This helps reduce stress and promote general well-being relieving some of the aches and pains that are associated with pregnancy.
  • Reiki – a light touch or no-touch technique for channeling and adjusting levels of energy to promote healing.
  • Reflexology is thumb pressure on specific reflex points of the feet and hands stimulating corresponding areas in other parts of the body; helps improve circulation and promote relaxation.
  • Rolfing – a technique of deep muscular manipulation and massage, developed by Ida Rolf, for relief of bodily and emotional tension.
  • Shiatsu – a pressure-point massage technique developed in Japan. Finger pressure is applied to specific points along the acupuncture meridians of the body. The goal is to balance the energy flow.
  • Sports Massage – to help prevent athletic injury, keep the body flexible and assist in the recovery process.  It is sometimes combined with other massage techniques to meet the needs of a particular sport.
  • Stone Massage is deeply relaxing and a great stress reliever. Hot or cold smooth stones are used to massage the body. Often the stones are placed on key energy points, such as Chakras or meridians, in order to improve energy flow and healing.
  • Swedish Massage – a system of massage using kneading, stroking and friction techniques to promote relaxation, increase circulation and reduce stress. The therapist, using massage oil, manipulates muscles with a variety of stokes. Active or passive movement of the joints may also be part of the massage.