Massage Therapy
Massage is one of the oldest healing arts, dating as far back as 3,000 years ago. Today, we know the benefits of massage to be varied. Massage therapy has proven beneficial for many painful, chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue and more. The act of massaging muscles increases circulation, promotes healing and decreases soreness. It can also help relieve the tension of everyday living, and stress from competing and exercising on a regular basis, renewing focus and promoting a healthy life. Athletes who have massages in their regular schedule will experience short- and long-term performance benefits, as well as injury prevention. Iselborn Health and Wellness offers a variety of massage therapy techniques, including:
Sports Massage
Consists of manipulation of the muscle to prevent or improve sports injuries through the use of dynamic stretching to promote flexibility, increase circulation and stimulate the muscles. Sports massage therapists can identify areas in which you experience muscle tightness or determine muscle abnormalities that could potentially lead to injury if left untreated.
Deep Tissue/Neuromuscular Massage
Helps to reduce pain, increase range of motion, relieve muscle spasm and improve circulation in the body with the use of slow, deep strokes and deep finger pressure on the affected areas.
Swedish Massage (Relaxation)
A traditional relaxation full body massage, including several massage strokes, i.e. rolling, kneading and percussion to improve body circulation. It helps to relieve minor aches and pains and decrease stress levels in the body.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
- Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Postural problems
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle tension or spasm
FAQs
Will my insurance cover it?
Massage therapy may be covered by health insurance when prescribed by the doctor.
What is a deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.
Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.
How does deep tissue massage work?
When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.
Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.
Will deep tissue massage hurt?
At certain points during the massage, some people find there is usually some discomfort.It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range.
There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.