AMTA

WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE?

The scientific art and system of the assessment of and the manual application to the superficial soft tissue of skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and the structures that lie within the superficial tissue by using the hand, foot, knee, arm, elbow and forearm through the systematic external application of touch, stroking, friction, vibration, percussion, kneading, stretching, compression, or passive and active joint movements within the normal physiologic range of motion. 

Also included are adjunctive external applications of water, heat, and cold for the purposes of establishing and maintaining good physical condition and health through normalizing and improving muscle tone, promoting relaxation, stimulating circulation, and producing therapeutic effects on the respiratory and nervous systems, and the subtle interactions between all body systems. 

These intended effects are accomplished through the energetic and mind/body connections in a safe, nonsexual environment that respects the client's self-determined outcome for the session.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

A non-specific approach to massage with a focus on the assessment procedures to determine contraindications to massage, the need for referral to other health care professionals, and the development of a health enhancing physical state for the client.

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY

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. 

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."

Alleviates problem conditions:

  • General muscular tension and aches
  • Tension headaches
  • Muscular back pain
  • Poor circulation
  • Stress and anxiety

Support your fitness or sports program:

  • Relieves tired and sore muscles
  • Helps improve flexibility
  • Relaxes tight muscles
  • Speeds recovery from strenuous physical exertion
  • Reduces the anxiety of athletic competition

Combats the negative effects of aging:

  • Enhances tissue elasticity and joint flexibility
  • Improves blood and lymph circulation
  • Promotes healthy vibrant skin
  • Improves immune system functioning
  • Relieves muscle aches and stiffness

Relieves the effects of stress:

  • 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:

  • 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:

  • Physical and Occupational Therapy
  • Chiropractic
  • Psychotherapy

THE MASSAGE SESSION

A session plan is developed by combining information, desired results, and directions from the client with the skills of the massage practitioner to develop an individualized massage session aimed to normalization of the body systems.

Your session will be conducted in a comfortable and private environment.  You will be ask to undress to your level of comfort and drape yourself on the massage table under a sheet.  Additionally, undergarments may be left on or taken off as you prefer.

The only area of your body that will be uncovered during your session will be the area your therapist is working on at that time.

As a general rule, sessions include a full body treatment which includes scalp, face, abdomen, hands and feet.  If their are any areas you would prefer not to include in your session, be sure to let your therapist know.

Conversation, as enjoyable as it may be, can also be distracting to your relaxation and to the concentration of your therapist's efforts.  Please try to limit your conversation to feedback about your session.

Sometimes, as the body releases tension during a session, the mind can also release emotion that is associated with that tension.  If you should suddenly feel joyful, sad or angry, do not be alarmed.  Allow yourself to express these feelings by laughing or crying.  At the very least, feel free to sigh or hum.

After your massage, drink extra water for the next 24 hours to help flush out the toxins released by your session.  You may also want to take an Epsom or rock salt bath as well.  If at all possible, you may want to reap the full benefits of your session by taking a nap!

Purchase a therapeutic bodywork session or a gift certificate for that special someone! 

  • 35 minute treatment $35
  • 60 minute treatment $60
  • 90 minute treatment $85
  • A package of 4 treatments are available at $220 with standing appointments only

Payments accepted are cash, check, Visa or Mastercard.  We also accept credit card payments by phone if you are purchasing a gift certificate for someone!

CANCELLATION
A 24-hour notice is required for cancellation of appointments or full payment is expected. Clients will also be charged full payment for missed or forgotten appointments.

LATE ARRIVALS
Sessions are booked in close proximity so there may not be enough time to receive a full session if you arrive late for your appointment. Late arrivals will be charged the full session fee. A late arrival of 15 minutes or more will be considered a missed appointment.

RETURNED CHECKS
There will be a $35.00 charge for any returned checks.