Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments, with the goal to enhance a person’s health and well being. This form of therapy is one of the oldest and most natural health care treatments available. Patients seeking massage therapy for a variety reasons – to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles, reduce pain, rehabilitate injuries and promote overall health and wellness.
There are a variety of different massage techniques that can be used to help restore function to injured or stressed areas of the body. These include Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Cranial/Sacral System Therapy, Muscle Energy Techniques and Springing; with the most basic technique being Swedish Massage. Depending on the nature of your condition, your massage therapist will likely use a variety of different techniques. Feel free to ask your massage therapist what specific techniques they use. He or she will be more than happy to answer your questions.
Massage therapy at Heresco Chiropractic is done in a quiet, comfortable and professional environment. This provides both client safety and confidentiality. Your care is our first and foremost priority. As such, you will be modestly covered throughout your massage and please, let your therapist know if you have any special instructions or concerns.
Tips:
1. Pre Massage
– Arriving Early to Your Appointment If this is your first appointment or it has been over six months since your last chiropractic or massage appointment, please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your schedule massage time to fill out the required paperwork. If this is a reoccurring massage appointment, still be sure to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled massage to help keep the schedule running smoothly.
– Disrobing for your Massage Your therapist will discuss with you areas of complaint and disrobing needs before your massage begins so that you understand what will happen during your massage. Disrobing means that you will be asked to your comfort level. This means exactly that – your comfort level. If you are not comfortable disrobing, your massage therapist will be able to adjust their technique accordingly.
2. During Massage
– Breathe During your massage it is important to breathe. This will help the muscles relax, making your massage more enjoyable. As gradual pressure is applied, your therapist will communicate what is taking place so you can better understand and enjoy your massage. Please give your massage therapist feedback about wanting more or less pressure, a blanket, bolster, pillow, etc.
3. Post Massage
– Immediately after your Massage When the massage is over, your therapist will step out of the room so you may redress. Your therapist will be waiting for you just outside of the room to go over any recommendations, stretches, etc. with you.
– Water Intake Remember to increase your water intake for the day or two following your massage. This will help cleanse your body of metabolic wastes, toxins and other naturally occurring enzymes. The increased water will also help relieve any muscle soreness that may occur.
– Day or two after your Massage Soreness may still occur, regardless of water intake. Please call us if there is any soreness beyond 3 days, or if anytime, you experience any sharp pains or muscle spasms.
