massage therapy

Research has shown that massage therapy offers a host of benefits to people suffering from pain or illness as well as those seeking to promote good health. Benefits of massage therapy can include: reducing or alleviating pain (especially back pain), controlling muscle spasm, decreasing anxiety, boosting the immune system and increasing circulation.

Massage Therapy Techniques

Massage therapy involves soft tissue manipulation using a variety of techniques. Each therapy session at the Oasis Center for Health is tailored to individual needs, preferences, health history and goals. Some of the techniques used include:

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper layer of muscles in the body through long, slow strokes and pressure on areas of tightness or concern. This type of massage is effective at reducing problems related to chronic tension.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a type of massage used to release tension in the body's fascia - the connective tissue that surrounds the muscles, bones and joints. The massage includes long strokes to rebalance the fascia in the body and relax muscles.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is focused on the muscles that are used in a particular sport or activity. Sports massage can aid in relaxation, enhance performance and prevent or reduce sports-related injuries.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is a term used to describe many different massage techniques, all designed to relax the muscles by applying pressure against them and deeper muscles and bones. Swedish massage works in the direction of blood flow, helping to increase circulation and release toxins in the muscles.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy involves concentrated pressure with the fingers on "trigger points" - specific painful and irritated areas of the muscle. Trigger point therapy can alleviate pain and muscle spasm.

What to Expect

Your massage therapist will begin the massage by taking a health history and discussing any issues of particular concern. You'll also be asked your goals for massage therapy so the therapist can focus on areas and techniques to enhance your session.

You will privately undress (to your level of comfort) and lie, draped with a sheet, on a comfortable massage table. The therapist will return to the room and begin the massage, using professional creams to facilitate therapeutic strokes. Only areas of the body currently being massaged will be undraped, with utmost respect to your modesty and privacy.

Following the massage, you will be given post-treatment guidelines to follow such as increased water intake and, in some cases, icing of any soreness or inflammation of the tissue. Your therapist may also offer suggestions to maintain the benefits of your massage, such as at-home stretches, postural awareness, exercise education, and methods for incorporating stress reduction techniques.