Massage For Womens Health
Barbara Weinstock NCTM
908-334-7200
Massage Benefits
Massage therapy is the therapeutic manual manipulation of soft tissue (including muscles, tendons and ligaments) by applying pressure to the body to alleviate and prevent pain, discomfort, muscle tension and stress. Massage therapy improves the function of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems plus promotes a general sense of health and wellbeing.
The most common form of massage therapy is called Swedish Massage. The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of gentle strokes and techniques designed to move with the flow of blood towards the heart. They are beneficial in releasing toxins and metabolic waste from muscle tissue as well as increasing oxygen flow in the body. Swedish techniques are used to warm up muscle tissue, to connect and finish strokes, or as the basic model for the entire massage treatment. It is both stimulating and soothing to the nervous system, and it also stretches ligaments and tendons to improve resilience.
Deep Tissue Massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, often following or crossing the fibers of muscles, tendons and ligaments to release contracted areas. It can also break up and eliminate scar tissue. Deep Tissue Massage focuses on specific areas and uses slow, deep strokes or intense finger pressure to release chronic muscle tension. It is common to feel soreness during or after a Deep Tissue treatment, but this usually subsides within a short period of time. It is both therapeutic and corrective.
Massage Therapy should be tailored to your own particular needs. I will ask you what you want from your session, and do my best to provide the type of massage therapy you need. Some clients want a relaxation type of massage to help ease the stress and tension of everyday life, other clients have more specific areas of pain that require concentrated attention. Common areas that need more focus are the neck, shoulders, and back. The amount of pressure from the massage strokes is something I will confer with you about during your massage session. Some clients will prefer only moderate pressure and others will want a stronger deep tissue type of massage. Problem areas often require a specific concentration of stronger pressure, however it should not cause an excessive amount of pain and you are encouraged to let me know if the pressure ever feels like too much.
Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy...
- Relieves muscle tension, stiffness and chronic pain
- Treats pain & symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia
- Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
- Improves muscle tone
- Relieves cramps and muscle spasms
- Speeds recovery from injuries and illness
- Decreases muscular deterioration
- Reduces swelling
- Improves posture
- Reduces scarring and improves skin tone
- Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
- Relaxes the body and calms the nervous system
- Reduces tension headaches
- Lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart rate
- Promotes deeper breathing
- Increases blood and lymph circulation
- Speeds removal of metabolic waste
- Strengthens the immune system
- Increases red cell count
- Increases tissue metabolism
Mental and Emotional Benefits of Massage Therapy...
- Reduces mental stress and anxiety
- Promotes better sleep
- Enhances emotional well-being
- Induces mental relaxation
- Improves concentration and promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
- Increases body awareness & mind-body connection
- Provides feeling of well being