THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE can be defined as "the systematic and scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of obtaining or maintaining health."
"Effects of massage techniques in general," writes Susan G. Salvo, "are increased circulation of blood and lymph, decreased pain and trigger point activity, decreased muscle soreness, increased range of motion, increased relaxation, decreased heart rate and blood pressure, decreased depression, and improved sleep." Massage can also reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a deep sense of well-being.
Massage can be an important part of a personal wellness and self-care routine.
The UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine right here in Pittsburgh includes this statement about massage on their website: "Massage therapy has the potential to influence the body in many ways. When a person begins to relax and release muscular tension, there is easier access to a meditative state, lowered levels of stress, decreased pain, and an increased feeling of well-being."
Research studies indicate that therapeutic massage can have the following beneficial physiological effects:
Relieve stress
Relieve postoperative pain
Reduce anxiety
Manage low-back pain
Help fibromyalgia pain
Reduce muscle tension
Enhance exercise performance
Relieve tension headaches
Sleep better
Ease symptoms of depression
Improve cardiovascular health
Reduce pain of osteoarthritis
Decrease stress in cancer patients
Improve balance in older adults
Decrease rheumatoid arthritis pain
Temper effects of dementia
Promote relaxation
Lower blood pressure
Decrease symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Help chronic neck pain
Lower joint replacement pain
Increase range of motion
Decrease migraine frequency
Improve quality of life in hospice care
Reduce chemotherapy-related nausea
To schedule your massage appointment -- especially if you are a first-time client -- please contact me directly at davidherndonmassage@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can schedule your appointment online by clicking on this button: