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About Massage Therapy . . . |
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Massage is an accepted part of many
physical rehabilitation programs which has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions
such as low back pain, arthritis, and bursitis. Massage also helps to relieve the
stress and tension of everyday living.The services of a bodywork professional may be
covered by health insurance when prescribed by a chiropractor or osteopath. Therapies
provided as part of a prescribed treatment by a physician or registered physical therapist
are often covered.
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There are more than 150 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy
techniques. Many practitioners utilize multiple techniques. Here are brief descriptions of
just a few:
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- Swedish - Traditional Massage comprised of
elongating strokes along with kneading frictioning techniques working towards the ultimate
goal of muscle relaxation. Individuals, without specific physical problems, who want to
unwind, usually opt for this technique.
- Deep Tissue - Manipulation of deep connective
tissue to break up and rid muscles of scar tissue that can result after injury or surgery.
- Trigger Point Therapy - Sustained finger
pressure to areas that contain trigger points. Trigger points are micro-traumas within
muscles that are highly sensitive to touch but release when appropriate pressure is
applied.
- Shaitsu/Acupressure - Eastern originated
massage method based on philosophy of "energy meridians" and
maintaining healthy and consistent energy flow through the body.
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