Overview

A massage session with us might be just what you need if you’ve been experiencing sudden muscle spasms, lower neck and back pain, or just an overall increase in stress. Here’s what you should know about massage therapy for functional and integrative medicine.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a practice that uses manipulation of your body’s soft tissues to improve wellness and treat chronic pain. It is performed by a trained provider called a massage therapist who uses a variety of techniques to improve your overall well-being. The various types of massage therapy include:

• Swedish massage
• Abhyanga, a form of Ayurvedic massage
• Clinical massage commonly used to treat muscle spasms
• Sports massage
• Shiatsu

What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?

There are multiple benefits to undergoing massage therapy. As a form of non-invasive treatment, massages can help:

• Relieve headaches
• Reduce stress
• Relieve chronic neck, lower back, and knee pain
• Improve circulation
• Improve symptoms caused during menstruation

Recent studies have also shown that massage therapy is an effective form of treatment for anxiety, depression, and pain in patients with cancer. In general, massage sessions leave patients with a sense of calm and relaxation, with positive effects on not just your body, but emotional and mental well-being.

What to Expect During a Massage Therapy Appointment

If you’ve never had a massage before, you might be wondering what to expect during your first appointment. A trained massage therapist at Complete Wellness Medical Center will begin by asking you a series of health-related questions, including:

• Whether you’re experiencing any chronic pain
• If you’re currently on medications
• Your pain threshold level

Your massage therapist will then prescribe the right type of massage for you. During the actual massage process, you’ll lay on a padded treatment table, and the therapist will work their way down your body using their hands to manipulate your soft tissue and work on any areas of tightness or concern.

Massage sessions can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes in length, and frequency depends on your overall health concerns. Regular massage visits are quite common, with most patients reporting a difference in wellness within as little as three weeks.

For more information about massage therapy contact Complete Wellness Medical Center at (386) 734-2592.