At the Health Awareness Center, we use the term massage for a session where the goal is simply relaxation. Massage should be a peaceful and comfortable experience.
Relieve Stress: The connection between disease and stress is well recognized. As the massage releases your stress, it is common to experience a profound sense of relaxation.
Decrease Pain: The increase in circulation and oxygenation of tissues associated with massage can help alleviate many types of discomfort, including joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, temporal mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) and headaches. By creating the relaxation response, massage can help break the cycle of tension and pain. massage can also facilitate the release of beta endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.
Speed Recovery: Massage can help to tone and strengthen weak muscles and soften and lengthen tight muscles and connection tissue in conditions ranging from those of the weekend warrior to surgical recovery and the management of chronic conditions.
Connect Body & Mind: One of the unique benefits of receiving massage is a heightened awareness of the body and an enhance sense of wholeness.
At the Health Awareness Center, we use the term Bodywork for sessions where the goal is to relieve discomfort, increase range of motion or improve function.
Techniques such as trigger point release, facilitated stretching and myofascial/connective tissue work are used on areas with pain and dysfunction. These techniques may require the client’s active participation in holding or pushing against resistance.
The therapist relies on your feedback to stay within your level of tolerance.
Be sure to express your needs clearly to your therapist.