Massage therapy and bodywork
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy involves the manipulation of muscle and other soft tissues of the body, for general relaxation or specific therapeutic purposes. Massage techniques can vary widely, for example: pressure can be applied with smooth, gliding strokes of the practitioner’s hands or forearms, while fingers and elbows can be utilized for static pressure or concentrated friction. The amount of pressure that a massage therapist uses can range from very gentle to quite deep. A Licensed Massage Therapist will tailor their treatments to each client’s individual needs and goals.
What is Massage Therapy good for?
Massage therapy is widely recognized for reducing stress and helping clients to achieve deep relaxation. The Mayo Clinic reports that massage may also be helpful for:
anxiety
digestive disorders
fibromyalgia
insomnia related to stress
myofascial pain syndrome
soft tissue strains or injuries
sports injuries
TMJ pain
What can I expect from a treatment? What do I need to do to prepare for it?
When you arrive for your first appointment, your therapist will take a few minutes to ask you about your general health, specific conditions that may affect your treatment, and goals for your treatment. Your therapist will also answer any questions that you may have. We recommend that you schedule a 60 or 90 minute session for your first visit.
Massage therapy is often performed on a massage table. You will privately undress to your level of comfort – some clients wear no clothing, some prefer to keep on undergarments or other clothing. You will be covered by a sheet at all times; your therapist will uncover only the part of your body that they are working on (i.e.: back, one leg, or one arm). Your comfort is your therapist’s main priority – please feel free to voice any concerns or preferences you may have before or during your massage.
Depending on the type of treatment plan you create with your massage therapist, you may leave your appointment feeling energized, or relaxed and sleepy. It is common for clients to fall asleep during a relaxation massage.
Shawna Stern offers relaxation, therapeutic, and prenatal massage at CLINIC Mondays and Fridays 9am- 3pm and Wednesdays 3- 9pm; her prices are here.
Tamara Cornehlsen practices therapeutic and peri-natal massage, though she is currently on sabbatical; her prices are here.
Darlene Labine offers therapeutic massage at CLINIC Wednesdays and Thursdays 3- 9pm and Fridays and Saturdays 9am- 3pm.
Dana O’Neill offers therapeutic massage along with Craniosacral therapy Fridays 1- 9pm, and Saturdays 1-5pm; her prices are here.
Christabeth Ingold offers Lomi Lomi and integrative holistic bodywork at CLINIC Mondays 3- 9pm and Tuesdays 5- 9pm. Her prices are available here.