Massage Therapy
Philosophy
Massage Therapy is one of the oldest healing arts. Therapeutic massage manipulates the muscles and soft tissues of the body with pressure and motion for the therapeutic purpose of physical and psychological relaxation, improvement of circulation, relief of sore muscles, and other health benefits. Touch is the fundamental medium of massage therapy. This touch is used with caring sensitivity and allows the therapist to assess information about the body's tissues, locating areas of muscle tension and other soft-tissue problems. The Center's massage therapists will evaluate your individual needs and goals for massage therapy, develop a personalized plan for you and provide you with simple techniques to keep your muscles relaxed.
How does massage work?
Massage relieves pain by releasing the hormone endorphin, stimulating the relaxation response, and reducing the pain through the central nervous system. Massage relaxes muscle contractions, spasms, and relieves general body tensions. It improves circulation by dilating blood vessels and aids in promoting nutrition to the body and increasing the elimination of harmful particles from the body. By improving muscle tone, massage aids flexibility and decreases fatigue.
What are the health benefits?
Massage therapy enhances general health and reduces stress and anxiety. Specific conditions that are improved by massage therapy are back pain, migraine and tension headaches, emotional well being and poor circulation. Other uses for massage therapy include supporting fitness or sports programs and decreasing the effects of aging. Special cases of mothers-to-be, infants, the elderly, and persons with disabilities show benefit with massage therapy.
What are the qualifications of Massage Therapists?
In the State of Ohio, massage therapists are required to graduate from an accredited school of massage with a minimum of 600 hours of training and pass the exam to obtain licensure by the State of Ohio Medical Board. TriHealth also requires a minimum of two years clinical experience practicing massage.
Types of Massages Offered:
- Swedish: A gentle manipulation of the muscles with the use of massage oils to increase blood and lymph circulation. This massage enhances range of motion, and calms the nervous system.
- Sports: A penetrating massage with special attention to manipulation of deep muscles to relieve chronic stress, usually given before or after physical activity. A combination of deep tissue and pressure point, this can help with prevention and recovery from injury.
- Deep Tissue: A type of massage which helps breakup congested muscle tissue to enhance circulation and promote healing. This deeper form of massage focuses on specific pressure points and is more therapeutic in nature than relaxing.