Therapeutic massage program

Therapeutic modalities are the link between massage and physical therapy modalities.
The issues of our lives are stored in our tissues. As we begin to release the tension in our body gravity will atomatically realign us to stand taller. Allowing us to be comfortable with ourselves while excepting others for who they are. 

                                                            
On-line video class instruction
Massage and bodywork assessment, theory and application
On-line Hands on instruction includes: deeper work
How to maintain professional boundaries while responding to a client's emotional needs, client interviewing techniques, communication with other health professionals,  when to refer a client out. Exploring verbal as well as non-verbal communication skills.  Deep tissue , Trigger point and  Myofascial release techniques for the extremities are explored.  Assessment of injuries for the feet, ankles, knees, hips, wrists, arms and shoulder regions.   

trigger_point.jpgNeuromuscular Trigger point therapy 
Anatomically oriented, deep tissue, pressure-point therapy is based on neuromuscular stress points associated directly with muscle patterns of pain and uses deep digital pressure sustained for 5 to 30 seconds to release the tissue. This portion of the course covers practical theory and hands on-technique. We will incorporate various tissue manipulation techniques, which use the neuromuscular system to balance and normalize muscle function and reduce pain response. 

 

 

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Effects of Therapeutic Touch

Physiologic Effects of Massage

Most of the effects of touch therapy on the body systems come from the actual mechanical touch of the bodyworker. The physiologic effects that can result from energy therapies are considered unsubstantiated under current medical research.

General Physiologic Effects

  • Breaks down adhesions or scarring
  • Increases flexibility and mobility
  • Increases range of motion
  • Balances pH levels
  • Reduces pain and inflammation
  • Increases cellular metabolism
  • Increases skin temperature and blood flow
  • Promotes hormonal release with systemic effects
  • Removes toxins and metabolic wastes
  • Chemically induces vasodilation
  • Improves overall blood and lymph circulation
  • Hastens healing

Effects on the Circulatory System

  • Assists delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells
  • Removes toxins and metabolic wastes
  • Promotes vascular health and flexibility
  • Affects heart rate and blood pressure

Effects on the Lymphatic System

  • Augments the circulatory system by returning interstitial fluid (lymph) to the blood (lymph moves primarily by muscle contraction)
  • Opens lymph channels for better flow
  • Reduces edema
  • Increases urine volume and excretion

Effects on the Integumentary System

  • Increases blood flow to the skin, which improves its health condition
  • Causes a rise in skin temperature and perspiration
  • Facilitates sebaceous gland secretions

Effects of the Muscular System

  • Stretches or broadens muscles
  • Promotes muscle relaxation
  • Improves muscle tonus
  • Relieves muscle spasms, cramps, and pain
  • Improves athletic performance
  • Promotes healing
  • Increases flexibility
  • Improves motor function

Effects on the Nervous System

  • Reduces or alleviates pain directly, chemically, and via the nervous response
  • Promotes homeostasis in the parasympathetic systems
  • Promotes natural release of pain killers (i.e. endorphins)

Effects on the Respiratory System

  • Reduces stress and anxiety associated with respiratory problems
  • Relaxes muscles required for the breathing process
  • Promotes fluid removal from the lungs (certain percussion techniques)

Effects on the Immune System

  • Increases T cytotoxic cells (killer cells), which decrease anxiety and increase relaxation
  • Reduces stress, which has a direct effect on the immune system and the parasympathetic nervous system
  • Reduces cortisol (stress hormones), which affects immune system function

Effects of Massage

Positive Feeling

Positive feelings are both physical and emotional and reflect the individual's perception of current conditions. They are the body's way of expressing emotions physically. Massage has been known to cause a client to "feel" better both physically and mentally. Although the feelings are subjective and based on perception, there is no understanding the power of the mind and its effect on the body.

Emotional Reactions

The benefits of touch and its effect on emotions are generally physiologic in nature. Most of the effects of massage on hormones, neurotransmitters, and various systems (e.g. the nervous, circulatory, and immune systems) can result in physical as well as mental emotional changes. The connection between the physical and emotional can be observed in the "fight or flight" mechanism of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which is based on an emotional reaction of perceived threat or stress and causes emotional as well as physical responses.

Psychological Benefits

In addition to a general positive feeling, massage has many specific psychological benefits, some of which are listed here:

  • Reduces stress or perception of stress
  • Encourages better nutrition, exercise, and health practices
  • Reduces pain, both physical and emotional
  • Reduces fatigue, both physical and emotional
  • Increases productivity and morale
  • Promotes a sense of confidence and control
  • Promotes deep relaxation
  • Promotes feelings of being healthier, more relaxed, invigorated, energetic, peaceful, and even more youthful
  • Helps rebuild a positive self-image and sense of self-worth