What is Massage & Bodywork?
The term ‘bodywork’ refers to a wide range of therapies, which are employed to improve the structure and functioning of the body. The most common form of Bodywork is massage therapy, which involves the manipulation of soft tissue (muscle, skin, and/or tendons) by fingertips, hands, fists, elbows, and even feet. Benefits of massage & bodywork in all its forms include pain reduction, relief of musculoskeletal tension, improved blood and lymphatic circulation, and promoting deep relaxation.
What Are the Benefits of Receiving Massage & Bodywork?
Massage is more than just a luxury: there are many short-term and long-term benefits to regularly receiving massage & bodywork, including but not limited to:
- Decreasing chronic pain and pain from injury
- Reducing anxiety and stress
- Improving range of motion
- Boosting immune system
- Lessening depression
- Promoting tissue regeneration
- Easing withdrawl symptoms
- Treating cancer-related fatigue
- Relieving migraine pain
- Breaking up scar tissue
- Lessening fibrosis and adhesions
- Improving circulation and blood flow
- Promoting drainage of fluid from the lungs
- Increase peristaltic action in intenstines to promote fecal elimination
What Types of Massage & Bodywork Treatments Are Available?
At Inner Health of Adriana, we offer a wide range of treatment options, including but not limited to the following:
- Swedish Massage: primarily relaxes the muscles and eases aches and pains
- Sports Massage: for the athlete, sports massage techniques are used prevent injury before and during training, and to expedite rehabilitation after injury.
- Reflexology: massage of the feet, hands, and/or ears to stimulate the corresponding areas in the body.
- Medical Massage, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy: performed for the purposes of maintaining bodily health and wellness, recovery from injury and disease, and also for preventing disorders caused by stress and overexertion.
- Tuina: aims to facilitate healing by regulating the circulation of blood and Qi, which controls body function and enhances resistances to disease
- Stretching: gradually increases reach and range of motion while limbs are moving
- Electronic Acupuncture: T.E.N.S. Pro 900 is intended for treatment of pain where no medical or surgical intervention is appropriate
What Should I Expect From My Massage & Bodywork Session?
Your massage & bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table specially designed for your comfort.
Your session will be conducted by a professional who has received proper training, often in a large variety of techniques.. You and your practitioner will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require treatment. A typically full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breast (female).
Most massage & bodywork techniques are traditionally performed unclothed; however, you may decide the amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort. The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel. You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed as per your level of comfort. A light oil or lotion may be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin.
To make the most out of your massage & body work session:
- Do not eat any large or heavy meals, or consume caffeine or other stimulants within an hour before or after your session
- Tell your therapist about any medical conditions or trouble sports