Massage Therapy to Reduce Pain and Stress

A first time massage patient at our clinic will complete a very thorough intake form detailing current and past health complaints for the therapist to review. Each patient is treated as an individual; therefore each massage session will vary. Your therapist will combine a variety of massage modalities, as well as, different levels of pressure to customize each session to your individual needs. While the session may retain a large relaxation element to it, advanced techniques are likely to be used for pain and chronic health issues. Such techniques may include deep tissue, trigger point release, Integrative Reflexology, Movement Therapy and muscle repositioning.

For therapeutic or clinical massage to be most effective, a patient may need to see their therapist frequently for the first few weeks or months of treatment, depending on the severity and amount of time the condition has been present. Remember that the issue most likely didn’t happen overnight, so the response to treatment will take some time as well. When calling to schedule, be sure to let the therapist know the main issue to be addressed such as pain, athletic performance, headaches, post injury healing, etc. Some patients will see results as quickly as the first session, but we typically assess the issue and develop a treatment plan. A typical plan might include a weekly or biweekly massage for 4-6 weeks with tapering as the muscles release and the issue improves. Many clients will then adjust to a monthly visit for general maintenance and relaxation.

For patients seeking general relaxation and stress relief, we recommend sessions once or twice a month. During times of increased stress we may experience a heightened “fight or flight” response leading to headaches, poor digestion, pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, sleeplessness and change in moods. Stress is only harmful when it overwhelms the system. Regular massage aids in breaking the stress cycle and helping the nervous system to regain balance. It is important to determine your own responses to stress so that you can discuss it with your therapist. Understanding your own responses will help you and your therapist to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.