ABSOLUTELY DIVINE

Relieves Stress

 

Virtually every symptom listed by the American Psychological Association can benefit from massage. Research has shown that it can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, relax your muscles and increase the production of endorphins, your body's natural "feel good" chemical. Serotonin and dopamine are also released through massage, and the result is a feeling of calm relaxation that makes chronic or habitual as well as acute or short-term stress much easier to overcome.

 

In fact, stress relief is one of the first benefits that come to mind when thinking of massage therapy. It's also a key component for anyone trying to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Clinical studies show that even a single 1½-hour session can significantly lower your heart rate, cortisol levels and insulin levels -- all of which explain why massage therapy and stress relief go hand-in-hand.

 

Strengthens the Immune System

 

Regular therapeutic massage sessions provide significant benefits beyond the immediate relaxation we enjoy. People who experience high levels of stress tend to get sick more than others. Combine stress with lack of sleep and poor nutrition, and our immune system's ability to naturally protect itself against bacteria and infection is greatly reduced. 

 

Clinical studies have indicated that regular massage not only helps alleviate stress, but can naturally increase the immune system's cytotoxic capacity (the activity level of the body's natural "killer cells") and decrease the number of T-cells, which improves the body's immune functioning overall. In one study by Gail Ironson, M.D., HIV positive men were given 45 minute massages five days a week, for a month. They showed an increase in serotonin and an increase in cells that are viewed as the first line of defense in the immune system.

 

Benefits of Strengthening the Immune System

• Increases the body's natural killer cells

• Aids in the fight against bacteria and infection

• Naturally enhances the body's ability to get nourishment to important areas

 

Assists With Chronic Pain

 

People with chronic pain often turn to massage therapy to help naturally improve their quality of life. Notes Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida:

"Most people go to massage therapists to reduce pain. There's a release of serotonin, which is the body's natural production of anti-pain chemicals. Additionally, an aggravating factor in pain syndromes can be a lack of deep, restorative sleep. Massage is very effective at increasing deep sleep. With more deep sleep, you have less pain."

Fibromyalgia and arthritis are two chronic pain syndromes that can be positively impacted by massage therapy. In a study of massage therapy for knee osteoarthritis, a group receiving massage therapy for the pain showed significant improvement in pain, stiffness and physical function. They increased their range of motion and reduced the time it took them to walk 50 feet.

 

In another study, conducted by the Touch Research Institute and funded by Massage Envy Spa, people with arthritis in their wrist and hand reported less pain and greater grip strength after massage therapy. They also had lower anxiety and depressed mood scores.

 

For people looking to naturally manage their chronic pain, massage therapy can improve quality of life by impacting mood as well as manage the pain. When you live with chronic pain, having a toolbox of strategies you turn to for pain relief is important. Massage can be a powerful tool for relaxing both mind and body.

 

Massage is effective in:

 

• Relief of pain and tension while increasing mobility and flexibility

• Relief of muscular tension due to physical or emotional causes

• Increased blood flow

• Swedish massage improves the circulation resulting in encouraging nutrients and oxygen to travel to the various tissues of the body

• Elimination of scar tissue

• Increased blood flow

• Improved posture

• Help injured tissue to heal, such as pulled muscles or sprained ligaments

• Relieve repetitive motion injuries

• Relieve pain and stiffness from arthritis

• Decrease stiffness in your muscles and joints from overuse, such as workouts, yard work, and team sports

• Relief of sinus pressure and headache

• Reduction or elimination of TMJ symptoms

• Used to treat numerous ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome,tendonitis, sciatica, knee, hip and back pain, rotary cuffs, bursitis,compressed discs, restless leg syndrome, plantar fasciitis, chronic headaches, TMJ syndrome and pain associated with whiplash injuries

• Increases serotonin, which reduces pain naturally

• Naturally increases deep sleep

• Lowers anxiety and improves mood

 

Dr. Michele does four types of massage: Lymphatic Drainage Massage (30 min), Medical Massage (30 min), Deep Tissue (60 min) and Myofascial Release (60 min).The massage services are for established patients ONLY.