Massage Therapy in Johnston
Our mission is to provide exceptional massage treatments, tailored to each individual and their health and wellness needs. These relaxing and quality treatments will provide both short and long-term relief from stress and any chronic pain, while retaining an ongoing therapeutic relationship. We are committed to offer the best “tailored” treatments to reach optimum health and wellness.
Therapeutic Massage
At the Chiropractic Health & Wellness Clinic, we recommend massage in combination with your chiropractic care. While chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the spine and its impact on the nervous system, massage focuses on the 650 muscles of the body. Both disciplines work together to help keep the body in proper alignment, balance and function.
Retraining Your Spine
Long-standing spinal problems are accompanied by ingrained muscle patterns. Muscle spasms and scar tissue are often involved. By augmenting your chiropractic care with massage therapy, these muscle and soft tissue problems can be addressed. This can help speed your recovery and enhance the retraining of your spine.
Types of Massage
There are many different kinds of massage. They all involve systematically working the muscles and other soft tissues of the body to optimize the functioning of the various bodily systems.
Deep Tissue Massage
Targets chronic areas of tension in muscles that lie far below the body’s surface. Deep muscle techniques involve slow, direst pressure, or friction movements that go across the muscle grain.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
(AKA manual lymphatic drainage) Is a gentle form of massage used to relieve painful swelling in the arms and legs caused by lymphedema. Lymphedema often affects those recovering from lymph node removal done during cancer related surgeries.
Trigger Point Therapy
Is a massage technique that works to release painful tension in muscles and fascia that are commonly known as knots. The technique uses firm sustained pressure over the knot for about 10 seconds. The massage therapist may add vibration to the knot to further the release of tension.
Massage Assisted Gua sha or Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Uses a small tool and friction to loosen muscle tension, trigger points, and scar tissue. IASTM does NOT cause bruising. However, a small amount of petechiae and reddening of the skin is normal. The reddening is due to increased blood flow to the skin, petechiae are tiny brown – purple dots due to bleeding under the skin. The areas of reddening and petechiae are due to minor trauma caused by the friction.
Myofascial Release
Is a safe and highly effective massage technique that uses into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to relieve pain and restore motion.
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy. It’s used to help one relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout the body. During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are held by the massage therapist while using Swedish massage techniques such as long strokes and circular movements. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat, the stones are heated to between 130 and 145 degrees.
Swedish Massage
Is the most common and well-known style of massage. This classic massage type uses effleurage (aka long flowing strokes), friction, and petrissage (aka short kneading strokes) and other techniques to improve circulation, relieve tension, and promote relaxation.
Massage can enhance your vitality and sense of well-being. Massage has been shown to…
- Reduce the development of muscular patterning
- Improve posture
- Re-balance your body/mind
- Relieve pain in your muscles and joints
- Ease constipation, gas and heartburn
- Promote general relaxation
- Stimulate intestinal movement
- Eliminate excess fluid retention
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Will My Massage Take Place?
Your massage will take place in a quiet, warm and comfortable room. Soft lighting may be used to create a relaxing atmosphere. You’ll lie on a soft, comfortable table. Music may be played softly in the background to aid in the relaxation process of your mind and nervous system.
What Should I Wear to the Massage Appointment?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, however therapeutic massage is typically performed with the client unclothed. You will be appropriately draped at all times. Most people undress completely, while some leave some clothing on such as underwear. You decide what level of comfort is right for you. Your privacy is respected at all times.
What Parts of My Body Will Be Massaged?
You and the therapist will discuss the desired outcome. A typical full body massage session will include work on your back, arms, legs, head, neck and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals or breasts.
Will a Lubricant Be Used?
A light oil or lotion will be used to reduce excessive friction to the skin and allow smoother, deeper strokes. The lubricants used also help to hydrate the skin. If you are allergic to certain oils or scents, just tell the therapist.
What Will The Massage Feel Like?
It depends on the techniques used. Your massage session may start with broad flowing strokes to begin the relaxation process. Pressure will be gradually increased to relax specific areas and release tight muscle bands. Deep tissue massage or trigger point therapies will require deeper pressure and more intensive techniques. It’s important that the pressure always be within your comfort level. Should you wish to receive less or more pressure at anytime, tell your therapist.
Will I Be Sore as a Result of the Massage?
Occasionally, some people may be sore/tender in places the next day, depending on the type of massage and degree of pressure they received. It’s important to communicate with your therapist if the pressure is uncomfortable at any time. Drinking additional fluids following your massage may reduce these symptoms. These symptoms will usually subside by the following day.
CONTACT US
Massage Therapy Johnston, Des Moines IA | (515) 270-6737
