Therapeutic Massage is a non-invasive holistic hands-on therapy used for pain management, stress reduction and increase body awareness while enhancing the body’s own capacity to heal itself. It affects the circulatory, musculoskeletal, nervous and respiratory systems.
Human touch holds incredible power to heal. The (electromagnetic) energy that is transferred between the giver to the receiver and back is often all it takes. In 1986, the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami published groundbreaking research on the effects of massage on premature babies. The preterm babies whom received massage therapy showed 47% greater weight gain and six-day shorter hospital stays than ttouchresearch.comhe infants who were not receiving massage.
Stress-related disorders make up between 80-and-90 percent of the ailments that bring people to family practice physicians. As the Buddha says, “watch the thought…” we also need to watch our aches and pains and tend to them before they develop into something more serious. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Some Physical Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
- Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
- Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
- Reduces muscle spasms
- Fosters faster healing of sprains
- Reduces formation of scar tissue
- Strengthens the immune systems
- Improves circulation of blood and lymph fluids
- Helps relieve tension-related headaches and eyestrain
- Rehabilitation post operative and injury
Mental Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
- Fosters peace of mind
- Helps relieve mental stress
- Improves ability to monitor stress signals
- Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
- Reduces levels of anxiety
- Increases awareness of mind-body connection
Massage work has always been a vital part of my own wellbeing; this was particularly true during the physically demanding years I spent as a dancer. Beyond the much-needed relief from physical ailments I am amazed how the body and soul are re-realigned by hands-on therapy.
I am a 1995 graduate of the Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy in New York City. I hold a New York State license and have maintained a private practice for over a decade. In 1984 I took a year-long course in Zen Shiatsu and the 5 Element theory. Some of the conditions I have helped treat range from joint replacement and spinal surgery to neck/shoulder stain from computer work. I worked with dancers from The New York City Ballet for four years through my employ at Westside Dance Physical Therapy.
I incorporate a variety of modalities in my practice:
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point therapy
- Muscle Energy Release
- Shiatsu 5-Element Theory
- Certified in Sports Massage