Massage Therapy Specialist
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Soma Healthcare Center
Lawrence Rugg, D.C.
Chiropractic Clinic located in Elmhurst, IL & Chicago, IL
Massage is widely known for its stress-relieving benefits, but it also offers medical benefits for pain and circulatory issues. As a holistic practice, we recognize those benefits and bring massage therapy to the Soma Health Care Center in Chicago and Elmhurst, Illinois. Find relief by scheduling your myofascial release or deep tissue massage today.
Massage Therapy
Are there medical benefits from massage?
Massage has long been used for stress relief, but the benefits extend far beyond relaxation. Massage is helpful for:
- Anxiety
- Stress-induced insomnia
- Digestive troubles
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Headaches
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Sports injuries
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
- Carpal tunnel
Myofascial release helps improve blood flow, fitness, and function.
What happens during a massage?
First, you’ll meet with the therapist and discuss a few aspects of your medical history and your massage preferences. The massage room will have atmospheric elements to induce relaxation including darkened lights, soothing music, and aromatherapy.
Next, the therapist will step out of the room so you can get undressed and drape a sheet over your body. When the therapist returns, the massage will begin. The massage therapist will likely use warm oil to reduce friction.
Your massage therapist will focus on various parts of your body, working out knots and tension throughout the process. Your therapist will rely on your guidance for how hard they can press. Massage therapists use different techniques to perform massage and they offer different types as well, including popular methods such as:
- Deep tissue massage
- Myofascial release
- Hot stone massage
- Trigger point therapy
- Swedish massage
What is myofascial release?
Your muscles have a layer of myofascial tissue that encase them for support. Myofascial release focuses on releasing tense, shortened muscles by loosening that myofascial layer. Your therapist will try to find tight areas that should be more elastic and then work on loosening them.
The goal of myofascial release is to loosen any myofascial tissue that restricts movement. Your therapist will gauge progress by increased range of motion and lessened pain.
What is deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage involves firm pressure to reach the deepest muscle layers and connective tissue. The goal is to work out the kinks and knots that create tension and contribute to chronic pain.
Your therapist will start with gentle pressure to prepare the body and release the outer muscle layers first. Then gradually, they will use deeper pressure to undo adhesions and break up scar tissue in your problem areas.
This type of massage has been shown to induce relaxation and lower blood pressure. It also helps with injury recovery by normalizing soft tissue. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment for a massage, call our office today.
