What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old. In fact, Hipporcrates, known as the "father of medicine", referenced massage when he wrote, in the 4th century B.C.: "The physician must be acquaiinted with many things, and assuredly with rubbing." Now days, in addition to "rubbing," massage therapy, often referred to as bodywork or somatic therapy, refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands, although massage therapists do use other areas of the body, such as the forearms, elbows or feet. All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. In fact, massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client:

Physical and Mental Benefits

By appointment only. To schedule, please contact our office at 360-653-6010 to set up a convenient time to be seen by our skilled massage therapist Natalie Fecteau, LMP.

Deep-Tissue Massage: Deep-tissue massage utilizes slow strokes, direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs or elbows. Deep-tissue massage works deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains; its purpose is to reach the fascia beneath the surface muscles. This technique is useful in treating chronic pain, inflammation and injury.

Myofascial Release: Myofascial release (MFR) deals with the fascia, or connective tissue, of the body. The fascia is interconnected to every other part of the body, and actually helps to support the body's very structure, including the musculoskeletal system. When injury, inflammation, or physical or emotional trauma occurs, the fascia can become tight and cause pain and/or restricted range of motion. Myofascial release--as its name suggests--aims to release the fascia and return it to a state of normalcy by applying gentle pressure to the restricted areas. MFR can help with a number of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and stress-related illnesses.

Manual Lymph Drainage: Manual Lymph Drainage was developed in the 1930's by Danish physical therapists, Emil and Estrid Vodder. The technique consists of light, rhythmic strokes to aid lymph flow and proper fluid circulation, and help stimulate the lymph vessels to ultimately drain toxic fluids from the body.

Trigger-Point Therapy: Trigger points are areas of soft tissue in the body characterized by local pain, tightness, and tenderness. Often trigger points develop because of referred pain, or pain from another source that has manifested itself in a trigger point. Trigger-point therapy seeks first to identify trigger points, then apply steady, appropriate pressure to the point to "release" it.

Prenatal Massage: Prenatal, or pregnancy massage uses gentle techniques to help alleviate some of the ailments associated with pregnancy, including lower back, neck and shoulder pain; fatigue; joint tenderness; and stretch marks. Prenatal massage can help improve circulation, promote stress reduction and relaxation, and much more.