Massage therapy is the soothing, relaxing method of relieving aches and pain, as well as improving health, by stroking, kneading and applying pressure to the muscles and other soft tissues in the body.  Massage enthusiasts report astounding results, including dramatically improved health and well-being.

Plan to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled appointment in order to fill out any required paperwork or health information sheets and meet your therapist.  Your massage therapist will talk with you about your specific needs and expectations.  Be sure to ask any questions you may have and express any preferences at this time.  You will be asked if you would like to use the restroom before your session begins.  Your therapist will then leave the room giving you plenty of time to undress and get on the table (certain forms of specialized massage are done fully clothed, see:  CranioSacral and Reiki).
 

The massage table will be prepared with fresh sheets in a warm, comfortable room with soft lighting.  Your therapist will have a selection of relaxing music to play during your massage session.  The music and lighting help put you at ease, and prepare you for a soothing and enjoyable treatment.  A face cradle allows you to lie comfortably while on your stomach.
 

The therapist will uncover only the part of the body being massaged, so you never feel exposed.  Professional draping techniques are used with each part of the body being uncovered, massaged and returned to its original position.  During the massage, you are invited to give feedback about the massage, to remark on pressure or make a specific request.

Following your massage, the therapist will bring you a glass of water and encourage you to enjoy the peaceful, post-massage glow.
 

Professional Massage Therapists are well educated and professionally trained. Georgia now regulates massage and requires that all therapists practicing in this state have a valid license which must be displayed in the therapist’s office or place of business. The requirements for a massage therapy license in Georgia are determined by the state licensing board for this profession and include a prescribed number of hours of approved education at an accredited institution or a comparable amount of experience.  Additionally, therapists have to pass state board approved exams, be extremely knowledgeable in the study of anatomy and physiology and certified in First Aid and CPR.  Therapists are also required to obtain a set amount of continuing education credits in order to maintain their licensure.
 

The body and the mind work together.  Mental anxiety causes muscular tension.  A massage relieves muscular tension and signals the brain to tell all your muscles to relax.  Massaging even part of the body can help whole-body relaxation leaving you soothed, re-energized and better able to tackle problems or challenges.
 

Therapeutic massage causes the body to release endorphins, the same “feel good” chemicals that are released when you exercise or laugh.  Endorphins make you feel relaxed, happy and stress-free after a good massage.
 

Evidence suggests that the immune system is greatly enhanced by the presence of the “feel good” endorphins released after a massage.  Studies conducted by The Touch Institute at the University of Miami seem to indicate that massage causes a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate due to reflex effects through the sympathetic nervous system.

After a massage many clients report sleeping well that night and waking up refreshed.  The skin is moisturized and revitalized by the nourishing blend of lotions and oils used during therapy.  The deep stroking helps in the penetration of aromatic oils, enriching the skin and soothing the senses.
 

Massage gets you moving!  Therapeutic massage stretches tight muscles and unlocks restrictions, restoring motion to the body, so your body can move naturally, feel good and be well.

The pain cycle starts when injury, chronic poor posture or emotional stress causes pain.  The body moves differently, causing muscles and other soft tissues to adapt.  Massage helps break the pain cycle by physically stretching and relaxing spasm (muscles shortened from injury or long term inactivity) and trigger points (the swollen, tender areas that may refer pain to other areas of the body).
 

Also, the kneading of therapeutic massage relieves soft tissue inflammation caused by either traumatic injury or chronic pain.  When inflammation and swelling are reduced, pain subsides and normal motion returns.

Repetitive strain injuries (i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome) are prevented and sports performance improved when muscular tension is relieved and postural balance is restored.
 

Almost everyone can benefit from massage therapy.  Either as an occasional treat or a regular life habit, massage helps you feel younger, longer.

Massage frees up the joints, increasing body motion and affording flexibility. Pain is relieved, stress in minimized, the immune system gets a jumpstart and vitality is returned.
 

Devotees of massage include athletes, office and factory workers, pregnant mothers, the elderly, those recovering from accident or surgery, those in poor health and anyone who is stressed or who is interested in maintaining optimal well-being.  The body needs massage therapy just as it need s vitamins and exercise.

Discuss your health conditions and goals with your massage therapist.  Ask questions about terms or techniques you may not understand.  Find out how your therapist plans to address your concerns and what types of massage or bodywork does he or she plan on utilizing to help you and why.  If the need arises, your therapist will be glad to refer you to another healthcare provider who will partner with us in making sure you receive the best possible care.
 

With age, the joints stiffen and muscles get tight.  The common bent over posture of old age occurs as a result of the body adapting to long term poor posture.  As posture becomes more bent forward the muscles have to work harder to keep the body balanced, which makes the muscles progressively tighter.

Massage stretches tight muscles, breaks up adhesions and works out chronic muscular “knots” (or trigger points) so you feel young and move well.