Massage Therapy
Designed with something for everyone, massages today are not only centered on relaxation and pampering but also have many health benefits. The careful manipulation of the muscles, skin and joints helps to relieve stress and can reduce pain.
Massage Therapists
Our professionally trained massage therapists will prepare an environment that is most comfortable for you, guiding you through the massage process. For massages that involve the removal of clothing, the therapist will instruct you on what to expect before you undress. You should undress to where you feel comfortable and will be draped with a sheet, with only the area being massaged uncovered.
Fitness Plus' professionally trained massage therapists include:
Massage Techniques
Massage techniques available include Swedish, prenatal, myofascial release, reflexology and hot stone.
The best-known and most-commonly offered massage, Swedish massage involves five different movements, including long, gliding strokes; kneading of the muscles; friction; tapping; and vibration. This technique is used to increase oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.
Specifically tailored for pregnant women and their changing bodies, prenatal massage will relax tense muscles, ease sore spots and improve circulation. This technique may also decrease mental and physical fatigue. This is performed on a special cushion with hollowed out areas to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Used to treat a variety of soft tissue problems, myofascial release involves stretching of the fascia to equalize muscle tension throughout the body. Fascia is the thin tissue that covers the organs of the body. When muscles are injured, the fascia becomes tight, causing discomfort. The therapist will locate the area of tightness and apply a light stretch to the tightened area. After the tightened area relaxes, the therapist then increases the stretch. This is repeated until the area is fully relaxed.
This technique applies pressure to the feet and hand with thumb, finger and hand. The movement taps into pressure sensors that are connected to the reflex system, improving general health and relieving stress. This pressure can help release natural painkillers in the body called endorphins. This is a clothed session; only shoes and socks are removed.
Deeply soothing and relaxing, this technique uses heated stones. Stones are a variety of shapes and sizes; black volcanic rock is often used, which absorbs and retains heat. Sanitized with each use, the stones are heated in hot water. The therapist will use Swedish massage strokes while holding the heated stones. As the stone cools, it is replaced with another heated stone. Cold stones may be used if you have inflammation or muscle injury.
For more information or to schedule a massage session, call 573-331-3355.