Give Yourself a Break

Fatigued muscles may develop a minor annoying twitch, or severe, painful contractions. Fatigued and overworked muscles may also lead to complex pain patterns, as we force other muscles to work in ways they were not designed to. These pain patterns may include fatigue, headaches, and general aches. Massage therapists work with you to remove and prevent these patterns.

Massage therapy is a great way to intervene in the stress response cycle. Here's why!

1. All you do is relax. The therapist does all the work!
2. Massage balances the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system (known as the rest and response nervous system).
3. Massage helps you relax by encouraging you to breathe deeply and slowly.
4. Massage dilates blood vessels in the skin, bringing oxygen out from the deep body organs. This helps you to fully relax.
5. Massage helps lower blood pressure.
6. Massage lengthens muscles and helps remove waste materials. Increased oxygen and nutrient availability reduce body fatigue.
7. Massage helps the body reduce anxiety and pain, and increases "feel good" hormones called endorphins.
8. Massage increases mental alertness, creativity... and self esteem!