Massage

Therapeutic Massage

Definition

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines massage as the manipulation of tissues (such as rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or instrument for therapeutic purposes.

Retraining Your Spine

Long-standing spinal problems are accompanied by ingrained muscle patterns. Muscle spasms and scar tissue are often involved. By augmenting your chiropractic care with massage therapy, these muscle and soft tissue problems can be addressed. This can help speed your recovery and enhance the retraining of your spine.

With chiropractic care, massage therapy can help improve circulation and muscle tone. You can receive chiropractic care and not massage, if you desire, or you can receive massage without chiropractic care. However we recommend massage in combination with your chiropractic care in order to maximize your healing. While chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the spine (or structure of your body) and its impact on the nervous system (and other systems that help you function), massage focuses on the 650 muscles of the body. Both disciplines work together to help keep the body in proper alignment, balance, and function.

Types of Massage

There are many different kinds of massage. They all involve systematically working the muscles and other soft tissues of the body to optimize the functioning of the various bodily systems. Most massage therapy techniques involve stroking the muscles. The muscles can be stroked by the massage therapist's fingers, hands, arms, and elbows (as in the case with deep tissue). But the muscles can also be stroked with massage tools instead of the massage therapist's body. How and what techniques are used depends on the assessment of the massage therapist and the agreed upon desired outcome.

Not every massage therapist is trained on all the different types of massages as some types of massage require additional training outside of massage school. If you have had prior success with a certain technique that you know its name then please let us know so that we may be able to locate an appropriate massage therapist who may have training on your preferred technique. We cannot guarantee that we will find it for you but we will certainly do our best to ask around.

We offer the following types of massages:

Myofascial Release
Hot Stone
Deep Tissue
Sports
Medical
Swedish
Lymphatic

Therapeutic Massage vs. Relaxation Massage

Therapeutic massage is an umbrella term to describe any and all muscular manipulation techniques that are meant for treatment of medical conditions (such as fibromyalgia, vertebral subluxation complex, and sprain / strains). What differentiates a therapeutic massage from a relaxation massage, that people get from say like a spa in a hotel, is the condition of the body. If the body does not have a condition that needs treatment then a relaxation massage is more appropriate.

Massage Benefits

Massage can enhance your vitality and sense of well-being. Massage has been shown to...

· Reduce the development of muscular patterning

· Improve posture and re-balances your body/mind

· Relieve pain in your muscles and joints

· Flush out toxins lodged in the adipose tissues

· Promote general relaxation

· Stimulate intestinal movement

· Eliminate excess fluid retention

Plus, it just feels good!

Massages We Do Not Do

There are certain massage techniques or types that we will not offer. We do not provide any massage therapy that involves the massage therapist walking bare footed on your back. And we also do not provide any massages to the genitals as none of our massages are sexually oriented nor are they done with any intent to sexually excite the massage recipient. We comply with the following Florida Statute law:

Scheduling a Massage

If you wish to only receive massage therapy without chiropractic care, we can accommodate that as well. We ask that you schedule at least 24 hours in advance so that we can book a massage therapist for you. Once you schedule the massage, if you need to change the appointment we also ask a 24 hour advance notice so that we may communicate the change to the massage therapist. We discourage canceling or changing the appointment at the last minute or the same day as the massage appointment because the massage therapist's time has already been negotiated and a $25 fee will be assessed to cover for the resources that have been accommodated for that massage appointment.

SATISFACTION

Communication is key in receiving the quality of massage you are seeking. Our massage therapists are trained to ask our clients what kind of massage they are looking for and to tell them whether the pressure is satisfactory or not. We encourage you to tell your massage therapist if what they are doing is incongruous with your objective so that he or she can modify their approach or technique or even pressure. Not communicating your feelings and how you are experiencing the massage may result in your dissatisfaction with your massage experience. If you have expressed yourself and communicated with the massage therapist what you want or don't want and the massage therapist fails to deliver what you are asking them to deliver, please call me, Dr. Gustavo Marshall (owner of the business), on my cell phone (305) 775-3295 and I will remedy the situation, which can include anything from giving you a refund or offering you another complimentary massage with a different massage therapist. Your satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us so if you aren't happy with the massage and you don't call me then I will not have been given an opportunity to rectify the situation but if you call me then I will make sure that your next massage matches what you are looking for. Thank you for the opportunity to make your experience satisfactory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Will My Massage Take Place?

Your massage will take place in a quiet, warm comfortable room. Soft lighting may be used to create a relaxing atmosphere. You’ll lie on a soft, comfortable table. Music may be played softly in the background to aid in the relaxation process of your mind and nervous system.

What Should I Wear to the Massage Appointment?

Comfortable clothing is recommended, however therapeutic massage is typically performed with the client unclothed. You will be appropriately draped at all times. Most people undress completely, while some leave some clothing on such as underwear. You decide what level of comfort is right for you. Your privacy is respected at all times.

What Parts of My Body Will Be Massaged?

You and the therapist will discuss the desired therapeutic outcome prior to beginning the massage. A typical full body massage session will include work on your back, arms, legs, head, neck and shoulders. If you are concurrently under chiropractic care, the massage therapist may be directed by the doctor to focus the massage therapy on the body regions associated with your chief presenting complaint(s).

Will a Lubricant Be Used?

A light oil, lotion, or gel will be used to reduce excessive friction to the skin and allow smoother, deeper strokes. The lubricants used also help to hydrate the skin. If you are allergic to certain oils or scents, just tell the therapist before the session begins in order to adjust accordingly.

What Will The Massage Feel Like?

It depends on the techniques used. Your massage session may start with some stretches or broad flowing strokes to begin the relaxation process. Pressure will be gradually increased to relax specific areas and release tight muscle bands. Deep tissue massage or trigger point therapies will require deeper pressure and more intensive techniques. It’s important that the pressure always be within your comfort level. Should you wish to receive less or more pressure at anytime, tell your therapist immediately so they could readjust the pressure. Not communicating with the massage therapist may diminish your massage experience so don't be shy and let them know how you would like it and enjoy!

Will I Be Sore as a Result of the Massage?

Occasionally, some people may be sore/tender in places the next day, depending on the type of massage and degree of pressure they received. It’s important to communicate with your therapist if the pressure is uncomfortable at any time. Drinking additional fluids following your massage may reduce these symptoms. These symptoms will usually subside by the following day.