An association of Massage Therapists & Healing Practitioners serving Richland Center, Wisconsin
and the surrounding area.

Learn about Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

This info is gleaned from the websites and other materials of the AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) and the ABMP (Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals)

What is Therapeutic Massage?
Therapeutic Massage is the systematic manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxing the muscles, relief from pain, and the restoration of metabolic balance. Any one particular technique, or a combination of several techniques can be used.

General benefits of Therapeutic Massage/ Bodywork:
Therapeutic massage and bodywork can improve circulation, help to loosen contracted muscles and stimulate weak muscles. Therapeutic massage and bodywork can also aid relaxation, help to reduce stress, help to prevent and relieve pain from injuries and muscle spasm, and improve flexibility. It promotes deeper and easier breathing, improves posture and strengthens the immune system. Therapeutic massage and bodywork fosters a peace of mind and a feeling of well-being, promotes mental alertness, improves the ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately, and enhances one's ability to calm thinking and creativity. It increases the awareness of mind-body connection. Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles.

Who can benefit from receiving massage/bodywork?
Individuals in all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of massage/bodywork. If you are a stressed-out executive, a student, a laborer, a parent, or a homebound person, massage/bodywork may be an option to aid you in recovery or to maintain an optimal level of health and well-being.

Here's a more specific list of what massage can do:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good --getting massage frequently can do even more! This form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. Just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

If you are interested in becoming a member of RAMTA or would like to include therapeutic massage in your next event, please contact us.

194 N. Main Street, Richland Center, WI 53581 ~  608-475-1021