What is massage?

Massage is defined as: manipulation of the soft tissue with the intention of improving tissue function, or promoting relaxation and well-being. Soft tissue is the skin, muscles and connective tissue of the body. There are many different modalities of massage, and each modality is used to achieve a different goal.

What are the benefits of massage therapy?

The results of massage therapy vary with the technique used, but some of the benefits you may see from massage include: decreased pain, increased circulation, improved flexibility and range of motion (ROM), enhanced immunity, relaxation of tight muscles and connective tissue, improved elasticity of scar tissue, shorter recovery time from exercise and injury, reduced swelling, decreased frequency and intensity of headaches, relief from some discomforts of pregnancy and labor, relief of some symptoms of depression and anxiety, decreased muscle spasms and cramps, improved sleep quality, higher energy levels, better concentration and reduced fatigue.

How is massage different at Rebound Sports and Physical Therapy?

At Rebound Sports and Physical Therapy, Massage Therapists work alongside Physical Therapists to create customized treatment plans for each individual patient. All aspects of a patient's care are considered, including treatment by their doctors, surgeons and other medical professionals. Also medications and home exercise programs. Once a treatment plan is created, goals for the patient's recovery are set. The massage therapist will use a variety of techniques to achieve those specific goals, and reevaluate the treatment plan at each visit to assure the patient is getting the best possible results from the therapy.

What is the difference between Therapeutic Massage, and other types of Massage?

Therapeutic Massage has been used for thousands of years in several cultures to help treat and prevent many health conditions and injuries. In the United States, massage therapy has grown very popular over the past several decades, but has been primarily used as a luxury. A way to 'pamper ourselves' and promote relaxation, but the health benefits of massage have been sorely overlooked by Western medicine. That perception is changing, as more and more medical professionals see the benefits of Therapeutic Massage.

With Therapeutic Massage, the primary goal is to help a patient recover from injury. Most varieties of injuries may benefit from massage, these include: Sports injuries, like a strained muscle or torn ligament; Traumatic injuries, such as a motor vehicle accident, or a broken bone; Repetitive use injuries, like carpal tunnel or chronic low back pain; and surgery. It is imperative to have all members of a medical team involved in a patient's treatment in communication with each other, to prevent conflicting treatment, and to encourage the fastest, most effective recovery.

Why does massage help physical therapy patients?

Therapeutic Massage benefits patients doing physical therapy in many ways. Massage calms the nerves and decreases swelling, which provides pain relief and increases mobility. It also relieves tight muscles and stretches connective tissue, providing greater range of motion and less discomfort from moving an injured body part. Massage promotes better tissue function, so the muscles are able to recover from exercise and regain strength faster. Massage induces mental relaxation as well as physical, so a patient is better able to cope with the frustration that comes from being injured or being in pain. They have more energy and feel better overall, leading to better compliance with a treatment plan and faster recovery.

What should I expect at my first visit?

At your first massage visit, if you are not a current patient, you will be asked to fill out detailed intake paperwork, to provide the therapist with important information about your current and past health concerns. Then, the therapist will discuss the reason for your visit, including location, frequency and intensity of symptoms. It is important to be as specific and accurate as you can when you describe what you feel, in order to create the best treatment plan possible. Also be sure to tell your therapist about all medications you are taking, and what you take them for, as well as any allergies you may have. Massage is most effective when the therapist can work directly on the skin, so they will step out of the room, and allow you to undress and lay down beneath the sheet on the massage table. The therapist can explain all techniques that are used, and the benefits that may be received from each modality. They may give you instructions on things you can do at home to help in your recovery, or to maximize the benefits of the massage session. They will discuss your treatment plan, and help you schedule a follow up visit to be sure you are getting the best results from your massage therapy treatment. Feel free to ask any questions you may have during your visit.

What if I am not a patient at Rebound?

Anyone may receive massage therapy at Rebound Sports and Physical Therapy, even if they are not a physical therapy patient. Each massage is custom tailored to the individual, so whether you are looking for relaxation and stress relief, prenatal massage, sports massage, or injury rehabilitation, we can provide you with an exceptional massage experience.

What is Hot Stone Therapy?

Hot Stone Therapy is a massage modality that utilizes smooth heated stones placed or rubbed on the body to induce relaxation, decrease pain and muscle spasm, and introduce heat deep into the muscle tissue and fascia to encourage a more effective tension release. A massage therapist may use Hot Stone Therapy during your visit to assist in injury rehabilitation, or you may request a session for relaxation. Most Hot Stone Therapy massage sessions are 90 minutes long, but it may be supplemented into a 60 minute session as well. For more information on this modality, see the article posted on our blog, "Hot Stone Massage Therapy".