Massage Therapy in Meridian, Idaho
Massage therapy has existed in cultures around the world for centuries, and for good reason. Not only does it play host to an abundance of health-related benefits, but it can do wonders for your mood and is a great way to relieve built-up stress and keep your body calm. As a bonus, there are a variety of different types of massage available to meet your needs. But what is massage therapy, exactly?
Nowadays, massage therapy is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and encompasses more than 80 different massage therapy styles, all with their own unique techniques, movements, and pressures. No matter the style, every type of massage therapy involves rubbing, pressing, or manipulating pressure points, soft tissues, and muscles with fingers, hands, or, in some cases, hot stones.
In recent years, massage therapy has increased in popularity, which is no surprise to the skilled massage therapists here at Keystone Physical Medicine in Meridian, ID. More people are beginning to realize the health benefits associated with massage, and because there are so many styles to choose from, there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a way to alleviate pain or other uncomfortable symptoms related to an injury or certain health-related conditions or you simply want to improve your overall state of mind and wellbeing, we have a massage for you.
Unlike Massage Envy and other day spas that may specialize in lesser quality massage services and other areas such as skin care and hair services, we're passionate about offering health and wellness services like massage therapy. At Keystone Physical Medicine, our trained massage therapists are passionate about treating each of our patients with a style of massage that best suits their individual needs.
Are you pregnant? We offer pregnancy massages. Do you have pain and discomfort deep in your neck and shoulder muscles? Try one of our deep tissue massages. Whatever your massage needs are, we're here to serve.
About Our Therapists and What to Expect During a Visit
Our trained and certified message therapists treat all types of patients and conditions. When you visit our office for a massage, one of the first things you will do is fill out a paperwork and answer questions about your symptoms, medical history, and what you hope to achieve with a massage. From there, you will meet with one of our friendly massage therapists in one of our private, relaxing rooms. Once situated, the two of you may discuss any tense or painful areas to help determine the style of massage best for you.
Typically, during your massage, you will lie on a specially designed massage table either undressed with a sheet over you or in loose-fitting clothing. Using oil or lotion, your therapist will perform the massage. Depending on what type of massage you receive, it may be brief or may last an hour or more.
Types of Massage Therapy
The different types of massage therapy vary depending on the types of strokes and other tools used during the massage. While some may last for five or 10 minutes and consist of short, smooth strokes, others may last an hour or two and consist of long, deep strokes and lots of pressure to alleviate pain and discomfort deeper in your muscles. With so many styles to choose from, it can be a daunting task choosing which style to get during your appointment.
Fortunately, our team is here to help and will start each session with important questions to help determine which massage is best for you. For example, you may be asked whether you want a massage to relax or whether you want one to alleviate neck and should pain or other discomforts. It also helps to voice what you're hoping to achieve with a massage and any don't be shy about mentioning symptoms for painful areas that may need extra attention.
Look below at the many different types of massages offered at Keystone Physical Medicine:
- Swedish Massage: This is one of the most popular types of massage. It relieves tension on the top layers of your muscles. It involves a combination of long, kneading strokes and light tapping strokes. It's a popular choice for those looking for a bit of relaxation because it helps relieve muscle tension and pain.
- Neuromuscular Therapy Massage: This is another type of popular massage for treating causes of chronic pain settled deep in your nervous and muscular systems. Compared to other types of massage, this one is more medically-oriented and uses strokes that focus on trigger points, postural issues, circulation, biomechanical issues, nerve compression, and other issues that often result from repetitive movement.
- Deep Tissue Massage: If you have any trouble spots and clusters of stiff muscles, a deep tissue massage may be for you. During this massage, your therapist will use slow, pressurized strokes focused on massaging the deeper layers of your tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues beneath your skin. In addition to working out tough, painful muscle knots, deep tissue massage is also therapeutic and helps relieve tension and stress.
- Sports Massage: This type of massage targets muscle groups often used in a variety of different sports. Many athletes seek out this type of massage to help improve their flexibility and prevent injuries. It's also effective in alleviating muscle strain and promoting healing when a sports injury occurs.
- Shiatsu Massage: This is a type of Japanese massage that translates to 'finger pressure.' During this massage, your therapist may use a variety of different rhythmic pressures on different precision points on your body, called acupressure points. These acupressure points are important and improve the flow of your body's chi or energy. Shiatsu massage enthusiasts believe this type of massage helps relieve energy blockages in these acupressure points, and we agree.
- Thai Massage: During this type of massage, your therapist will move you into many different positions, so they can better target your joints and muscles. Acupressure is also involved in a Thai massage.
- Hot Stone Massage: During this massage, your therapist will place warmed stones on different areas of your body, including acupressure points. Depending on your tension or muscle knots, your therapist may leave the stones in place for a few moments. The massage itself is relaxing and soothing and does wonders for relieving stress.
- Reflexology: Your therapist will use his or her hand, fingers, or thumbs to stimulate pressure points on your feet that correspond to certain parts of your body. The goal of this massage is to help improve your overall well-being.
- Pregnancy Massage: This type of massage helps pregnant women and is meant to alleviate symptoms such as swollen arms and legs, reduce stress, and relieve joint and muscle pain. During your pregnancy massage, you'll lie on a specially designed massage table and pillows. It's both a relaxing and therapeutic experience, and our skilled massage therapists will always ensure your comfort throughout the massage.
Massage Therapy Benefits
There are many benefits associated with massage therapy. Not only is it used to alleviate health-related conditions and symptoms, including pain and muscle strain, but it's also often used to help treat sports injuries, increase relaxation, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve your overall health and wellness.
Look at some of the following conditions our massage therapists may help with:
- Anxiety: Many of us live busy lives, we understand that. Sometimes that busyness contributes to an increase in anxiety and even depression. Fortunately, many types of massage therapy are relaxing and help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as lower your cortisol levels.
- Back Pain: Back pain is a common condition that affects many people. Whether you're working in a job that requires repetitive movements or hunched over a computer desk for eight or more hours a day, chances are you probably experience some sort of back pain on a regular basis. Fortunately, massage therapy is an effective treatment method for back pain and may even work better than a spinal adjustment or acupuncture.
- Headache: Massage therapy can help with headaches, migraines, and trouble sleeping.
- Cancer: While massage therapy is unable to heal cancer, it is effective at alleviating unpleasant symptoms and side effects, including pain, fatigue, nausea, swelling, and depression, to name a few.
- Osteoarthritis: Massage therapy is an effective way to alleviate muscle stiffness and improve overall flexibility if you're suffering from symptoms of osteoarthritis.
What are you waiting for? If you're living with muscle, back, or joint pain, or simply need a way to relax and relieve your stress, contact the office at Keystone Physical Medicine in Meridian, Idaho. Our friendly staff is passionate about meeting the needs of patients like you. We even offer gift cards for sale. Schedule a consultation today and start your journey towards a healthier, happier life.