The Benefits of Massage

Physical Benefits of Massage
Mental Benefits of Massage
Emotional Benefits of Massage
What can I expect?
Massage for Injury
Massage for Headaches and Migraines
What if I have other health conditions?
Will Insurance Pay for Massage?

Take just a moment....
Be aware of your body. Take a deep breath. Begin with your head - how do you feel? Do you have a headache? Your neck - are your muscles tight? Can you turn your head all the way to either side? Are your shoulders relaxed or have they come up closer to your ears? When you squeeze the top of your shoulder is it tender? How about your back, are you comfortable sitting without slouching? Do you feel fatigue between your shoulder blades or in your lower back? Continue down your body and check in with your arms, hands, legs feet..... Do you feel grounded?

When you "check-in" with your body you may notice areas of tension or pain. You may feel stress.
If you sit at your computer much of the day your hands, arms, shoulders, and neck may be sore or feel fatigued. If you exercise regularly you can improve your performance and reduce your recovery time. If you aren't able to be as active as you'd like due to injury, or illness you'd like to improve circulation. Massage can make a tremendous difference. "You need a massage!!"

Who can benefit from massage?
Anyone and everyone! Massage can help to relieve pain and tension and reduce stress. But massage is not just for stressed out executives, athletes or people in physical pain. The following list of benefits will tell you more specifically what massage can do for you:

Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy

• Physically relaxes the body
• Calms the nervous system
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces heart rate
• Slows respiration
• Loosens tight muscles
• Stretches connective tissues
• Reduces Chronic Pain
• Improves skin tone
• Increases blood and lymph circulation
• Speeds the removal of metabolic waste
• Increases red blood cell counts
• Relieves tired and aching muscles
• Stimulates the release of endorphins
• Improves muscle tone
• Relieves cramps and muscle spasms
• Increases flexibility and range of motion
• Promotes more effective breathing
• Speeds recovery from injuries and illness
• Strengthens the immune system
• Reduces swelling
• Reduces scarring
• Improves posture
• Reduces tension headaches
• Increases tissue metabolism
• Decreases muscular deterioration

• Reduces mental stress
• Promotes better sleep
• Calms a bad temper
• Induces mental relaxation
• Improves concentration

Emotional Benefits of Massage Therapy

• Reduces anxiety
• Enhances self-image
• Provides a feeling of well being

What can I expect in a massage session?
When you arrive for your first visit your therapist will have you fill out some intake paperwork and ask you some questions about your general health, areas of trouble, and your goals for the massage session. You should feel comfortable discussing any concerns and be assured your discussion will be confidential. Sharing the necessary information allows the therapist to tailor the session to best meet your needs.

The therapist will leave the room while you undress to your level of comfort and get onto the massage table. You will be draped with a sheet and/or towel and your privacy will be respected at all times. During the massage the therapist will periodically ask about your comfort with the pressure of the massage, temperature of the room etc. While some therapeutic massage can seem a little intense, it should not be very painful, and if you'd like anything to be different you should tell your therapist. At the end of your session you should feel calm, relaxed and balanced.

It is not uncommon to have some muscle tenderness after a deep massage, and it may last a day or two but it should not keep you from your normal activities. You should be sure to drink plenty of water after your massage, and if you do experience soreness use and ice pack to relieve your discomfort.

Is massage okay if I have an injury?
It really depends on the nature and severity of the injury. When in doubt, consult your doctor first.
If the injury is a sports injury, minor strain or sprain and you have no other medical conditions that would be contraindicated, then massage can often aid in the healing process. You should inform your therapist of the injury, when and how it occurred, and any related symptoms. Your therapist should be able to help you determine if massage is appropriate.

Will Massage relieve my headache?
Headaches can be caused by a variety of things. Often the cause is as simple as muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, but other factors that can contribute can be environmental (such as allergies), hormones, and vision problems. Even the most severe migraine headaches can have a variety of causes. Massage is an excellent way to address headaches and can provide relief for most people. Many sufferers experience complete relief of their headache through massage, and chronic headache sufferers can see a reduction in frequency through regular massage. If a headache is sudden, severe, long lasting or painful in a way that is an unfamiliar pattern, or if you have other health concerns that may influence your condition we also recommend consulting your physician.

What if I have other health conditions?
Massage is an effective way to address many conditions, but some health concerns are contraindicated. While massage can provide relief under many circumstances, and can often improve circulation, digestion, sleep patterns, and aid in other conditions, we strongly recommend patients consult with their physician if they have health concerns. When you schedule a massage at Bodyscape Massage Therapy your therapist will discuss any health concerns with you, and if any condition is contraindicated you will be notified.

Will insurance pay for my massage?
At this time most health insurance does not cover massage therapy, although you should check with your individual insurance company. Blue Cross/Blue Shield covers massage under some policies with a doctor's prescription. If you have been involved in an auto accident, and are insured in Florida, the Personal Injury Protection portion of your policy should cover massage therapy if a doctor has determined it to be medically necessary and has given you a prescription. Bodyscape Massage Therapy will file your insurance paperwork as a courtesy when treatment has been pre-authorized.

Bodyscape Massage Therapy provides quality massage therapy, also called therapeutic massage in Orlando, Florida. We practice deep tissue massage, neuromuscular massage, myofascial release, prenatal massage, maternity massage, Swedish massage, relaxation massage, cranial, structural, cranial/structural, cranial/structural release, cranial structural release, massage for headache, massage for pain relief, sports massage, and massage for injury. All of our female licensed massage therapists also perform chair massage, onsite massage and have advanced massage training. Our massage office is located near downtown Orlando, we are also convenient to Winter Park, Maitland, Longwood, College Park, Metrowest, Windermere, Ocoee, Claremont, Apopka, Kissimee, Disney, Celebration, Baldwin Park, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Winter Garden, Wekiva, Belle Isle, Conway, East Orlando, Sanford, Lake Mary, and many other Central Florida locations. We offer massage Gift Certificates, and massage packages as well as discounts and specials for various holidays. Schedule a massage in our comfortable private studio and relax!