Massage Therapy Overview

Therapeutic massage, manipulating body tissue with the hands, heals muscles and promotes better circulation. First used over 3,000 years ago by the Chinese, massage therapy was a mainstay among other ancient cultures, including the Greeks, Japanese, Egyptians, Romans and Arabs. A Swedish gymnastics instructor, Per Henrik Ling, developed modern massage therapy in the early 19th century. The Swedish method combined exercise with massage to treat joint and muscle pain. In the 1850s, George and Charles Taylor, two brothers who studied massage in Sweden, brought this method to the U.S. Today it is a common treatment technique.

Three types of hand movements are used by massage therapists. Stroking, which can be light or hard, is meant to relax muscles and improve circulation. Compression—including kneading, squeezing and friction—stretches muscles and tendons to facilitate movement. Percussion, repeatedly striking the massage point with the sides of the hands, improves circulation. Massage therapy is effective for patients who suffer a range of conditions from arthritis to paralysis. It is often used to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

Massage Therapists in San Diego

Debora Torkington HHP, NCTMB Massage Therapist	send email
"My speciality is using a combination of subtle energy therapies such as Craniosacral Therapy and Trauma Healing to relieve pain and tension while improving stability, flexibility and range of motion. If you ..." See full profile	975 Hornblend Street Suite A San Diego, California 92109 (858) 272-7817
Sharon Azaria HHP, MT Massage Therapist	send email
"Being in this business now for 22 years, I could say that I really love what I do....I especially enjoy working on all people with positive thinking and all those who wish ..." See full profile	San Diego, California 92128 (858) 487-1080
Catherine Housseau HHP, NCBTMB Massage Therapist	send email
"I have been in practice now for 14 years and have continued to focus on the Body/Mind connection. I believe bodywork goes beyond attending to muscles; it also promotes realignment with the ..." See full profile	2630 1st Avenue Suite 209 San Diego, California 92103 (619) 701-0228
Debra Funkhouser NCTMB, LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"Relief from neck & shoulder pain, chronic pain relief, injury rehabilitation, stress management & relaxation. I offer therapeutic massage & bodywork that is extremely focused on the individual's unique needs, and my ..." See full profile	4727 Mount Hay Dr. San Diego, California 92117 (619) 895-6171
Bahman Djalali HHP, TCM Massage Therapist	send email
"Are you suffering from high level of stress, headaches/Migraines, chronic back and neck pain and fatigue, TMJ or sport injury? Have you been involved in a car accident with whiplash? I can ..." See full profile	17023 Bernardo Ctr. Dr., #A San Diego, California 92128 (619) 957-3114
Vanessa Raming HHP Massage Therapist	send email
"I began studying massage therapy in 2001. I obtained my eduactaion through the International Professional School Of Bodywork located in San Diego. There I studied massage therapy and have obtained an Associates ..." See full profile	3653 Voltaire St San Diego, California 92106 (619) 398-7442
Jini Carlson HHP, LMT, BET Massage Therapist	send email
"I have been serving the massage & Holistic community since 1989 and offer a wide range of Massage, Holistic Health, energy work (Reiki Master), detoxifixation (ear coning and fire cupping) and stress ..." See full profile	9225 Chesapeake Drive Suite H San Diego, California 92123 (858) 274-6758
Kimberly L Balesteri HHP, CH, RHA Massage Therapist	send email
"Originally trained in massage, I am a Doula trained through the Doulas of North America program. I then became a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist specializing in therapies that include Hypnoanesthesia, Medical Hypnosis, Thought ..." See full profile	San Diego, California 92104

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