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 Toronto

Lori Eisler and Kim Dunlop RMT, ST Massage Therapist	send email
"Are you looking for a way to relieve the stresses of daily life? Do you need help in alleviating pain or discomfort from injury or chronic medical conditions. Would you like to ..." See full profile	181 Harbord Street Floor 2 Toronto, Ontario M5S 1H5 (647) 427-3330

Massage Therapists 1 to 1  |  More...

Find a Massage Therapist in Toronto, ON that can help with...