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 Washington

John Lee RCST, LMT, CMT Massage Therapist	send email
"I have been in practice since 1996. My treatment approach to your wholeness incorporates a combination of styles which are intended to respect your journey to health and well-being. I believe I ..." See full profile	1234 19th Street NW Suite 700 Washington, District of Columbia 20036 (301) 370-6813
Gaynor Bourgeois Massage Therapist	send email
"Working with clients is a privilege to me. I strive to meet the needs of my clients utilizing my knowledge, years of experience and listening skills. To promote well-being I am trained ..." See full profile	1703 Q Street NorthWest Apt B Washington, District of Columbia 20009 (202) 462-1435
La Sarmiento LMT, NCTMB Massage Therapist	send email
"Being in balance is not always simple. Taking refuge from the external demands of our daily lives requires a commitment to ourselves. Creating space to examine and to prioritize what is important ..." See full profile	1840 Mintwood Place NW Unit 104 Washington, District of Columbia 20009 (202) 997-1399
Kimberly Logan NCTMB Massage Therapist	send email
"I chose to become a massage therapist, because I saw the need for relief from stress and tension, in our modern lifestyle. Before your fisrt session with me, we will determine specific ..." See full profile	1015 1/2 7th St. NW. Washington, District of Columbia 20001 (202) 783-6463
Nichole Jefferson LMT, CMT Massage Therapist	send email
"I perform Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and aromatherapy using Young Living Essential Oils. By using steady soothing strokes on your skin and superficial muscles your stress will dissipate. A massage focused ..." See full profile	1201 Franklin Street NE, Suite 105 Washington, District of Columbia 20017 (202) 689-4585
Priit Oinas CMT Massage Therapist	send email
""I have over twenty years experience as a massage therapist.I use swedish massage and Neuromuscular Therapy & Advanced Deep Tissue to focuse on deep tissue release.I do Sport massage for athletes with ..." See full profile	6527 Piney Branch Road NW Washington, District of Columbia 20012 (202) 641-0436
Sheryl Sturges LMT, MBA Massage Therapist	send email
"As a wellness facilitator, I am committed to supporting clients in harnessing the natural power of their bodies and spirits to create optimal health and well-being. I tailor each session to the ..." See full profile	1777 Lanier Place NW Washington, District of Columbia 20009 (202) 232-4138
Olivier Pelletier LMT, NCTMB Massage Therapist	send email
"My ideal client here is someone who is looking for the best deep tissue massage treatment and/or for the relief and rehabilitation from injury and chronic pain of the shoulder, back, or ..." See full profile	4801 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, District of Columbia 20016 (301) 379-1613
Donna Waks LMT, CMA, RCST Massage Therapist	send email
"I have 25 years of experience addressing a wide range of issues with athletes, acute or chronic illness, pre- and post-natal, the elderly, and individuals dealing with day-to-day stress. I am licensed ..." See full profile	4500 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, District of Columbia 20008 (202) 363-9156

Massage Therapists 1 to 9  |  More...