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

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
Fredi Prevost LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"Fredi Prevost blends innovative mind-body-spirit connections to create an exceptional therapeutic bodywork experience. To ease movement, reduce stress an maintain good health, various forms of bodywork center on self-realization, energy balance and ..." See full profile	Massage and Intergrative Therapy 5225 Wisconson Ave NW suite 305 Washington, District of Columbia 20015 (202) 270-0100
John Lee CST, LMT 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
Gabriela DeAnda LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"I offer a range of bodywork techniques and draw from the various modalities in which I have been trained to offer a customized session for each client. Sessions are usually a combination ..." See full profile	1608 20th Street NW 3rd Floor Washington, District of Columbia 20009 (202) 299-1200
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
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
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
Olivier Pelletier LMT, NCTMB Massage Therapist	send email
"My ideal client is someone who is looking for the best deep tissue massage treatment and/or relief and rehabilitation from injury and chronic pain of the neck, shoulder, or back, including hip ..." See full profile	4801 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, District of Columbia 20016 (301) 379-1613
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
Christopher C Cole CMT, LMT, NCMT Massage Therapist	send email
"I am committed to providing a quality massage experience at an affordable price. I love what I do which can easily be seen and felt in my work. These are very difficult ..." See full profile	4001 Brandywine St. NW Washington, District of Columbia 20016 (202) 244-6090

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