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 Columbus

Margo Heskett LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"My personal commitment to you as a prospective client is reflected in my mission statement: To respect and honor each client as a unique individual To provide each client with individualized, competent and ..." See full profile	3736 N High Street Suite 102 Columbus, Ohio 43214 (614) 563-0924
Denise Baumann Massage Therapist	send email
"My goal is to fascilitate healing by decreasing pain, increasing movement, relieving stress, enhancing sleep and improving breathing. I am State of Ohio licensed massage therapist, a licensed social worker, as well ..." See full profile	3805 North High St Suite 304 Columbus, Ohio 43214 (614) 314-1376

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