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 Los Angeles

Courtney Trowman NCTMB, LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"Reiki is a powerful tool in helping you harness the power to heal YOURSELF. It reduces stress, brings the body (organs, emotions, chakras) back into balance. It's excellent pre-op and post surgery to heal ..." See full profile	10809 TABOR AVE Los Angeles, California 90034 (310) 936-9521
Lynn B Cohen LMT, CSIP, MSW, MFA Massage Therapist	send email
"As a Practitioner of Structural Integration, I help you achieve better posture and greater freedom in your body. I work within the framework of the traditional "10-series." As your practitioner, I don't ..." See full profile	843 E. Kensington Rd. Los Angeles, California 90026 (323) 807-8986
Loni D Mashke CMT, ABMP Massage Therapist	send email
"Attuned to how energy works, I believe that healing starts with YOU and your choice to empower yourself with action. Let me help you to facilitate your own healing. Someone once said "commit ..." See full profile	851 N Dillon St #4 Los Angeles, California 90026 (310) 713-1583
Amanda Thomason LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"Whether your intention is to relax or rehabilitate, I can help. " See full profile	722 North Hayworth Ave #10 Los Angeles, California 90046 (310) 710-9189
James Nemec LMT, CST-D Massage Therapist	send email
""It's hard to be at our best when in pain. We forget there is also CHANGE. Know, anything's possible. All is well." -- Gentle, non-intrusive CranioSacral Therapy frees and improves the performance ..." See full profile	6360 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 210 Los Angeles, California 90048 (561) 452-8110
Heather Corwin Rolfer, LMT, MFA, ISMETA, RME Massage Therapist	send email
"We work together to increase ease and alignment in your everyday life. I offer Rolfing, massage, skin care, movement education, yoga, and maternity massage. These nurturing arts all share one commonality: to ..." See full profile	Los Angeles, California 90012

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