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 Philadelphia

Max Dean ASCP, ABMP Massage Therapist	send email
"At MaxAesthetics , We Are Able To Customize All Massages For Your Specific Needs. From Back Pain To Muscle Soreness Or Fatigue. We Are A Full Service Spa Offering A Variety Of Spa ..." See full profile	2401 Pennsylvania Ave Suite 1A10 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130 (267) 528-3859
Cherrylyn Arnillo CMT Massage Therapist	send email
"Body muscles go through wear and tear during intense or repititious activity and by having effective bodywork rehab, using massage can restore it's balance.I am best suited for clients who need deeper ..." See full profile	2041 Chestnut St Apt 25 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 (215) 908-5548
Tracie Tyson Nichols MA, IAC, NCTMB Massage Therapist	send email
"People who respond especially well to the work I do are women in transitional phases of life; transitioning to motherhood, transitioning through perimenopause and menopause, as well as those transitions catalyzed by ..." See full profile	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19118

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