Massage therapy is a collective term that covers various techniques and types of massages designed to relieve and alleviate certain needs and physical conditions. Massage therapists apply pressure to knead, glide, and tap the layers of the muscles using the fingers, hands, forearms, elbows, and even the feet to release built-up tension and relieve pain. However, the benefits of massage therapy far exceed just relaxation.

Types and Benefits of Massage Therapy

A massage therapy is frequently sought to unwind after a hard day’s work, to energize the spirit, to treat back pain and muscle tension, and to improve blood flow. Among the most common massage techniques being practiced today include the following:

  • Swedish Massage - Considered as one of the most popular types, this involves the application of long, sweeping strokes, rolling and muscle kneading, along with rhythmic tapping for stress relief and muscle relaxation.
  • Shiatsu Massage - Also a common type, this technique combines finger pressure with gentle stretches to improve blood flow and relieve stress.
  • Thai Massage - This type of massage works out your entire body through stretching and yoga-like moves leaving you feeling invigorated and energized.
  • Trigger Point Therapy - This uses a cycle of isolated pressure and release to alleviate the pain in the trigger point or targeted area.
  • Deep Tissue Massage - This is similar to a Swedish massage, but with this technique, deep pressure is applied to specific trouble areas and may leave you feeling sore in the next few days.
  • Sports Massage - A sports massage, which is specifically designed for physically active individuals, combines various massage techniques and focuses on specific areas of the body. It helps athletes prepare for an event and prevent or treat an injury.
  • Reflexology - In this type of massage, pressure is applied to certain areas of the hands and feet to address certain conditions, to relieve stress, and to promote relaxation.
  • Hot Stone Massage - With this kind of massage, therapists also apply warmed stones on certain parts of the body to relieve pain and to relax tensed muscles.
  • Prenatal Massage - This type of massage is the best therapeutic choice for pregnant women. The techniques used are based on one’s preference and needs.
  • Ashiatsu - This is a unique style of massage called Ashiatsu. In the Japanese language “Ashi” translates to foot and “Atsu” into pressure. By using the soft padded soles of the feet, broad, deep, even pressure is attained. This helps to elongate the spine, increase blood and lymph flow and deepen relaxation. It can relieve many pain issues in the body by getting deeper into the muscles more comfortably than a traditional massage. Ashiatsu also helps to achieve better, longer lasting results in less time.

Neuromuscular Therapy Massage - This more complex type of massage involves the manipulation of underlying tissues and nerves that are considered sources of chronic pain.

 Various research have shown that massage therapy offers the following benefits:

  • Relieves chronic pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and pain related to childbirth
  • Helps cancer patients reduce pain, feel relaxed, and improve their immune system function
  • Decreases instances of depression and anxiety in mental health patients
  • Improves behavior of children with autism
  • Promotes better quality of life and levels of glucose in diabetic patients
  • Improves lung function in asthma patients
  • Decreases anxiety and pain in heart surgery patients
  • Helps relieve chronic headaches and migraine
  • Alleviates temporomandibular joint related pain 
  • Decreases stress-related insomnia
  • Improves digestive function and helps treat digestive disorders

Side Effects of Massage Therapy

Certain forms of massages can make you feel sore the next day, but massages are generally not painful or uncomfortable. Massage therapy is proven to relieve certain medical conditions, but only when performed by a trained therapist. Special attention must be given by the therapists to provide massage treatment services that best suit your needs and condition.

Massage therapists must take vital precautions when dealing with patients with health conditions. For instance, deep tissue massage must be avoided for people taking anti-coagulant medications, those with bleeding problems and those with low blood platelet counts. Similarly, intense pressure must not be applied in an area where there’s tumor, injury, or wound, unless approved by the doctor. Those with severe osteoporosis, thrombocytopenia, and deep vein thrombosis are also highly discouraged from getting massages.

Most importantly, massage therapy must not be considered as a replacement for conventional medical care. If you suffer from a medical condition, it is important to discuss with your doctor whether massage therapy will help or is appropriate for you.


Meet Our Massage Therapists!

AMY FANTER; LMT, LPN

0938335001616185693.jpgAmy is a long time proponent of chiropractic and massage therapy. She understands the benefit of combining massage therapy with chiropractic adjustments to heal the body. Amy provides years of experience providing quality massage therapy. Amy also duals as an LPN and serves her community with home health, nursing services, and patient care. Amy is sure to relieve the tension and get your pain gone. She has the knowledge of a nurse and the hands on skills of a trained licensed massage therapist.

Call Amy today to get scheduled!

217-502-1181



ALICIA M. DIRKSEN0714882001616185449.jpgAlicia M. Dirksen is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist. She graduated from Healing Hands School of Holistic Health in Laguna Hills, California in 2014. In March of 2021, Alicia opened her business, Kiron Wellness, in Springfield, IL, operating in association with Curry Chiropractic.

She has studied a wide variety of healing modalities including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilizing acupressure points and energetic meridians in addition to other TCM therapies such as Cupping Therapy, GuaSha and Moxibustion. She uses a unique combination of healing modalities to personalize each treatment. Alicia believes everything in the body, and mind, is connected and she works to bring overall balance through a variety of healing techniques such as acupressure, triggerpoint, neuromuscular therapy, deep tissue, reflexology, energy work and more. Alicia also specializes in a unique style of massage called Ashiatsu. In the Japanese language “Ashi” translates to foot and “Atsu” into pressure. Using the padded soles of the foot this massage provides an experience like no other. Deeply relieving pain and tension and achieving better, longer lasting results.

With over 1500 hours of training and many years of experience, Alicia offers a very unique and effective healing treatment style. She is passionate about helping clients meet their personal health and healing goals through individualized treatment plans and bringing awareness to the nature of holistic healing and health.

Contact Alicia today to get scheduled!

217-971-7647

[email protected]

https://kironwellness.com/



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WE ARE NOW OPEN IN SPRINGFIELD!

2536 FARRAGUT DR. SPRINGFIELD, IL 62704

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13936 ST. HWY. 97, PETERSBURG, IL 62675

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Dr. Curry is a Chiropractor that practices in Petersburg and Springfield, IL. He practices chiropractic, acupuncture, nutritional therapy, and utilizes many different techniques to achieve optimal health.