More than 15 million adults in the United States received massage therapy last year to help with back pain and improve their quality of life. Dr. Sarah Merritt has more than 10 years experience treating a variety of ailments as a massage therapist. Call or make an appointment online at Merritt Chiropractic in San Ramon, California, today.

 

Massage Therapy Q & A

What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is a type of complementary and integrative medicine. Dr. Merritt manipulates the different parts of your body using varying degrees of pressure and movement. During a massage therapy session, she works on your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Headaches

• Soft tissue strains or injuries

• Sports injuries

• Joint pain

Massage therapy is a collaborative, supportive addition to conventional medical treatment.

What are the different types of massage therapy?

Massage therapy is a treatment that includes pressing, rubbing, and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Massage therapy ranges from light stroking to deep pressure. There are several types of massage, among the most common are:

• Swedish massage: a gentle form of massage that incorporates long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration, and tapping; primarily for relaxation

• Deep massage: slow forceful strokes target the deeper layers of your muscles and connective tissues; helps with muscle damage from injuries

• Sports massage: similar to Swedish massage but geared toward athletes; helps prevent and treat injuries

• Trigger point massage: focuses on tight muscle fibers that form after injury or overuse

Other types of massage include:

• Reflexology: pressure points in your hands, feet, and ears are massaged to promote general well-being

• Neuromuscular massage: treats chronic pain and injuries; improves muscular and postural imbalances

• Craniosacral therapy: light touch works within the natural flows of the body; promotes deep relaxation and encourages your body’s natural healing ability

• Hot stone massage therapy: large and small heated stones melt away tension and stress

Dr. Merritt incorporates Active Release TechniqueⓇ (ART) into her massages to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement. She treats any abnormalities she finds through precisely directed tension with very specialized movements she instructs you to perform. There are over 500 specific treatment protocols unique to ART.

What benefits does massage therapy offer?

Massage therapy enhances your body’s natural restorative functioning and can help diminish muscle pain associated with injuries from overuse and repetitive strain, as well as from chronic lung disease and chronic constipation.

Massage therapy promotes your body’s relaxation response, relieving stress and tension. It also enhances your coping mechanisms and reduces the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress disorders.

Call or make a massage therapy appointment online with Dr. Sarah Merritt at Merritt Chiropractic in San Ramon, California, today.