UT Virtual View Book
UT Rockets
Let Us Share More About UT!
UTMC Named Regions #1 Hospital
Massage Demystified
What is massage, anyway? Ever bump your shin? Usually the first response is to rub and press that area to take away the pain. This is massage.
In the professional world of massage therapy, most therapists start out learning the basic Swedish Massage techniques. Swedish massage was developed by Henrik Ling, the father of physical therapy. His work was taught throughout Europe, eventually translated to English and brought to the United States.
SWEDISH MASSAGE is based on the concepts of anatomy and physiology, and employs traditional manipulative techniques of effleurage, (gliding the hand over a somewhat extended portion of the body), petrissage, (kneading of fleshy parts of the body), friction,(moving superficial layers of flesh against the deeper tissues), vibration, (continuous shaking or trembling of the tissue by the therapist’s hands or an electrical device) and tapotement, (tapping, beating, cupping, hacking or slapping of the tissues).
Other forms of massage are:
ACUPRESSURE: This stems from the Chinese medical practice of acupunture. It is based on the oriental medical principals for assessing & treating the physical & energetic body, and employs various methods of stimulating acupresure points to regulate chi, (life force energy). The aim is to achieve therapeutic changes, as well as relieve pain, discomfort and other physiological imbalances.
SHIATSU: a Japanese system, is a finger pressure method based on the oriental concept that the body has a series of energy points. When pressure is properly applied to these points, circulation is improved and nerves are stimulated. This system is said to improve body metabolism and to relieve a nmber of physical disorders.
ROLFING: is a technique of structural integration. Rolfing aligns the major body segments through manipulation of the fascia or connective tissue.
REFLEXOLOGY: orginated with the Chinese and is based on the idea that stimulation of particular points on the hands and feet will have an effect on other organs and areas of the body.
Therapists who extend their education beyond the requirements of massage school, add their additional skills to their toolbox. This gives them more options of treatment when faced with clients with different bodywork needs. I have taken classes on reflexology, acupressure and oncology massage techniques that I regularly incorprate into my sessions. I think it is important to know that a massage does not have to be deep to be effective. Some bodies require a gentler touch, and it is important as a therpist to know when it is acceptable to go deep and when going deep is contraindicated.
Our Summer special is still in force. Buy one session and the second one is half price. I spend time at the Morse Center, Main Campus Medical Center and Family Medicine on Sylvania Avenue.
Email me at vicki.feit@utoledo.edu, or call 530-3465 to make an appointment! Your body will thank you.
Vicki Feit is Licensed in massage therapy,certified since 1979. Worked through the years in a small private practice in Toledo while raising a family and working full time. In 2007 Vicki had an epiphany that led her to enrolling in a local massage school, and obtaining her license with the Ohio State Medical Board. She is certified in oncology massage therapy, and is a student of aromatherapy. In April, 2011, UT Physicians hired her as a massage therapist. She was thrilled to land this position. Vicki has always had a passion for customer service, and this is the ultimate service-to help people feel better through touch applied with intelligence, control & purpose.
Email this author | All posts by Vicki Feit
