- Integrated Body Therapies
Christine A. Ruppert, LMT5712 Stillwell Road
Rockville, MD 20851301-231-8695
Massage
Three Ways Massage Therapy Benefits Your Overall Health
Massage therapy isn’t just a luxury splurge when you are on vacation, it can actually be a key piece of your overall health and wellness. Regular massage therapy has been shown to ease pain and reduce inflammation while also working to reduce stress and anxiety. Below are three ways massage can benefit your overall health. continue reading
Massage Therapy Helps with the Symptoms of Autoimmune Disorders
According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, there are more than 100 autoimmune diseases. More than 50 million Americans are diagnosed with one or more of them and about 75% of those diagnosed are women. But what is the definition of autoimmune disease and can massage therapy really help? continue reading
Best Massage Techniques for Shoulder Pain
If you experience shoulder pain, massage therapy can be a very effective tool for dealing with some types of pain, but it really depends on the cause. It’s important to understand your injury and know when seeking massage therapy is appropriate. Here are a few shoulder injuries where massage can really help relieve pain. continue reading
5 Massage Techniques for Managing Stress
These five techniques are the best for managing stress and anxiety. Try them all to see which one works best for you! While most forms of massage therapy will work to relax you and decrease your stress levels, these five are often considered the most effective. continue reading
Two Massage Techniques to Help Deal with Menopause Symptoms
Many women consider menopause a right of passage and a normal part of the aging process. For most women, menopause begins naturally between 47 and 55 years of age. For many women the symptoms of menopause can be debilitating. Massage therapy can be a great option to improve many of the symptoms associated with menopause without the side effects of pharmaceutical solutions. continue reading
Massage Therapy for Self-Care
Self-care is becoming a more important part of everyone’s health routine. Since Covid-19 changed the world, more and more people are taking their mental and physical health even more seriously. Changes are noted and self-care has grown into a necessity for many. Did you know that massage therapy is one of the best ways to enjoy self-care? Read on to learn just how you can benefit from regular massage therapy and change your quality of life for the better. continue reading
Using Massage Therapy to Manage Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms
According to most recent numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 37.3 million people suffer from diabetes, roughly 11.3% of the U.S. population. And one of the most common complications of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy. The first signs of symptoms are typically numbness, pain or tingling in the feet or lower legs. Peripheral neuropathy can lead to a host of other health issues as well. Read on to learn how massage therapy can be a natural alternative to managing these symptoms for some people. continue reading
Benefits of Post-Op Massage Therapy
Recovering from any type of surgical procedure can be tough on the body. Whether you have a cosmetic procedure like a tummy tuck or you have a skin cancer lesion removed, your body will need time to heal. Many people don’t think about massage therapy as a natural post-operative procedure when it comes to recovery but here are some reasons post-operative massage can benefit you on your journey to healing. continue reading
Gaining a Competitive Edge: Massage for Athletes
Most people might assume that professional athletes use massage after their main competition. However, massage can prove beneficial for both professional athletes and weekend warriors before training begins, throughout the training process and after the competition. Whether you are just picking up a new competitive activity or training for the next marathon, adding massage therapy to your training regimen can really help your body adapt and heal.
Not every athlete is the same so not every training and treatment program will be the same. A good massage therapist will adjust to their client’s needs. Talk to your therapist about your training protocol and they will work with you to determine what the best options are to help you meet your needs.
There are three common massage techniques that your therapist might use.
Effleurage is a series of massage strokes that warm up the muscles in preparation for deeper tissue work. Your therapist will use long, slow strokes to sense any underlying muscle issues. Many therapists will use this at the end of a sports massage to close out a treatment session.
Petrissage is a bit different in that it uses slow and rhythmic movements to knead the muscles and fascia. The kneading strokes help to stretch and relax muscles as well as increasing circulation. There is research to suggest that this massage technique can alleviate muscle soreness, facilitate recovery from muscle stiffness, and improve muscle performance.
And the final technique, tapotement is described as rapid, percussion-like hand movements, typically performed at the end of a session.
Whether you are a regular triathlete or just enjoying a few rounds of golf or tennis on the weekends, massage therapy can help keep you at peak performance.
Can Massage Therapy Relieve Joint Pain?
For those suffering from joint pain, finding relief is a priority. Whether you suffer from tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis pain or even fibromyalgia, massage therapy can bring some much needed relief to the pain and inflammation that comes with these conditions.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, when performed by a trained and licensed professional, massage therapy can help to control pain, increase joint motion and even improve muscle and tendon flexibility. continue reading