Massage Therapy has been used to treat a variety of health problems for hundreds of years with its roots originating from both Europe and Asia. While there seems to be universal agreement that massage "feels good," it also offers many clinical benefits. Historical and current research document the diverse physiological effects of massage, many of which are due to the movement of the therapist's hands over the body, physically stretching the muscles, encouraging circulation, inhibiting muscle spasm, and sedating or stimulating the nerves to ease pain or promote function as necessary. The treatment As with Physiotherapy, your Massage Therapist will use most of the first visit to collect important information about your condition and other related health problems and then perform a physical assessment of the affected area to determine a treatment plan. For massage therapy to be beneficial, the area(s) to be treated must free from clothing. For some individuals, this can cause some apprehension. We understand your needs and strive to provide the most private and professional clinical care in a setting where you feel relaxed and comfortable. What problems can be treated? The therapeutic use of massage affects all systems of the body, most particularly circulatory (blood and lymph), muscular, connective tissue and nervous systems. Massage therapy can also be effective in the control of pain (chronic or acute), in stress reduction and in creating a sense of relaxation and well being. The effectiveness of Massage Therapy increases if it is used in combination with the Infrared Therapeutic Sauna.