Massage is a complementary touch therapy that reduces muscular tension, stimulates circulation, and helps people relax and feel calmer. There are many different kinds of massage therapy practiced in the United States, but they all use very similar techniques.

Massage therapists use different forms of touch and pressure including gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and vibration to help a person feel better. Massage therapists work with their patients to use techniques that best address a person’s individual problem or need.

Practitioners may also use different kinds of special techniques. Some massage therapists use scented plant oils to enhance a person’s feelings of relaxation and well-being. Therapists use different plant oils, such as peppermint or lavender, on a person’s skin or in the air to create different kinds of healing feelings.

Sometimes massage therapists may practice acupressure or reflexology by pressing their fingers on specific points on the body that are found in important energy pathways. Some people believe that stimulating key pressure points keeps the body healthy and helps a person’s energy stay in balance.

There are a number of other specialized massage techniques such as deep tissue massage, trigger point massage which works to release knots of muscle tension, and sports massage.

Massage cannot prevent the growth of cancer cells or the development of a blood disorder; however, it can help some people manage the side effects and stress that come with these illnesses. Massage can:

• Help people feel relaxed and calm,
• Relieve joint pain or stiffness,
• Increase mobility,
• Reduce muscle pain, and
• Improve a person’s sense of well-being.

The Hassenfeld center currently offers massage by a Registered Massage Therapist to patients and their family members one day a week free of charge.

Massage is safe and helpful for most people, but people with certain medical problems (such as blood clots, broken bones, skin infections, burns, and thin bones) should not have massage. Patients should first check with their Hassenfeld doctor to be sure that massage is right for them.