With massage therapy having so many benefits on the body such as relaxation and reducing pain, everyone is in need of a massage.  We would like to welcome our massage therapists, Jamie Smith and Jenny Weems.  Jamie joined our office in January 2009 after completing the massage therapy program at Kishwaukee College. Jenny Weems joined our office in September 2011 after completing the massage therapy program at Kishwaukee College. Jamie and Jenny are licensed and board certified massage therapists. They also assist Dr. Hilda Hattar with therapy and massage which is often used as part of treatment.

Massage Therapy Styles

Swedish
The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy.  This style uses firm yet gentle pressure. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on the topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.    

The four common strokes of Swedish massage are:

• Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
• Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
• Friction: deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
• Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand

Deep Tissue/Trigger Point Massage
Deep Tissue Massage eases into the deepest layers of fascia, muscle, and tendons.  Deep tissue massage is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff "trouble spots" in your body. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic -- relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.

Pre-Natal   
During pregnancy, your body goes through major changes. Pregnancy massage can help with these changes by reducing stress, decreasing arm and leg swelling, and relieving muscle and joint pain. Massage may be particularly helpful during a time when medication and other medical options may be more limited. Using specially designed massage pillows, the massage therapist will help get you into a comfortable position for this type of massage.

Massage can…