Therapeutic Massage in Oakbrook Terrace

The art of massage was first noted in writings from 2000 BC and is written of in Egyptian, Persian, and Japanese literature. Hippocrates, Asclepiades, and Galen all described the medical benefits of massage. Ancient Olympic athletes received friction, anointing, and rubbing with sand prior to events. Julius Caesar used tissue manipulation for relief of neuralgia and epileptic attacks. Mayans, Incas, and other natives of the American continents used massage and joint manipulation. During the Middle Ages, massage became a part of folk medicine.

In the 16th century, Frenchmen Ambrose Pare revived massage techniques for postsurgical wound healing. Around 1800, P.H. Ling, a Swedish physiologist and gymnastics instructor, became the father of Swedish massage and physical therapy. More recently, neuromuscular massage, myofascial release, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and many others have techniques have been developed.

Why Massage?

Massage in Oakbrook Terrace can be used to address issues from birth through the end of life, as well from wellness to illness. Massage has been shown to increase morale as well as reduce anxiety, depression, and fatigue brought on by both physical and emotional stressors. Although massage is commonly used as a means to maintain health and wellness, it now more and more being used as an adjunct to conventional therapy for many conditions. It has been shown to decrease pain and associated symptoms in patients with migraines, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, myofascial pain syndrome, and burns and in children with autoimmune disorders. Studies have even identified positive responses in conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, anorexia, bulimia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sexual abuse, and smoking.

Massage has also gained wide acceptance for women throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the post-partum period as well as for premenstrual and menopausal patients. The benefits of infant and baby massage are also now better appreicated , with benefits for both child and parents. Massage in the elderly reduces anxiety and dysfunctional behaviors. Its use in hospice programs has been effective not only for patients but caregivers as well.

In the sports world, it is now commonplace for athletes of all stripes, whether amateur or professional, to utilize massage to assist in preparation for events as well as recovery and to treat specific injuries. Massage is also being used by employers to counter such ills as musculoskeletal problems, stress, and poor ergonomic designs of furniture in the workplace.

How Does Massage Work?

Massage can affect the physiology of many body systems. Massage is believed to work through direct mechanical stimulation and reflexive responses such as decreased sympathetic activity. Both are closely associated and may take place simultaneously. A mechanical response is brought on by the application of force or pressure, which is basis for all massage techniques.