Massage Therapy is offered at both our Grand Rapids and Wayland locations
Massage is generally considered part of integrative medicine. Massage therapy used alone as a treatment can provide many benefits. Our patients find that they experience improvement in symptoms sooner and for a longer duration when used in conjunction with chiropractic treatments.
Massage benefits can include:
- Reducing stress and increasing relaxation
- Reducing pain and muscle soreness and tension
- Improving circulation, energy and alertness
- Lowering heart rate and blood pressure
- Improving immune function
Some studies have found massage may also be helpful for:
- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia related to stress
- Low back pain
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Nerve pain
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries
- Temporomandibular joint pain
- Upper back and neck pain
What you can expect during a massage
You don't need any special preparation for massage. Before your massage therapy session starts, your therapist will ask you about any symptoms, your medical history and what you're hoping to get out of massage. Your massage therapist will explain the kind of massage and techniques they will use.
Typically, in a massage therapy session, you undress or wear loose-fitting clothing. We ask that your underwear is left on, while other undergarments can be removed. Undress only to the point that you're comfortable. You generally lie on a table and cover yourself with a sheet. The therapist will instruct you to lie on the table with your face-up, laying on your back or face-down, laying on your stomach. Your massage therapist will leave the room before you undress, prior to the massage and again when you dress after it. You can also have a massage while sitting in a chair, fully clothed. Your massage therapist should perform an evaluation through touch to locate painful or tense areas and to determine how much pressure to apply.
Your massage therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on your skin. Although we use hypoallergenic or sensitive products, tell your massage therapist if you might be allergic to any ingredients.
Unless you are having a seated massage, the session may last from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of massage and how much time you have. No matter what kind of massage you choose, you should feel calm and relaxed during and after your massage. Breathe normally throughout your massage.
Your massage therapist may play music during your massage or talk to you, but please let the therapist know if you'd prefer silence or just the music during your massage.
Your therapist will ask throughout the massage how their pressure is. While scheduling a deep-tissue massage is an option, if a massage therapist is pushing too hard, ask for lighter pressure. Occasionally, you may have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot; it's likely to be uncomfortable while your massage therapist works it out. If it becomes painful, please speak up.
Depending on the type of massage you've had, you may be sore the next day. Ask your therapist if they recommend that you apply ice or heat afterwards. We instruct all of our patients to drink additional water after they've had a massage. This will help flush out any toxins that were released during your session.
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice or "No-Shows" will incur a $30 fee.