WHAT IS MASSAGE?

Massage is the manipulation of the body’s soft tissue.

WHAT IS BODYWORK?

Bodywork can be broader in scope than massage. It can involve manipulation, but also movement, yoga, and even imagery. It also may encourage a deeper connection between the body and the mind.

WHO NEEDS THEM?

Almost anyone can benefit.  

WHAT CAN THEY DO FOR YOU?

Massage and bodywork are easy, natural ways to relieve pain and other discomforts. (According to the Mayo Clinic, massage causes the body to release its own painkillers.) Massage, in particular, is an excellent way to ease stress.

Before making an appointment with a massage therapist, it’s important to do two things: read as much as you can about massage and bodywork (this ensures you will be choosing the right form of therapy) and consult with a physician—regardless of your health.

Licensed massage therapist Laurie Reese offers many different types of massage, along with various bodywork approaches. The guide below gives a thorough explanation of several of her services:

IF YOU'RE SUFFERING FROM BACK PAIN

Laurie recommends Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy™. Using her feet—which are lubricated—Laurie gives you a Swedish-style deep tissue massage that will make you feel extraordinarily relaxed.

IF YOU SUFFER FROM HEADACHES, WHIPLASH, OR SINUS PROBLEMS

You might want to consider Craniosacral Therapy. The focuses are on the spine and skull, and one of the main goals is to remove harmful imbalances.  

IF YOU’RE EXPECTING

Try Pregnancy Massage. The benefits can be absolutely amazing: Pregnancy massage can ease body aches and swelling, improve mood and sleep, reduce stress hormones, and increase the likelihood of having a full-term pregnancy. Pregnancy massage can involve a variety of different techniques. The best time to get one is in your second trimester.

IF YOU HAVE SWELLING

Swedish Massage can help. (It works by increasing circulation.) Laurie uses long, gliding strokes when doing a Swedish massage, and kneads layers of muscles near the body’s surface.

IF YOU SUFFER FROM SORE MUSCLES AFTER PLAYING A GAME

A Sports Massage may be just what the doctor ordered. The aim of this massage is to help heal the specific muscles a person uses in an activity. Sports massage can also be used to train athletes.