Relax, Restore, Revitalize

The healing art of massage therapy spans a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, working to improve an individual’s health and well-being through the hands-on manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body.

Although massage affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activities of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.

The origins of therapeutic massage are rooted in the common instinctual response to hold and rub a hurt or pain. It is found in all cultures as an integral part of health care.

The therapeutic massage methods used today have both Eastern and Western origins. The first written records of massage date back over 4,000 years to early Chinese medicine and ancient Ayurvedic medicine of India, making it one of the oldest known health care practices. Shiatsu, acupressure, and reflexology spring from these Eastern sources as do other contemporary methods.

Western civilizations were introduced to therapeutic massage by Greek and Roman physicians.  Modern Western massage is credited primarily to Peter Henrik Ling, a Swedish athlete. His approach, which combines hands-on techniques with active and passive movements,
became known as Swedish massage, and is still one of the most commonly used methods in the Western world.

By the end of the 19th century, a significant number of American doctors were practicing this manual technique and the nation’s first massage therapy clinic opened its doors to the public. However, in the early 20th century, the rise of “modern” technology and prescription drugs began to overshadow massage therapy. For the next several decades, unfortunately, massage remained dormant and only a few therapists continued to practice the “ancient” technique.

During the 1970’s, both the general public as well as the medical profession began to take notice of alternative medicine and mind-body therapies. Therapeutic massage is now experiencing a renaissance and is regaining its rightful place among health care practitioners.

Today, there are more than 200,000 massage therapists practicing in the United States and their numbers are growing rapidly to keep up with the more than 80 million massage therapy appointments made every year.

The origins of therapeutic massage are rooted in the common instinctual response to hold and rub a hurt or pain. It is found in all cultures as an integral part of health care.

The therapeutic massage methods used today have both Eastern and Western origins. The first written records of massage date back over 4,000 years to early Chinese medicine and ancient Ayurvedic medicine of India, making it one of the oldest known health care practices. Shiatsu, acupressure, and reflexology spring from these Eastern sources as do other contemporary methods.

Western civilizations were introduced to therapeutic massage by Greek and Roman physicians. Modern Western massage is credited primarily to Peter Henrik Ling, a Swedish athlete. His approach, which combines hands-on techniques with active and passive movements,
became known as Swedish massage, and is still one of the most commonly used methods in the Western world.

By the end of the 19th century, a significant number of American doctors were practicing this manual technique and the nation’s first massage therapy clinic opened its doors to the public. However, in the early 20th century, the rise of “modern” technology and prescription drugs began to overshadow massage therapy. For the next several decades, unfortunately, massage remained dormant and only a few therapists continued to practice the “ancient” technique.

During the 1970’s, both the general public as well as the medical profession began to take notice of alternative medicine and mind-body therapies. Therapeutic massage is now experiencing a renaissance and is regaining its rightful place among health care practitioners.

Today, there are more than 200,000 massage therapists practicing in the United States and their numbers are growing rapidly to keep up with the more than 80 million massage therapy appointments made every year.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?

There are nearly 200 different massage and bodywork techniques. Each technique is uniquely designed to achieve a specific goal. A few of the most common types practiced, especially at BODY & SOLE, are:

Swedish Massage is the most common form of massage in the United States. It is characterized by long, smooth strokes and kneading on the more superficial layers of muscles and is combined with passive movements of the joints. It is used primarily for full-body sessions and promotes general relaxation, improves blood circulation and range of motion, and relieves muscle tension.

Deep Tissue Massage releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons, and fascia. It is called deep tissue because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.

Reflexology is a 4,000-year old technique that focuses on the feet, an area that contains reflex points that correspond to all the organs and systems of the body. Through the skillful application of pressure to specific points in the feet, the entire body can be affected. Similar safe, natural techniques are used on the hands, ears, and large colon to assist in the reduction of stress, boost circulation, aid in elimination, revitalize energy,and balance the entire body on all levels.

Neuromuscular Therapy (also known as Trigger Point Therapy) applies concentrated finger pressure to “trigger points” (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain. Neuromuscular re-education may be used for chronic pain or for injury rehabilitation, helping to break up scar tissue formed around an injured area.

Aromatherapy The use of essential oils for curative and rejuvenating effects, aromatherapy dates back to ancient Egypt, India, and the Far East. This simple therapy has been used for centuries to reduce stress and tension, refresh and invigorate the body, soothe emotions, and clear the mind. After an initial discussion with the client, specific essential oils are used in conjunction with other appropriate techniques, such as massage, acupressure, or reflexology. Used in oils, the essential oil is absorbed through the skin and into the body to affect physiological change. When inhaled, the aroma directly affects the limbic area of the brain that is related to emotions and memories.

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system. This system is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. A very soft touch is applied to the head and spine for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor, or intellectual dysfunction, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems.

Myofascial Release uses gentle pressure and body positioning to relax and stretch the muscles, fascia (connective tissue), and related structures. Its goal is to improve flexibility and mobility of the muscles, nerves, and connecting structures of the body. The fascia is an elastic sheath surrounding muscle fibers, muscle groups and organs, and gives our body structural integrity and strength. It can stick together in layers and retain tension when physical or emotional traumas occur. By releasing that “stickey-ness” issue, freedom occurs for the affected area.

Lymphatic Drainage uses light, rhythmic strokes to improve the flow of lymph (colorless fluid that helps fight infection and disease) throughout the body. This therapy is designed to drain stagnant fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissue, filter out toxins and foreign substances which allow the body to maintain a healthy immune system, and is commonly used after surgery to reduce swelling.

Hot Stone Massage is becoming widely known for its deeply relaxing benefits. It employs a technique that uses smooth, water heated basalt stones which are placed on specific acupressure points on the body to melt away knots, tension, and stress. The hot stone experience relieves pain, promotes harmony, balance, and peace. (There are times with certain sessions that an application of cold stones will be used to assist with inflammation, relieve sinus headache, or calm eye strain.)

Pregancy Massage: Pregnancy places strong demands on a woman’s body and is a perfect time for the body to be nurtured and pampered. This massage not only relieves the tensions and aches caused by the extra weight and shift in the center of gravity to the body, but it also reduces swelling, soothes the nervous system, acts as a tonic, reduces fatigue, and enhances energy.

Reiki: Pronounced ‘ray-kee’, in Japanese this means “universal life energy”. It is a healing technique of transmitting life energy by placing the hands gently in specific positions either on or above the body. This laying-on of hands is designed to relieve pain, restore vitality, heal illnesses, and aid spiritual growth. By bringing the body to a relaxed state, the body can do what it was designed to do…heal itself!

Sports Massage Therapy is classified into three main categories: Maintenance, Event, and Rehabilitation. Maintenance massage is a regular program of massage to help the athlete reach optimal performance through injury-free training. Event massage takes place before, during, and/or after competition to supplement an athlete’s warm-up, readying the athlete for top performance, and/or to reduce the muscle spasms and metabolic build-up that occurs with vigorous exercise. Such techniques enhance the body’s recovery process, improving the athletes return to high-level training and competition, and reducing the risk of injury. Rehabilitation massage techniques are effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries

When a therapist massages soft tissue, electrical signals are transmitted both to the local area and throughout the body. These signals help heal damaged muscle, stimulate circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic system, boost the activity of the immune system, reduce pain and tension, and induce a calming effect. They may also enhance a general sense of well-being by stimulating the release of endorphins (natural pain-killers and mood elevators) and reduce levels of certain stress hormones.

A therapeutic massage enhances your life in many ways and can have profound effects on the physical, mental, and emotional states of your body. The trained hands and caring spirits of BODY & SOLE’s massage therapists help tune your body, putting it in the mode to heal itself.
This brings about the balance that we are all trying to achieve.

Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy:

* Relaxes the whole body
* Loosens tight muscles
* Relieves tired, aching muscles
* Relieves cramps and muscle spasms
* Reduces effects of eye strain
* Increases flexibility and range of motion
* Reduces chronic pain
* Calms the nervous system
* Lowers blood pressure
* Reduces heart rate
* Slows respiration
* Increases the flow of blood and lymph
* Improves skin tone
* Speeds recovery from injuries and illness
* Strengthens the immune system
* Reduces tension headaches
* Promotes deeper, more effective breathing
* Improves posture
* Reduces post-surgery adhesions and swelling
* Decreases and realigns scar tissue

Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy:

* Reduces mental stress
* Improves concentration
* Promotes better sleep
* Induces mental relaxation
* Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity


Emotional Benefits of Massage Therapy:


* Provides a feeling of well-being
* Enhances self-image
* Fosters peace of mind
* Lessens depression and anxiety
* Increases awareness of mind-body connection
* Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
* Satisfies the need for caring and nurturing touch


As you can see, massage offers more benefits than you can imagine. Touch is essential from the moment we are born until the moment we die. Because of this, massage is also an emotionally powerful self-care tool. Having a caring professional “listen” to your body with their hands is a deeply soothing experience. Isn’t it good to know that something that feels so great can contribute to your long-term health as well!

There are some contraindications for massage in particular circumstances. For example, we would not massage directly over a tumor or if there has been a recent blood clot. However, once we know that we can work with you (the majority of cases), we have massage therapists trained in many specialty areas (pregnancy, injury rehabilitation, surgery recovery, sports massage, cancer, etc.) with proper protocols and guidelines to follow. It is very important that you keep your therapist informed if there have been any changes in your health or medications.

If you suffer from certain circulatory ailments (such as phlebitis), infectious diseases, certain forms of cancer, cardiac problems, certain skin conditions, or any inflamed or infected tissues, be sure to consult your physician before initiating any massage program

* Allergies
* Arthritis
* Asthma and Bronchitis
* Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
* Chronic and temporary pain
* Circulatory problems
* Depression
* Digestive and elimination disorders
* Fatigue
* Fibromyalgia
* Gastrointestinal disorders (Including spastic colon, colic, and constipation)
* Headaches / Migraines
* Insomnia
* Jet Lag
* Menstruation discomforts
* Plantar Faciitis
* Pregnancy
* Reduced range of motion
* Repetitive Strain Injuries (carpel tunnel syndrome, etc.)
* Sciatica
* Sinusitis
* Spinal disc issues
* Sports injuries (including pulled/strained muscles and sprained ligaments)
* Strains, Sprains, and Muscles Spasms
* Stress / Anxiety
* Surgery preparation and recovery
* Tendonitis / Bursitis
* TMJ dysfunction (noise and/or pain in the jaw joint)


Individuals in all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of massage and bodywork. From stressed-out executives, students, laborer, stay-at-home moms, or an ill and homebound person, massage may be an option to aid you on the road to recovery, well-being, or maintaining your level of health.

This brings about the balance that we are all trying to achieve.

Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy:

* Relaxes the whole body
* Loosens tight muscles
* Relieves tired, aching muscles
* Relieves cramps and muscle spasms
* Reduces effects of eye strain
* Increases flexibility and range of motion
* Reduces chronic pain
* Calms the nervous system
* Lowers blood pressure
* Reduces heart rate
* Slows respiration
* Increases the flow of blood and lymph
* Improves skin tone
* Speeds recovery from injuries and illness
* Strengthens the immune system
* Reduces tension headaches
* Promotes deeper, more effective breathing
* Improves posture
* Reduces post-surgery adhesions and swelling
* Decreases and realigns scar tissue

Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy:

* Reduces mental stress
* Improves concentration
* Promotes better sleep
* Induces mental relaxation
* Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity

Emotional Benefits of Massage Therapy:

* Provides a feeling of well-being
* Enhances self-image
* Fosters peace of mind
* Lessens depression and anxiety
* Increases awareness of mind-body connection
* Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
* Satisfies the need for caring and nurturing touch

As you can see, massage offers more benefits than you can imagine. Touch is essential from the moment we are born until the moment we die. Because of this, massage is also an emotionally powerful self-care tool. Having a caring professional “listen” to your body with their hands is a deeply soothing experience. Isn’t it good to know that something that feels so great can contribute to your long-term health as well!