Massage Therapy
Massage therapy plays a role in your physical and emotional well-being. The stress of everyday life can lead to headaches, backaches, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, poor concentration, anxiety and more. Therapeutic massage, a part of Avera's holistic approach to care, rejuvenates your body and mind by increasing oxygen-rich blood tot he brain and muscles, and calming the nervous system.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Experience the benefits of receiving a massage from an Avera professional, such as:
- Decreased muscle tension and stiffness
- Enhanced relaxation
- Faster healing of strained muscles and ligaments
- Improved circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
- Increased joint flexibility and range of motion
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduction in pain, swelling and muscle spasms
- Relief from tension-related headaches and eye strain
- Stress relief
Types of Massage
Choose from a variety of massage therapies at Avera. Each offers its own unique focus, technique and benefits. Discover the best option to meet your specific needs.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a soft tissue massage that uses long, broad strokes to improve circulation, release tension, restore energy and flush out lactic acid resulting from strenuous exercise or injury.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage stimulates deep muscle relaxation in order to re-educate muscles how to work properly and support the body's own natural abilities to heal.
Neuromuscular Massage
Neuromuscular massage benefits those suffering from chronic pain by releasing muscles in a specific area through a series of four or five sessions of Trigger Point Therapy.
Hot Stone Therapy
Hot stone therapy uses the penetrating heat of hot stones to enhance massage strokes. Still-warm stones are left on pressure points and areas of sore and tight muscles.
Pregnancy or Prenatal Massage
Expecting mothers can take advantage of prenatal massage to address challenges of edema, postural changes, headaches and pain in the neck, shoulders, lower back, pelvis and hips.
Additional Treatments
Avera also offers a variety of spa services, such as reflexology, couples massage, paraffin wax treatments and spa packages. Talk with your massage therapist to learn more about what options are available at your Avera location.
Call your Avera location to find out what types of massage therapy are offered near you.
What to Expect
What is the first appointment like?
When you arrive for your first massage appointment, you will be asked to complete a brief medical history. Be sure to mention any specific areas of pain or soreness, or concerns about medical conditions.
Depending on your comfort level, you may undress completely or choose to wear undergarments. You will have privacy to undress. During your massage you are covered except for the area that is being massaged. You will lie on a soft, padded table specifically designed with stability and comfort. The room is softly lighted and the temperature is warm. You may hear soft, instrumental music or water, gently falling from a fountain. Your therapist may use a light oil or lotion to enhance your massage.
What should I expect during the massage?
The massage begins with gentle touch and pressure to relax you and release tension, gradually working more deeply to certain areas. This is your time to enjoy. Leave your to-do lists at the door and forget about your worries.
Take a few deep, slow breaths and relax. You can close your eyes and relax or you can talk - it's up to you. Always feel comfortable to ask questions at any time. Your massage should feel good and work alogn with your body's natural responses. If you have had an injury or have chronic pain, massage may cause some minor discomfort at first, but this will decrease within a few minutes. Tell your therapist if you feel an discomfort so they can adjust to a better comfort level.
How long will my massage be?
It usually takes one hour to give a deep, relaxing full-body massage or to work a particular area in depth. A half hour may be sufficient to work on a more specific area.
What should I expect after my massage?
Massage can be extremely relaxing so get up slowly afterwards. You may feel a freedom from aches and pains and reduced stress. You should drink extra water afterward because water helps release toxins from your body. During the next few days you may feel an increase in energy. Keep in tune with your body for any other changes you may feel over the next few days.
