What Is Massage Therapy?

IM-Rec Sports is pleased to offer Massage Therapy at the Aquatic & Fitness Center. Massage Therapy is a safe and effective treatment that benefits people of all ages and walks of life, offering a non-invasive and drug-free approach to assist the body's natural ability to heal itself. A popular type of bodywork, Massage Therapy is defined as an application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body.

Massage

The application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. The many variations of massage account for several different techniques.

Bodywork

Bodywork can include many forms of touch therapies such as manipulation, movement and/or re-patterning to affect structural changes to the body. Techniques used to deliver the various therapies may include stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction and pressure to the soft tissues of the human body. Oils, lotions, and powders may also may also be included to reduce friction on the skin.

All Massage staff are certified therapists or practitioners. Learn more about them!

Benefits

Massage & Bodywork Can:

Massage Options

Various types and techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture & movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points and more. Feel free to ask the practitioner about the methods he or she uses.

Swedish Massage

One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish Massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body.

Deep Tissue Massage

Techniques that utilize deep tissue/deep muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.

Sports Massage

Sports Massage applies specific motions and pressures on the body's soft tissues that are part of a training regimen and are designed to maximize performance before, during and after physical exertion. Sports massage also assists in alleviating tension in those soft tissues.

Seated Massage

Seated Massage, also called Chair Massage, includes techniques that provide fully-clothed seated massage, bodywork and somatic therapies to clients. Practitioners utilize Swedish techniques. Seated Massage is available on-site as well–let us bring the chair to you! Call 434.924.3791 or e-mail us for On-site Seated Massage rates.

Prices

*available to students & IM-Rec Sports members only unless otherwise noted
30-Minute Table: $30
60-Minute Table: $55, *$70 non-member
90-Minute Table: $85
30-Minute Seated: $25 (call 434.924.3791 or e-mail us for On-site Seated Massage rates.)

Please note that Massage Therapy specifically excludes diagnosis, prescription, manipulation, or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other medical profession.

There are some conditions where massage is not recommended. Your practitioner should ask you about your specific health conditions and determine if massage, bodywork or somatic therapies are right for you. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. In some cases, a doctor's approval may be necessary before providing assistance.