What Is Massage Therapy?

Intramural-Recreational 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. Massage Therapy is defined as an application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body.

All Massage Staff are Certified Therapists or Practitioners and are Licensed by the Va Board of Nursing. Learn more about them!

Benefits

Massage & Bodywork Can:

Massage Options

Swedish Massage

One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, it is designed to relax and re-energize the body by stimulating circulation.

Deep Tissue

Uses techniques that utilize deep pressure to affect the sublayer muscles in areas of discomfort. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.

Sports Massage

Applies specific motions, stretching, and pressures on the body’s muscles that are part of a training regimen for specific sports and designed to maximize performance before, during, and after physical exertion.

Seated Massage

Includes techniques that provide massage to fully clothed back, neck, shoulders, and arms. Seated massage is available
on-site; let us bring the chair to you! Call 434.924.3791 or email us at fitness@virginia.edu.

Pre-natal Massage

Uses different general massage techniques depending on the individual’s situation and trimester. The therapist will adjust the positioning of the client to effect overall comfort. Physician’s consent prior to scheduling. 

Forms

Pre-Natal Consent Form

Hot Stone Massage

Uses hot stones in conjunction with Swedish massage techniques. The stones are placed in key reflex areas along the body to help promote relaxation. Please let the practitioner know before the scheduled massage in order to have the stones hot and ready for the appointment.

Myofascial Release

Fascia is a layer of connective tissue between the skin and muscles all over the body, sometimes causing an all over tense feeling. The fiber component is affected by stretching methods that elongate the fibers to release the bind.

New! Fitness + Massage Therapy Wellness Package

Incorporate two components of wellness with sessions that focus on establishing effective workouts and muscle rejuvination.
 

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

There are some conditions where massage is not recommended. Be sure to communicate any health conditions and/or medications
with your practitioner to determine if massage, bodywork or somatic therapies are right for you. In some cases, a doctor’s approval may be necessary before providing massage.