Massage acts on the nervous system to counteract the stress response, decrease muscle tension and pain, increases range of motion to restrictive joints, increase circulation, and decrease heart rate and blood pressure.

Massage on normal tissues almost always is a pleasant sensation. Massage in the area of an injury or chronic pain may at first cause some discomfort which lessens noticeably within a few minutes of therapy.

A monthly massage is recommended for general prevention of stress and pain responses and can help you become aware of held chronic muscle tension. When treating pain this depends on your general health, when the pain started and what caused it. For chronic injuries and long term benefits you will usually need as series of massages.

Licensed Massage Therapists are educated in a variety of massage techniques, anatomy and physiology and knowledge of when massage would be contraindicatd. Some conditions require close communication between your primary care provider and massage therapist.

At present, few health insurance plans cover massage therapy, but some PPO plans will cover as an out of network provider. PIP/Personal Injury insurance usually will cover massage therapy to help with recovery from soft tissue related injuries due to auto injuries.