Massage Therapy
Benefits: Massage therapy reduces muscle tension and stiffness, improves circulation and blood flow, promotes relaxation and stress relief, increases range of motion and flexibility, alleviates chronic and acute pain, aids in the recovery of injuries, enhances posture and alignment, reduces anxiety, improves mental clarity, improves sleep quality, stimulates lymphatic drainage and toxin removal, increases endorphins and serotonin, boosts mood, and promotes overall well-being.
Risks: Massage therapy can cause soreness, bruising (especially with deep tissue massage), aggravation of pre-existing injuries (e.g., sprains, strains), allergic reactions to oils or lotions, skin irritation, temporary fatigue, dizziness, or light-headedness. There is also a risk of nerve damage if pressure is applied incorrectly, increased pain if performed during an acute inflammatory phase, and exacerbation of conditions like fibromyalgia if pressure is too intense.
Contraindications: Massage therapy is contraindicated for individuals with acute injuries (fractures, sprains, strains), skin conditions (rashes, open wounds, infections), blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), fever, infections, severe osteoporosis or fragile bones, recent surgery or post-operative conditions, cancer or tumors, especially in the area to be treated, pregnancy (depending on technique, especially in the first trimester), uncontrolled heart conditions, or blood pressure issues.
Stretch Therapy
Benefits: Stretch therapy increases flexibility and range of motion, reduces muscle tightness and stiffness, enhances joint health and mobility, improves posture and body alignment, supports muscle relaxation and stress reduction, aids in the prevention of injury during physical activity, improves circulation and oxygen flow to muscles, assists with muscle recovery after exercise, reduces tension headaches and neck pain, improves body awareness and balance, and promotes relaxation and overall well-being.
Risks: Stretch therapy can lead to over-stretching, resulting in muscle strains or ligament sprains, risk of injury if muscles are cold or not properly warmed up, discomfort or pain if performed improperly, dizziness or light-headedness with excessive stretching, hyperextension or injury to joints if not performed correctly, muscle spasms or discomfort from stretching too intensely or rapidly, and aggravation of conditions like herniated discs or sciatica if not done properly.
Contraindications: Stretch therapy is contraindicated for individuals with acute injuries (sprains, strains, fractures), osteoporosis or fragile bones, joint instability, recent joint surgery, severe tendon or ligament damage, herniated discs or significant spinal issues, severe muscle or tendon tears, recent surgery (especially musculoskeletal surgeries), uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular issues), and pregnancy (depending on stage and type of stretching).
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Benefits: Manual lymphatic drainage reduces swelling and edema, stimulates the lymphatic system to promote toxin and waste removal, enhances circulation and fluid movement, reduces pain and inflammation, improves immune system function, accelerates recovery from surgery or injury, supports detoxification and metabolic waste elimination, reduces symptoms of lymphedema, improves skin tone and elasticity, relieves stress and promotes relaxation, reduces bloating and water retention, increases energy, and reduces fatigue.
Risks: MLD can cause temporary soreness or discomfort, mild fatigue due to detoxification effects, risk of infection if the skin is compromised or open wounds exist, aggravation of existing fluid retention issues if not properly diagnosed or treated, dehydration if fluids aren’t replenished post-treatment, possible dizziness or light-headedness due to increased circulation, and over-stimulation of the lymphatic system in some individuals.
Contraindications: MLD is contraindicated for individuals with acute infections or fever, heart conditions (especially with poor circulation), blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), kidney or liver disease (especially uncontrolled), severe edema due to malignancy or untreated cancer, active cancer (without medical approval), uncontrolled hypertension, pregnancy (unless approved by a healthcare provider), active cellulitis or other skin infections, and severe cardiac conditions or uncontrolled arrhythmias.
Patient Procedures
Before your first visit, we ask that you fill out all required paperwork. This will allow us to provide you with the safest and most relevant care possible. On the day of your appointment, make sure you have eaten, are well hydrated, and show up to the office a few minutes early in case you need to use the restroom or finish filling out paperwork. After meeting your therapist, you will be led to the treatment room where your therapist will discuss your health history and goals with you. After this discussion, a treatment approach for the session will be proposed for your approval and feedback. Feel free to discuss any questions, concerns, or additional information with your therapist. At this time, your therapist will step out of the room and allow you to undress for the session, if you choose to do so. (This is not required by any means. See our FAQ page on ummw.org for more information on undressing for your session) and get onto the treatment table. During the session, your therapist will continue to seek feedback to ensure you are comfortable throughout. Please communicate any discomfort or needs to your therapist to ensure the best results. After your massage, your therapist will step out and allow you to get off of the table, re-dress, and collect your belongings. Afterward, your therapist will present their findings, and recommended plan of care for you, including when they suggest you return and how long of sessions to schedule moving forward. Lastly, you will pay for your session, and leave a tip or schedule another appointment, should you choose to do so.
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