Therapeutic Massage

by Andrzej Bartkow

West Hartford and Rocky Hill, CT

Sports · Deep Tissue · Relaxation · Myofascial

Therapeutic massage is no longer considered just a pleasurable indulgence, it has become an integral part of health care, both physical and mental.  Massage can help with a wide range of medical conditions.  Specifically, massage can:

  • Help relieve stress and anxiety.  Stress is implicated as a cause of heart disease and many other physical ailments.
  • Improve the circulation of blood and lymph.  Poor circulation can cause swelling and blood clots which can be both painful and dangerous.
  • Reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Improve posture and skeletal alignment.
  • Enhance athletic performance and relieve muscle tension and stiffness.
  • Reduce pain  and muscle spasms.
  • Increase flexibility and range of motion.  For athletes this significantly reduces risk of injury.

There are several different styles of massage including:

  • Sports Massage - Combines Deep Tissue techniques with assisted stretching and range-of-motion procedures.  This type of Massage increases flexibility and promotes healing and muscle recovery.
  • Deep Tissue - Effective in releasing chronic muscular tension and pain caused by trauma, repetitive injuries and poor posture.  This type of massage includes deep strokes and targeted pressure aimed at specific muscle groups.
  • Myofascial Release - This type is a mind-body approach effective in relieving pain.  It is particularly effective in relieving headaches and chronic muscular pain caused by tension.
  • Relaxation - Sometimes called Swedish, this type of massage uses long flowing strokes to reduce tension, improve circulation and stimulate the nervous system.