Massage Benefits and facts

Dawn Lowe- Massage Therapist

Massage has been long touted for its benefits both in the medical fields and in the spa realm,  but there are some common misunderstandings that still linger and can sometimes limit the number of people that can be reached with massage.

Myth- Cancer sufferes (recently diagnosed, undergoing treatment, remission up to six months) cannot recieve massage:

      Truth- while originally believed to cause metastasis of cancer cells and spread of the cancer, no research has come to that definitive conclusion, and therefore massage is no longer contraindicated for these clients. Care must be taken to ensure that proper pressure and preparation is taken while providing massage to these clients, as conditions such as sensitive skin and decreased immunity can occur with chemotherapy and radiation, but massage can help provide relief from nausea, fatigue, and discomfort associated with treatment.

Myth- Massage has little to know medical benefit

     Truth- More physicians are coming around to the fact that massage has been shown to have medical benefits, from decrease in pain and increased healing time to decreased insomnia and stress. While massage is not a treat all cure it can have major benefits for those already taking prescription medications of contemplating them to help with management of symptoms from many common ailments.


Massages offered at Artistic Designs-

• Swedish- this modality offers light to medium pressure to provide relaxation and relief of minor to moderate pain from muscle stress and fatigue

• Deep Tissue- this massage offers more pressure for relief of deeper lying tension and pain, including pressure point work

• Sinus- focuses on sinus cavities, scalp and neck to help relieve pressure and pain associated with allergies and sinusitis

• BambooFusion- using heated bamboo rods, massage provides heated strokes and deeper muscle pain relief while warming the body and relieving stress

• Hot Stone- using heated stones, massage provides heat to localized areas of tension to aide in release of tension

• Sporting- designed for athletes and fitness buffs, pre and post event massage can help warm-up/cool down and prevent injuries linked with inadequate stretching and exercise

• Aromatherapy- using scented oils, provides desired effects based on scent used

We also offer therapeutic and pregnancy massage