The Joyefit Institute is committed to providing experienced and licensed massage therapist with extensive knowledge and continued education in most, if not all massage treatment modalities to help with your specific needs. Depending on your comfort and preference, we offer male and female therapist (see Therapist for details). Our mission is to provide our clients a positive experience with the most effective therapy session in a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere.
Massage therapy is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being.
Massage therapy has been around since ancient times with the earliest records coming from China and Egypt. In the United States, massage therapy started off as a luxury form of wellness for the wealthy. However, since the late half of the 20th century massage therapy has received recognition and credibility from the scientific and medical communities. It is now recognized as a legitimate form of natural healing and treatment for a wide variety of injuries and pain. The benefits of massage therapy include, but are not limited to:
How does massage improve pain and promote healing?
Another way massage works is by helping the body release the neurotransmitter's serotonin, GABA, and natural opioids. These neurotransmitters are the body’s natural anti-pain and feel good chemicals that when released, improve mood, reduce pain, relieve muscle tension, reduce mental stress, and improve sleep, which results in improved overall well-being.
Massage therapy helps with injured muscles and connective tissue. It increases the nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissue and reduces inflammation and stiffness. In addition, massage therapy activates the release of endorphins and the hormone, known as Oxytocin, into the body. These chemicals and hormones not only help with healing and pain management, but they also increase the feelings of joy and calmness.
Types of Massage
This is the most popular form of massage. Swedish massage is a gentle, relaxing massage using general strokes and specific techniques for problematic areas. It can be a good treatment for both acute and chronic pain sufferers as it improves circulation and mobility.
Additionally, Swedish massage improves circulation, improves lymphatic function, relaxes tense muscles, and activates the release of brain chemicals and hormones that reduce stress by deactivating the stress hormone adrenaline and cortisol. It essentially eliminates the chemicals responsible for creating stress, anxiety, insomnia, and mental and physical imbalance.
Medical massage is a therapeutic massage that addresses specific issues and specific parts of the body. This treatment is result-oriented and the treatment is specifically directed to resolve conditions that have been diagnosed by a physician. The therapist may use a variety of modalities and procedures during the treatment but will focus primarily on the area or areas of the body related to the diagnosis and prescription. Medical massage is outcome-oriented, instead of time-oriented. It is helpful to the therapist if you have a physician diagnosis, prescription, and referral.
Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a good option for individuals with chronic muscle problems such as soreness, injury, or imbalances.
During a deep tissue massage, your therapist will use slow deep strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve tension in the deepest layers of muscles and connective tissues. While deep tissue is more intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain or soreness. Avoid this massage if you are overly sensitive to pressure or touch.
Trigger point massage is best suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes areas of tightness in the muscle tissue, known as trigger points, can cause pain in other areas of the body.
By focusing on releasing trigger points, this treatment can reduce chronic pain problem areas. TPT uses broad flowing strokes that are gentle and relaxing. This is combined with deep pressure holds on trigger points for up to 90-seconds.
Johnny has been a positive influence in every aspect of my life since we met in January 2004. I was 50, premenopausal, and overweight. I have had a rough few years both physically and emotionally. Johnny has helped me get through abdominoplasty bilateral hip surgery and currently, breast cancer adjunctive therapy. He has helped me grow physically, spiritually, and emotionally. He has been there for me every step of the way and for that I will forever be grateful. His positive energy is contagious. Johnny is my trainer, my friend, and my motivator. He is a very special person.