Massage therapy works wonders

Wed, 01/24/2007 - 9:21am
By: Michael Boylan

By Linda Cashdollar

Heritage of Peachtree Retirement & Assisted Living

Massage therapy is a powerful tool in the hands of Certified Massage Therapist Charlie Wooters. Wooters has been visiting the residents at Heritage of Peachtree for the past three years, developing a loyal clientele among the happy seniors. Massage does more than just loosen up tight muscles. A good massage therapist can seemingly work miracles as nimble fingers search out the aches and pains of aging bodies.
Heritage residents line up Monday mornings anxiously waiting for Wooters arrival. Everyone has an appointment and relishes their 15-30 minute time slot.

Wooters rubs aching shoulders, massages arthritic arms or backs. As he deftly uses his hands and fingers, he also talks soothingly to each resident about what is going on in their lives. Aches and pains fall away in his gentle hands and caring attitude.

Massage has a long history. Herodicus, a Greek physician in the 5th century, who professed to have great success in prolonging lives with a combination of massages, herbs and oils. Hippocrates, 460-380 BC is considered the Father of Medicine. He claimed that he could improve joint function and increase muscle tone with massage. He also believed that massage strokes should be carried toward the heart rather than the feet. This was astonishing since there was no knowledge of blood circulation at that time.
Hindu writings in 1800 BC indicate massage was used for weight reduction, sleep aids, relaxation and fatigue. The Hindus were also interested in hygiene, so they combined massage with bathing and shampooing. Chinese Literature in 3000 BC shows that massage, exercise, martial arts and meditation were considered complete health.

Per Henrik Lind, 1776 to 1839, was a physician who formulated Gymnastics, which originated as a combination of massage and exercise.

John Grosvenor, 1742 to 1823, was an English surgeon and professor at Oxford University who demonstrated the benefits of massage therapy in reliving stiff joints, gout and rheumatism. Although he did not include exercise in his treatment, he believed the healing of joints and tissues were by the action of friction and rubbing.

In WWII massage was used in English hospitals to treat injuries.

Some of the many benefits of Massage include: assisting the venous flow of blood, excouraging lymphatic flow, reducing edema, stimulating sensory receptors of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, relaxation, improving self-esteem, improving flexibility, providing gentle stretching of tissues, encouraging endorphin release, stimulating or soothing nerves.
Massage has existed as long as there have been human beings. It is a natural instinct to “rub away pain” which can be considered the simplest form of massage. Residents of Heritage of Peachtree understand the many benefits of massage, and are thankful for Charlie Wooters visits each week.

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Submitted by mysteryman on Wed, 01/14/2009 - 7:11pm.

The best massage i ever had was at the old Tokyo Spa in Jonesboro. But Victor had it shut down cause he was not happy with his cut of the action. Since the Honey Spa and Salon is going to be vacant soon, it would only make sense if we could make this space available to a true spa where one could expreince a world class massage, complete with happy ending. Might as well since the county commision is doing every thing it can to ensure that we are the next Riverdale, and College Park all rolled up into one...NYCE, all we need now is a No Tell Motel, and a liquor store, and our journey to the dark side will be complete.. Oh yeah i almost forgot Virgil and his friends wont rest or be happy until that big white bus with the three color stripe rolls into town...AWESOME I CANT WAIT.. IM SURE SPLOST WILL PAY FOR THE BUST STOPS, OH MY BAD BUS STOPS...PEACE...

Submitted by jollibee on Wed, 01/14/2009 - 10:44am.

This is really helpful. Now I've known that massage has many benefits in our body. Thanks a lot for the infos.

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Submitted by link7881 on Wed, 01/14/2009 - 2:50am.

I totally agree. Massage therapy can do magical things in our body. Massage therapy can work wonders for people with back pain. It may not always be the best choice, and it may not work for everyone. Most massage therapists use a variety of techniques during a session, such as energy techniques and stretching, along with traditional massage. Well, throughout our bodies we have a clear fluid that circulates around the body tissues called "lymph." At the same time, we may have inflammation, which is an immune response to injury or infection that causes pain, redness, heat, and swelling in the affected area - in our muscles, around our muscles, even in our joints. By helping the body remove excess lymph and inflammation, massage therapy can make your blood flow better, which will reduce the pressure that is irritating the nerves and get rid of your pain. Massage School

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Submitted by ceejay2005 on Tue, 12/30/2008 - 8:00am.

does anyone think massage therapy is a proffession that can be taken seriously? i really want to take massage therapy and my sister thinks it is for sluts and whores. i don't think so. i am 21 and pregnant. lol. i will take the class after i have my baby. what do you think?
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Submitted by SpinDr on Tue, 12/30/2008 - 9:42am.

I do think that massage, as a profession, is credible and taken seriously so long as you keep your clothes on while providing the massage and that it is done in an environment that is professional (that means no truck stops or Oriental Spas).


Submitted by rmoc on Tue, 12/30/2008 - 3:39pm.

I think that Massage is definitely an honorable career. The only thing is that I think with the economy the industry is going to shrink with some of the other personal services sector jobs.

You also need to look at the long term impact of massage therapy as a career. If you tend to Carpal Tunnel or have a bad back, this is a very bad choice. I would spend my money on a more secure profession. Dental and Medical Services are pretty recession proof. Physical Therapists, dental hygenists, lab techs, etc.

Submitted by link7881 on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 11:00am.

I am a call center agent and currently on a graveyard shift. My work seems to give me a stress. I would always ask my friends to come with me to a massage parlor for a body massage which will only take an hour for an affordable price. I love massage so much! It makes my body and mind at ease...

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Submitted by jeffreyfrog on Wed, 11/19/2008 - 7:59am.

Massage may be helpful in reducing tension and pain, improving blood flow, and encouraging relaxation. Massage therapists usually apply pressure with their hands, but they can also use their forearms, elbows, or feet. When done properly, massage is considered safe. I learned it from Massage School.

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