Therapeutic Body Massage

	Why Get a Massage We've all heard it, said it or thought it before, "I need a massage." Once considered to be just hedonistic pampering for the rich and famous, massage therapy is now finding enormous popularity among millions of Americans. Massage therapy provides relief to people from all walks of life. The weekend athlete, the home gardener, the over stressed executive, secretaries, waitresses, laborers; virtually anyone can feel a need for massage therapy sooner or later. Numerous research studies conducted in the United States, Europe, and Asia have documented that far beyond simply "feeling good," massage therapy has an impressive range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits: back to top
Why Get a Massage Benefits REFLEXOLOGY Deep Tissue Swedish Sports Before the Session FAQ's Services call 684-6563 For your "Get Acquainted" Appointment	"Let Our Personal Care Ease Your Pain" Benefits of Massage Relaxation Stress Relief Improves Circulation Keeps Skin Looking Young Reduces Body Fluids Therapeutic for all Injuries Relieves Headaches Helps Tone muscles
	Benefits MASSAGE REDUCES THE EFFECTS OF STRESS Up to 90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related complaints such as headaches, backaches, neck pain, eyestrain, poor concentration, anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers, as well as, physical and emotional exhaustion. Massage therapy has an amazing effect on your body's nervous system. When massage therapy activates your body's parasympathetic nervous system, it counteracts your body's negative response to stress, relaxing muscle tension and allowing your heart rate, blood pressure and circulation to return to normal. Massage therapy also helps you become more aware of your body and your unconsciously held tension. As you become more aware of your body, you will begin to recognize tension as it builds during the day so that you can consciously release it before it can have a negative effect on your body. MASSAGE RELAXES TENSE MUSCLES Massage therapy stretches and loosens tight muscles, and connective tissue, breaking down and preventing further formation of adhesions, freeing your range of motion and reducing the dangers of fibrosis. Benefits: MASSAGE INCREASES BLOOD CIRCULATION Like a sponge that is squeezed, a tight muscle cannot hold much fluid nor can it allow much fluid to pass through it. This decreases your circulation of blood and increases the strain placed on your heart. Among the obvious problems that this can cause, this can leave you feeling fatigued and sore, reducing your precious energy reserves. Massage therapy releases contracted muscles and pushes venous blood towards the heart, thus easing the strain on this vital organ. This increase in circulation brings energy producing nutrients and oxygen to your cells as well as carriers away metabolic waste products that can make you feel listless and drained. In addition, massage therapy increases your body's oxygen carrying red blood cell count helping to bring even more oxygen to your body's cells. MASSAGE DECREASES CHRONIC PAIN Far too many of us face our daily lives with chronic pain due to injuries or illness. Not only does massage therapy help to correct the conditions that cause chronic pain, but it also acts in two ways to decrease the actual pain itself. The first is by the trained touch of a massage therapist activating nerve receptor signals along myelinated nerve fibers to temporarily block chronic pain signals from reaching the brain. The second is by the stimulated release of endorphins (The body's natural painkiller) into the brain and nervous system to reduce your feelings of pain and discomfort without the use of unnatural drugs. MASSAGE STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM Massage therapy not only improves the circulation of blood and its vital nutrients, but also increases the circulation of lymph in your lymphatic system thus helping your body to fight off infection and speeding your recovery from injuries and illness. "If you have a massage every week, you will have 2/3 less illness." H.GRUENN, M.D. Los Angeles, CA MASSAGE CAN IMPROVE NERVE FUNCTION Contracted muscles can press on or pinch your nerves causing tingling, numbness, or pain. Massage therapy relaxes these contracted muscles to relieve the compression on you nerves. Sensory receptors in the skin and muscles wake up bringing new awareness to areas that have felt cut off by chronic tension patterns. MASSAGE HELPS YOU TO SLEEP BETTER Tension from everyday stress can disrupt your sleep leaving you tired, irritable and emotionally drained. This can rob you of the patience and stamina needed just to face day-to-day life. Massage therapy relaxes tense muscles and calms the nervous system, causing your body's rhythm to slow down. When this happens, your blood pressure lowers, your heart rate settles, and your breath becomes deeper and more rhythmic, priming you for a perfect night's sleep. MASSAGE HELPS DURING PREGNANCY Pregnancy is a time of major structural, physiological, spiritual and social changes. Some of these changes produce discomforts, which can be addressed with appropriate massage therapy. Some of the possible benefits are: Reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Relieves muscle spasms, cramps, and myofascial pain, especially in the back and neck. Increases blood and lymph circulation and supports the physiological process of gestation, by supporting the work of the heart, increasing cellular respiration, reducing edema and contributing to sympathetic nervous system sedation. Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints and musculo-fasicial structures. Provides emotional support and physical nurturance. Develops the sensory awareness necessary to relax during 1st stage labor and to recruit appropriate muscles during the pushing phase. Provides a pregnant woman with the experience of loving, nurturing touch so that she may touch her own baby lovingly. Remember that this is the only body you're going to get, take great care of it. Pregnancy is a time of major structural, physiological, spiritual, and social changes. While massage therapy during pregnancy is not intended to replace appropriate medical and prenatal care, used as a form of adjunctive health care, some of the possible benefits are: Reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Relieves muscle spasms, cramps, and myofascial pain, especially in the back and neck. Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints and musculo-fascial structures. back to top
	REFLEXOLOGY Thumb and finger pressure is applied to reflex points on the feet and hands that correspond to specific glands and organs of the body. This very relaxing treatment helps to improve circulation and over-all health and well being. So revitalize yourself with a Reflexology session! 1 hour $50 or 1 1/2 hour $70 with any treatment back to top DEEP TISSUE A very focused deep muscle massage using trigger point therapy and specific stretches. Elbows, fists and thumbs are used for releasing blocked areas of the body and to decrease muscle spasms and break up adhesions in the muscles. This massage helps to rejuvenate and de-stress while improving overall vitality! 1 hour $60 1 1/2 hours $80 back to top SWEDISH This classic European massage uses long strokes and kneeding to the superficial layers of muscles. This very soothing massage helps to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improves flexibility and promotes health and relaxation. 1 hour $50 1 1/2 hour $70 back to top SPORTS An excellent massage especially for golfers and tennis players, using cross-fiber friction and stretching techniques. This invigorating treatment helps to restore mobility to sore muscles and prevent injuries while enhancing athletic performance. 1 hour $60 back to top Visa/ MasterCard/ Discover/ American Express when authorized in advance or cash at the time of service. Gift Certificates are also available.
	Before your Session Before you receive your session, it is a good idea not to eat any large or heavy meals, sugar, caffeine, or other stimulants. You may also want to shower or bathe directly before your session, not only out of courtesy to your therapist, but also to help start loosening any tight muscles that you might have. Before your first session begins your therapist will have you fill out a questionnaire regarding your medical history, physical condition, etc. Your therapist may assess any problem areas you may have by checking for restricted or painful movement, gently pressing for tender areas and observing your posture. Your session will be administered in a peaceful and quiet environment. Your therapist will ask you to disrobe in your private therapy room and drape yourself with a sheet. The type of session that you will be receiving and the specific areas of your body that your therapist will be working on will determine your required state of undress. You may leave your undergarments on or take them off as you prefer. Your therapist will be sure to respect your privacy during your session. The only area of your body that will be uncovered will be the area your therapist is working on at that time. The areas of the body specifically not included in a session are the genital areas, the breast tissue on women and in most cases, the throat. If there are any other areas you would prefer not to include in your session, be sure to let your therapist know prior to the start of your session. You will lie down on a comfortably padded massage table in a position explained to you by your therapist. Your therapist will take a moment to ensure that you are properly positioned, sufficiently covered and most importantly, that you are comfortable. Be sure to inform your therapist of anything that distracts from your comfort such as your position, the room temperature, lighting, etc. Remember that this is your time, so be comfortable. If at anytime during your session you experience any pain, discomfort or uneasiness of any sort, immediately inform your therapist. Massage therapy, when administered on healthy tissue, is a very pleasurable sensation. In the area of an injury or muscular tension, massage therapy may, at first, cause some discomfort. When your therapist locates these areas on your body, it will be your natural reaction to tense and to hold your breath. It is very important that you consciously try to relax these areas and remember to breathe deeply. This will help to lessen any discomfort you might experience from these areas. Conversely, if at anytime during your session your therapist works on an area or uses a technique you find particularly enjoyable, be sure to let your therapist know. Don't wait until the end of your session. If time permits, extra time can be spent on that area or technique. Your therapist will appreciate your feedback and will know next time to be sure to include extra time for these areas or techniques. As your session begins, close your eyes and allow yourself to relax as completely as possible. Focus your attention on your breathing, which should be slow, deep and even. Conversation, as enjoyable as it may be, can also be distracting to your relaxation and to the concentration of your therapist's efforts. Please try to limit your conversation to feedback about your session. Allow your therapist to move your limbs into various positions. Try to go limp, like a rag doll. You do not need to help. Your therapist is paid to take care of your body so all you need to do is relax. Again, this is your time. Many people fall asleep during their session, an indication that their bodies are letting go of stress and tension. Should you fall asleep, your therapist will gently wake you when it is time to reposition or end the session. Feel free to nap. Sometimes, as the body releases tension during a session, the mind can also release emotion that is associated with that tension. If you should suddenly feel joyful, sad or angry, do not be alarmed. Allow yourself to express these feelings by laughing or crying. At the very least, feel free to sigh or hum. Contrary to some notions in our society, massage therapy is a healing art, not a sexual service. Any illicit or sexually suggestive remarks or advances will result in the immediate termination of your session. After your massage, unless you have a condition that would prohibit it, you may want to drink extra water for the next 24 hours to help flush out the toxins released by your session. You may also want to take an Epsom or Rock Salt bath as well. If at all possible you may want to take the time to reap the full benefits of your session by taking a nap. Be sure to ask your therapist any questions you may have about massage therapy in general or your session in particular. back to top
	Services Therapeutic Body Concepts wants to first establish that our massages are non-sexual massages for wellness/ relaxation. Our massage therapists are fully clothed when giving the massage, all massages are performed on appropriate equipment, and draping is not an option. Please respect our therapists and receptionists. We are a professional Massage Therapy service. We have 2 beautiful locations to serve you. Take advantage of a chair massage. A chair massage is given while the client is fully clothed, reclining in a specially designed chair. Chair massages can be specially ordered for your office and/or special events. Please speak to a chair massage event consultant for more information. Estela Gosset (210) 684-6563. back to top

Frequently Ask Questions

Do I need a doctor's referral?
Unless you are taking medication, or have a specific condition that you are concerned about, massage therapy by a licensed professional should not require a physician's referral. However, some doctors may recommend massage therapy as a part of certain treatments. You should inform your therapist of anything that might be a factor of your overall condition. Therapeutic Body Concepts do not work with insurance companies at this time.

Do I have any control during the massage?
We recommend that you communicate with your massage therapist regarding the pressure or style of the technique. Also, environmental factors such as temperature, draping, volume of the music, or scents can be influenced by your participation. If you do not want to have a particular part of your body massaged, you should communicate that clearly and early on to your massage therapist.

Can I choose a male/female therapist?
We honor requests for male or female therapists, but we do not reveal the age, appearance, or nationality of our therapists. Therapeutic Body Concepts is not an escort service.

Will I be naked during the massage?
The client is recommended to remove all their clothes and jewelry except for their lower underwear. Women will be asked to remove their bras. A sheet will always drape clients over their entire body except for the part of the body being worked on. During the massage, draping is not optional.

What is a full-body massage?
When a massage therapist goes to massage school, we are taught full-body massage. A full-body massage is the entire body except for the breasts and genital areas. It has come to our attention that some people requesting full-body massages are looking for sexual massages. Therapeutic Body Concepts Professionals does not provide massage of a sexual nature.

Should I tip the massage therapist?
It is customary to tip the massage therapist. You are not required to tip legally, but it can be considered a reflection of the quality of the massage by the massage therapist.

Are the therapists registered?
All of our therapists receive registration from the school that they graduate from. All massage therapists are required to be registered by the state of Texas.

How often should I receive a massage?
A massage every week is highly beneficial and recommended. Some of our clients want a massage two/three times a week, others once a month. It depends on your cycle whether it is weekly, monthly, seasonal, yearly, etc.

Do you recommend any behaviors during the massage?
Breathe deeply and regularly. The more you breathe, the more likely you are to reap the benefits of massage. Try not to engage in conversation. Talking, except for communicating with your therapist about pressure, boundaries, etc. can distract you. You are more than welcome to ask your therapist not to talk to you as well. Drink water. During the massage you will release toxins into your bloodstream. This can be disagreeable a few hours after the massage. Drinking water will flush the toxins out of your system.

What kind of massage do you give?
The massage therapy we provide is for your stress/pain relief, relaxation, and enjoyment. A Swedish massage is usually requested for relaxation, enjoyment, or stress-relief. Deep tissue work, a very strong style of massage is recommended for overly tight, hard muscles. Sport massage depends on if the massage is desired before of after the sport event. Neuromuscular work is for someone with a specific problem area they need addressed. Many massage therapists use an eclectic approach, integrating all these techniques, customizing the massage to what is appropriate for each respective client.

What are some of the benefits of massage?
The effects of a massage are so numerous that many books have been written on the subject. Some of the benefits include better blood circulation, antidepressant effects such as mood elevation, mental relief, greater physical flexibility, pain/tension relief, stronger immunity, complement to other therapies such as chiropractor/physical therapy, helpful for pregnancy, elderly, infants, athletes, and worker morale.
back to top

Therapeutic Body Concepts is conveniently located at the corner of Evers and Wurzbach behind the Hungry Horse Café. We have to locations both in the Crystal Mall Strip Center. Building I 6162 Wurzbach and Building II- 6128 Wurzbach. Building I features an Indoor Heated Pool. Fidel: a Click here for Directions.

Swedish/Eselan |Therapeutic/Relaxation
Deep Tissue Work | Licensed/Insured
Passive Joint Movement | Professional/Ethical
Sensory Repatterning |Mobile Service

Category of Why get a Massage?
Working long hours at a desk, relying more on technology and less on the physical body can result in loss of strength and muscle tone. Rushing from one place, thought and experience to another are some of the causes of stress we encounter every day.
Massage therapy has proven its value. From the beginnings of recorded history, massage has had a presence in the lives of great figures. Hippo crates, one of the founders of modern medicine, recommended massage for good health.
back to top