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Promoting Well-Being

Massage Therapy is the systematic and scientific manipulation of the soft tissue of the body, which brings about beneficial effects physiologically, mechanically, and psychologically. Relaxation, relief from pain, reduction of edema, and increased range of motion can be accomplished through massage. Massage often provides a form of passive exercise when stretching techniques are also used. Massage is an integral part of the healing process.

Services Offered

UW-Eau Claire students, faculty/staff, and their spouses may schedule the following type of appointments:

  • 30 minutes ($30.00) - Concentrated work on one or possibly two specific areas (e.g. back, neck, or shoulders)
  • 45 minutes ($40.00) - Deep muscle or relaxation work
  • 60 minutes ($50.00) - A full body massage with concentration on one or possibly two body areas
  • 90 minutes ($65.00) - For continuing clients only, and with the prior approval of the therapist 
  • Chair ($10/person) - Approx. 15 minutes each, minimum of 3 clients per site

No perfumes please!

Beneficial Effects

  • Relaxes muscle spasms and relieves tension
  • Helps muscles recover more rapidly after strenuous activities; example: sports
  • Improves circulation and nutrition of tissues
  • Acts as a "mechanical cleanser," helping to eliminate wastes in the tissues
  • May have a positive effect on the nervous system
  • Helps lessen inflammation and swelling in the joints
  • Improves muscle tone and helps prevent muscular atrophy
  • Helps eliminate edema of the extremities

Therapist

Keith Beckstrom

Keith graduated from the Holistic Center for Therapeutic Massage, in Rockford, IL. He is a nationally certified massage therapist by the NCTMB and a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). He specializes in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and Chair Massage. Keith is actively involved with hospice care and has a passionate interest in the healing arts.

Types of Massage

Reflexology

Reflexology is an alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging or applying pressure to parts of the feet, hands and ears. This massaging is used to encourage beneficial effects on other parts of the body and improve the overall general health of the individual. The feet, hands and ears are divided into "zones", which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Pressure in certain "zones" is believed to relieve tension, improve circulation and promote the natural function of the related area.

Sabai Massage

Sabai Massage probes and kneads pressure points in the body, to suit your preference of soft or hard massage, as the body is coaxed through a series of stretches. This type of massage is particularly beneficial for strained joints, stressed muscles and body aches as it improves blood circulation and energy flow, while relaxing tensed muscles and ligaments.

Sport Massage

Sport Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during and after athletic events. The main purpose of the massage is to alleviate stress and tension which builds up in the body's soft tissue during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur due to overextension and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. Some other purposes of sport massage are to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.

Neuro-Muscular Therapy

Neuro-Muscular Massage Therapy, or Trigger Point Therapy, is one of the most efficient types of massage for lower back pain. This method consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm, which helps remove metabolic waste from the tissues involved. By removing this waste the muscles are able to relax, allow for better circulation and reduce nerve irritation, which reduces or eliminates pain.

Integrative (Deep Tissue) Massage

Integrative or Deep Tissue Massage is designed to relieve severe tension in muscles and connective tissue. Deep Tissue focuses on the muscles below the surface of the top muscles. It is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, who have sustained physical injury or who are very physically active, like athletes.

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage uses five styles of long strokes to massage: sliding/gliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, friction and vibration. This type of massage has been known to help reduce pain, joint stiffness and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and poor circulation.

Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic massage was developed in the 1930's and is performed to stimulate the movement and assist in drainage of the lymphatic system and to increase ones immune functioning. It can be useful in cases of edema, sports injury, lack of energy, or if one has a sluggish immune system.

The lymphatic system is crucial for your body's ability to heal itself after injury, to combat diseases, and for maintenance of health. It is your filter against toxins and bacteria. Symptoms such as flu-like soreness, general aches and pains may be caused by a sluggish lymphatic system.

Lymphatic vessels are delicate and numerous throughout the body, both deep and superficial. These vessels carry lymph to the lymph nodes and glands for processing and digestion of debris. Nodes can be found throughout the body but most are congregated in the neck, armpit, and groin areas.

This massage assists in normal drainage of lymph and in reducing lymph back-up. The massage is performed with long, slow, methodical strokes in the direction towards the lymph glands for effective and complete drainage into the thoracic duct. Some find this massage to be very soothing and nurturing due to it's slow pace and the light, delicate pressure that is used.

Those who would most benefit from this massage are those who experience:

  • Frequent cold and flu infections
  • Headache and migraine
  • Arthritis
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Joint pain
  • Depression
  • Cellulitis
  • Acne
  • Post breast surgery where axillary nodes have been removed

One can expect improved lymphatic drainage leading to:

  • reduced edema
  • improved metabolism
  • enhanced quality of the skin tone and tissue regeneration processes
  • stimulation of lymph vessels around scarred tissues
  • building up of one's immune functioning

Contraindications are:

  • Acute inflammation
  • Malignant tumors
  • Thrombosis
  • Major heart or circulation problems
  • Immediate post surgery

 


On-site Seated Massage Program

On-site chair massage provides clients with 15 minutes of therapy on neck, shoulders, arms, and back. These are the areas of the body where the majority of individuals accumulate "stress". Seated massage allows clients to realize some of the benefits of massage during their already scheduled break time.

Here's how the program works:

  • A minimum of three clients per site per hour is required.
  • A massage therapist brings the on-site massage chair to a setting in your office - a quiet and private setting is preferable. Clients decide the order for receiving their massage.
  • Payments can be forwarded to University Recreation or paid directly

Schedule

To schedule an appointment, please call Recreation and Sports Operations at 715-836-3377 or stop in at the Office in Hilltop Center.

Cancellation/No-Show Policy

A six hour advanced notice is required to cancel your appointment without charge. (If the appointment is canceled with less than six hours notice, and if we are unable to fill the appointment time, full payment will be required.) Future appointments will not be scheduled until payment is received.

Gift Certificates

The Recreation department also offers gift certificates for massages. Stop by the Recreation Office in Hilltop Center for more information.

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