At Lawrence Therapy Services, massage is provided in a comfortable and safe environment with a Certified Massage Therapist.

• Massage therapy is available in 30 and 60 minute sessions at our Lawrence clinic.
• Appointments Monday through Saturday, Day and Evening
  ...Call for our current Massage Special.
• Massage therapy makes a great gift and gift certificates are available.

Click here to read more about our massage therapy staff.

Benefits of Massage Therapy
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a therapeutic massage? Many people find massage wonderfully helpful for pain relief and relaxation. If you've never had a therapeutic massage you may think massage may help you, yet you're hesitant to make an appointment. Let Lawrence Therapy Services dispel your doubts and address some common concerns. Massage therapy can ease pain, decrease stress, improve blood circulation and relax your muscles. It also can make you feel lighter and add a spring to your step.

Find a Qualified Therapist
Massage is offered in many settings by a confusing array of practioners. Massage therapists work in private massage practices, medical clinics, day spas, beauty salons and athletic clubs. But not all therapists are alike; not all are qualified to offer therapeutic massage. To find a qualified massage therapist, look for one who is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Other kinds of therapists who are licensed as medical professionals by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, including physical and occupational therapists and nurses, also regularly use massage therapy techniques in their practices.

Types of Massage
Beginners are often puzzled to learn that there are many kind of massage, often with inscrutable names. But there are three basic types, all of which can help you: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and Acupressure Massage. Other techniques which are also becoming more available include, for example, craniosacral massage, myofascial release, and hot stone massage. The following paragraphs, however, only focus on the principle types of massage practiced today in the United States.

Massage Techniques
Each of these kinds of massage should feel good. You may not even notice that a muscle is tight until the area is massaged, but you'll soon discover how much better you can feel. If the therapist applies too much or too little pressure, say so. A trained, experience therapist will notice that you are uncomfortable and change the pressure or ask how you are.

• Swedish Massage promotes improved circulation and relaxation. It is a light pressure massage that is very soothing. If you have had a stressful week, Swedish Massage can relieve the tightness in your neck, shoulders, and mid-back.
• Deep Tissue Massage reduces pain in tight muscles and also promotes relaxation. This type of massage relaxes knotted or sore muscles. If you have tightness in your legs from hours of yard work, Deep Tissue Massage can help loosen the muscles in your legs, reducing that achy feeling.
• Acupressure Massage promotes relaxation and reduces pain by pressing on acupressure points. If you hold a lot of tension between your shoulder blades, pressure applied slowly and gently to the area between your spine and shoulder blade will soften and relax the muscles there.

Just the Right Amount of Pressure
The massage therapist may have you fill out a form to describe your concerns and expectations. You should feel free to request and discuss the type of massage you want, whether it is light massage or deep pressure. Once the massage begins, let the therapist know if the pressure is too gentle or too much. A very light massage could be irritating rather than relaxing. Deep pressure may feel good on your back, but not on your arm. An experienced, trained therapist will know how to quickly adjust the massage technique to your comfort level.

Getting Started
You may find it comforting to know that you won't need to undress completely. The therapist will give you a choice about what to wear. You can choose to wear your under garments or, perhaps, wear a swimsuit, if that puts you at ease. Also, you should have privacy to undress with directions on how to cover yourself (normally with a sheet) when you lie down on the massage table. You might start out resting on your back, covered with a sheet, and then later when you turn over, you will be continuously covered. Trained therapists know that there is an art to using a sheet to "drape" their clients to ensure their comfort and respect their modesty. Your therapist should check on you comfort level and explain what to expect as the massage proceeds.

Just Relax, Talk is Optional
It's very relaxing to listen to soft, slow music during a massage, and relaxation is what you should seek. It is often recommended that you limit conversation, except to give occasional feedback to the massage therapist about how you're feeling. You should focus on actively relaxing during the massage. Try this sitting in your chair first. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.

To actively relax, listen to soft background music. Close your eyes and take two or three slow, deep breath to relax. Next, combine the two activities -- listen closely to your music and continue breathing deeply. Pretend the music is like a small bird flitting around the sky and that you're watching the bird closely. Then imagine that you're on a beach with the sun shining down on you, and let yourself sink down into the soft, white sand and relax every muscle.

Time Flies
Time will race by and soon the massage will be over. The therapist will leave the room and you can get dressed at your leisure. Take it easy after your massage, so that you can savor the relaxed feeling. And don't hesitate to make another appointment...and mark it on your calendar.

New Client Health History Form Download
If you are a new massage therapy client please download and fill out the Massage Therapy Health History form and bring it to your first visit.