THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
MULTIPLE MASSAGE TYPES
A therapist will tailor your session according to your needs and what they find during treatment.
BY APPOINTMENT
Massage Therapy is available by appointment only on a daily basis. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 706-542-1259.
We specialize in Therapeutic Massage for the treatment of musculoskeletal ailments related to chronic and acute pain, stress, tension, and injuries.
Massage Therapy is located on the second floor of the University Health Center at 55 Carlton St. on UGA Campus. Our hours are Monday - Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Massage Therapy can be contacted by phone at 706-542-1259 or by fax at 706-542-1466.
Services are available to UGA students, faculty / staff, and their spouses/domestic partners.
Late arrivals will not receive an extension of scheduled services unless schedule permits. Late arrivals will be responsible for full-service costs. Massage appointments are reserved for a specific client. We request the courtesy of a 24-hour business day cancellation notice. No shows or cancellations of less than 24 hours are subject to a $30 fee.
UGA students who have paid their Health Fee pay the “Fees Paid” rate (FP). Students who have not paid the Health Fee, spouses/partners, and Faculty/Staff will pay the “Non-Fees Paid” rate.
50 minutes:
Fees Paid (FP): $60
Non-Fees Paid (NFP): $65
Packages (packages must be used as is, not combined/separated between multiple people)
(3) 50 minute massage sessions: $165 (FP) / $180 (NFP)
(5) 50 minute massage sessions: $260 (FP) / $285 (NFP)
(10) 50 minute massage sessions: $480 (FP) / $530 (NFP)
*Packages of 3 expire six-months from purchase date. Packages of 5/10 expire one year from purchase date.
Gift Certificates are available for purchase in the Physical Therapy/Massage Therapy Clinic (706-542-8634) or at the Cashier’s desk (706-542-8621).
A medical provider may prescribe therapeutic massage, if massage therapy is deemed medically necessary for a patient’s condition. A prescription for massage therapy is active for 30 days from issue (first appointment must be within 30 days). With a current health insurance card on file, the UHC will submit your charges to your health insurance. However, your coverage depends on your specific insurance/plan.
Prior to your massage appointment, please contact your insurance provider to inquire about your personal benefits and coverage. For pricing and more information, please call 706-542-1259. No referral required unless utilizing health insurance/savings account for payment.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASSAGE
At the start of your appointment, your therapist will spend a few minutes asking you about what you need treated and what type of massage you are wanting. From there, the therapist will tailor your session according to your needs and what they find during treatment. Some of the massage types/techniques utilized include:
This is a very light full-body massage that is used primarily for stress relief. The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing.
Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that’s mainly used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries. It involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues. This helps to break up scar tissue that forms following an injury and reduce tension in muscle and tissue.
Trigger point therapy involves the applied pressure to these painful, sensitive areas in order to alleviate the pain on site and in other areas of the body. Massage and trigger point therapy are sometimes used together. Active trigger points can theoretically cause muscle pain that transfer or “refers” pain and tenderness in other parts of the body when the trigger point is pressed.
Therapeutic sports massage is a type of massage technique that focuses on treating soft tissue aches, pain and injuries that are associated with recreational activities. Think of a sports massage as the more focused sibling of a deep tissue massage.
Prenatal massage can help to relieve aches in your back and neck, and address leg cramps. Fewer aches and pains can lead to a better night’s sleep. Prenatal massage can also improve circulation, help reduce nervous tension, and help relieve depression or anxiety. Remember to speak with your OBGYN first to decide if prenatal massage is right for you.
Aromatherapy massage is Swedish massage therapy using massage oil or lotion that contains essential oils (highly concentrated plant oils). During an aromatherapy massage, you inhale these essential oil molecules or absorb them through your skin. They are thought to promote beneficial changes in your mind and body by affecting the limbic system, a region of the brain known to be involved in emotion.
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle hands-on technique that uses a light touch to examine membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system. Relieving tension in the central nervous system promotes a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and boosting health and immunity.
Reflexology is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands, and ears. It’s based on a theory that these body parts are connected to certain organs and body systems. People who practice this technique are called reflexologists.
Reiki is a very specific form of energy healing, in which hands are placed just off the body or lightly touching the body, as in “laying on of hands.” In a Reiki session, the practitioner is seeking to transmit Universal Life Energy to the client. The intention is to create deep relaxation, to help speed healing, reduce pain, and decrease other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Massage therapy is a general term for health and healing practices involving touch and movement. It is a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client.
The massage therapist will review your symptoms and needs and will ask you questions about your problem and condition. A variety of massage techniques are used to reduce tension and pain, improve blood flow, relax muscles, and provide a sense of well being and relaxation.
Privacy: Before your session, you will be asked to enter the room, undress (as much as you are comfortable with: most people undress down to their underwear), lay on the massage table, and lay a sheet over the top of your body. The therapist will use a sheet to drape you during the session to provide coverage and ensure that modesty is respected. After the session is over, you will be provided privacy while getting dressed.
- Don’t eat just before a massage session. Your body should have time to digest.
- Be on time. It is quite difficult to relax if you arrive in a rushed state.
- Try to be open-minded and receptive to the massage therapist and session.
- Let the massage therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage.
- If you have a preference, communicate with the therapist if you like to talk or prefer to remain silent during your massage.
- Provide feedback to the massage therapist advising on preferences.
- Breathing properly helps us relax, so try to breathe normally.
- Drink plenty of water after your massage; this helps to flush away any toxins released from your soft tissue.
- Take your time when getting up from a massage. Try to take in how you feel, the effects of the session, and make sure you are not dizzy or light-headed.