Massage can mean many things to different people. In the United States, each state has its own definition of what is considered massage. Here in Oregon, our state requires a license in order to provide massage as defined under ORS 687.011:
“Massage,” “massage therapy” or “bodywork” means the use of pressure, friction, stroking, tapping or kneading on the human body, or the use of vibration or stretching on the human body by manual or mechanical means or gymnastics, with or without appliances such as vibrators, infrared heat, sun lamps or external baths, and with or without lubricants such as salts, powders, liquids or creams, for the purpose of, but not limited to, maintaining good health and establishing and maintaining good physical condition.
Massage may have more service oriented applications such as spas and resorts, which may include complimentary cosmetic or beauty services. On the other hand, there are more healthcare oriented applications such as clinics and hospitals, which focus on treatment for injury rehabilitation or other specialties.
Some forms of massage are embedded in cultural traditions (such as Lomilomi) whereas other forms involve skillsets borrowed from osteopathic and physical therapy fields (such as ROLFing). Additional differences in massage may involve specialty training or certifications, clothing requirements, formulas, and more.
An LMT has a scope of practice different than a physician; LMTs may not diagnose or prescribe. However, LMTs often request health information to plan a massage that best reduces harm and supports health. For this reason, education for LMTs includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, and kinesiology to better inform effective use of massage techniques.
[ASL description video of written content "What is Massage?"]
Possible physical effects of massage include:
increased localized circulation of blood and lymph
promoted cellular metabolism of bones, muscles, skin, nervous tissue
increased range of motion and coordinated movement
increased pliability of connective tissues such as fascia
reduced pain via endorphin release and relaxation response of the parasympathetic nervous system
reduced edema (fluid accumulation) from muscular inactivity
reduced muscular trigger points and adhesions
temporary reduction of blood pressure, heart rate
promoted deeper diaphragm breathing
and more!
Possible mental effects of massage include:
unplanned emotional release (sighing, yawning, crying, laughing, sleepiness, etc.)
memories
reduced anxiety
increased mental clarity
general sense of wellbeing
and more!
This section is intended to provide transparent information regarding on site accessibility as per Talking Hands Massage Therapy anti-discrimination policy.
Mobility access details include:
Table height, for clients who may need support getting on or off the table
Table weight, for clients who need to know if the massage table can comfortably fit their size
Door frame width and types, for clients who need larger spaces to maneuver or use mobility aids
Outdoor terrain, for clients who may have difficulty seeing changes in terrain or use mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs
Mobility Access at Quan Yin studio
Outside studio:
Street parking in a small gravel area in front of the property.
Narrow, gravel driveway walking path to wooden gate (width 42 inches).
Small concrete path with decline after wooden gate. Walk through grass in a backyard.
Entrance to studio:
Single 3-inch step at studio entrance.
Outside door width 32.5 inches. Sliding door.
Inside studio:
Bathroom door width 22 inches. Door opens outward.
Massage table lowest height 27 inches.
Massage table weight up to 500 lbs.
[ASL description video of written content "Mobility and Communication Access".]
Communication access details include:
Sign language options for members of the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing/DeafBlind or interpreter communities
Spoken language options for the general public
Communication Access
Talking Hands Massage Therapy can provide spoken English with or without live captioning, written English, and American Sign Language (ASL). Additional modifications to ASL access upon request.
If you have further individual specifics that you wish to discuss, please feel free to reach out to Talking Hands Massage Therapy.
[ASL description video of various health conditions outlined in the Client Intake Form. This list is based on relevance to treatment or adjustments during massage therapy.]
Respiratory Conditions 00:43
Circulatory Conditions 02:07
Immune and Lymphatic Conditions 03:37
Skin Conditions 06:42
Neurological Conditions 09:00
Musculoskeletal Conditions 12:09
Fascial and Neuromuscular Conditions 14:48
Reproductive Conditions 18:03