Here's how massage therapy can be more than pampering

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Consider massage therapy at the St. Joseph’s/Candler Center for WellBeing.

Having a massage is relaxing, but there’s more to it than just the pampering.

“Massage is actually a wonderful part of a wellness program,” said N. Elaine Wiggins, LMT, massage therapist at the St. Joseph’s/Candler Center for WellBeing.  “What we do here is a little relaxation with a greater amount of pain management and complementary therapy to people’s illnesses and ailments.”

Massage can be more than a special treat on Valentine’s Day or during a vacation. They are great for pain management of a sports or workout injury. Massage therapy also can help people with fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Here are some more of the benefits of massage therapy:

• Massages help with depression, insomnia and stress management
• Massages help with prevention of illness such as depression
• It’s relaxing
• It stimulates circulation in the immediate areas
• It benefits venous circulation and lymph circulation
• Massages help with swelling and those with arthritis as it increases joint flexibility.
• Trigger-point therapy and sports massages are beneficial for sports injuries and repetitive motion injuries.
• Massages help with aches and pains from working out or every day activities or normal wear and tear
• It eases medication dependence
• Massages assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays

Wiggins and fellow Center for WellBeing massage therapist Crystal Holmes, LMT, recommend massage therapy for anyone of any age. The massage beds are adjustable for pregnant women and the disabled. The therapist also will travel to patients’ rooms or do group employee massages on site.

“We try to customize each massage to the client’s needs,” Wiggins said. “No massage is going to be the same because everybody is different, so we customize it to what you need.”

Gift certificates are available for massage therapy. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to approximately 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. until last appointment. The massage therapy suite is located in Suite 110 in the Heart and Lung Building on the Candler Hospital campus. Prices are:

Half hour - $40 ($35 SJ/C co-worker discount)
Hour - $65 ($55 SJ/C co-worker discount)
90 minutes - $100 ($90 SJ/C co-worker discount)

Packages
5 half hour sessions - $175
5 hour sessions - $275
5 90 minute sessions - $450

Hot stones, aromatherapy and scrubs also are available as add-ons. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 819-MIND (6463).