"Over the past 6 years, I have survived a bilateral lung transplant, lymphoma, and 5 broken vertebrae.  I have been to PTs and other alternative healers.  I had never realized that there were massage therapists specifically trained in oncology massage.  I somehow heard of Kathleen and made an appointment.  This has been the most beneficial thing that I've done for myself.  

Kathleen understands the pain inside a body and works with the pain - first very gently and gradually introducing other touch.  When I first met her, it hurt to have my body touched in many areas.  No more.  I've had many massages in the past, but I've never been able to relax into it as I have with Kathleen.  Her fingers are really magical.  I cannot say enough positives about her. "   JF - Washington, ME

 

The long and short of it is that when it's well done, massage therapy helps bodies relax.  There are various other benefits, but one could humbly submit just that one benefit and consider the benefits that follow from it.  If you need more than one reason, then read on ...

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of diseases are stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Reduced fatigue.

Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Massage may:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity and reduce inflammation by stimulating lymph flow.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for and recover from strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the skin - the body's largest organ.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

Want more information?  One of Kathleen's teachers keeps a comprehensive and current bibliography on what art and science know about massage and cancer.  You can find citations for the brain and the heart on her website ( https://www.tracywalton.com/bibliography-2/ ).  Enjoy!