Of the many services at WPTS, perhaps the most relaxing is massage. However, most individuals may not appreciate all of the benefits massage offers. For a better understanding, we interviewed our resident massage therapist, Des Dowling.

Andy: What prompted you to pick massage therapy as a career?
Des: I got into it because I experienced massage in conjunction with physical therapy for my back problems. I liked that it relaxed the muscles after working them out hard.

Andy: How would you highlight the benefit of massage?
Des: I would say that it has a beneficial effect on every body system. It lengthens, contracts, and relaxes muscles. It also improves circulation and lymph node drainage. There really is an extensive list of the potential benefits of massage, almost too many to name really.

Andy: I've talked to several people that are extremely hesitant about having a massage. Is there anything that you would suggest to people that aren't sure if massage is right for them?
Des: I would recommend that they try a chair massage first. It may help you get comfortable with massages in general. The one thing that I do have to say, is that it's difficult to get men involved in massage due to the perception that they have of massage.

Andy: Is there anyone that you wouldn't recommend massage to?
Des: I would have to say that it isn't always recommended to people in the acute stage of an injury. However massages are always modifiable depending on the persons condition. For example, I do typically modify massages for pregnant women.

Andy: On the subject of modifications or differences in massage, what are some of your more popular massages requests?
Des: I would have to say deep tissue and reflexology.

Andy: Could you explain a little bit more about reflexology?
Des: Reflexology is basically massaging the feet to affect other areas of the body. It's based on the idea that certain areas of the foot correspond to other parts of the body. I'd also like to mention Thai Massage which is another great way for people to get comfortable with massage.

Andy: What's the difference between Thai and regular Massage?
Des: Thai massage requires more participation from the client. They are actively moved and stretched. The good thing about it is that its done with the client being fully clothed. The disadvantage is that it's a very up close and personal experience, which can make some people uncomfortable.

Andy: For your final comment...?
Des: I'd like to mention that I'm offering a discounted massage for the first ten people to leave a post about any previous massage experience they may have had, or they can ask a question that's related to massage.

Des: Thanks for your input and thoughts about the benefits of massage Des. We also look forward to hearing from you on our next lecture series date on September 24th at 7 p.m.

Be sure to check back on Wednesday to check out our next topic.