What is Massage Therapy?
A visit to Duke Integrative Medicine to receive massage therapy and bodywork provides an experience unlike any other. You will receive a massage from a therapist that is trained in both medical and relaxing therapeutic massage. We focus on your individual needs and co-create the session with you to meet those needs. Whether you are looking to manage pain and chronic body tension or are simply looking to relax, we can support your physical comfort and overall health.
With over 40 years of combined experience our therapists are able to combine massage therapy with an understanding of disease processes, which places Duke Integrative Medicine at the forefront of clinical massage therapy. We educate you about the mind-body connection, enabling you to determine the right times to return for massage treatments. Our massage therapists also offer personalized stretches and information on home massage tools to increase your comfort between visits.
What typical health concerns does massage treat?
Massage can be helpful for relaxation or for a medical concern. We often see clients with these
diagnoses:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Low back pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Symptoms of stress and anxiety in your body
- Athletic injuries
- Carpal tunnel
- Rotator cuff pain and lack of mobility
- Scar tissue
- Migraines
- Plantar fasciitis
Our therapists specialize in the following:
Integrative massage:
A blend of techniques including Swedish, myofascial (or deep tissue), reflexology, energy work, and somatic therapy (mind/body) practices.
Trigger point therapy:
Releases muscle tightness by applying pressure to trigger points with fingers, knuckles, or elbows. This helps to ease pain by relaxing the muscle and increasing the blood and oxygen flow.
Myokinesthetic treatments:
A nerve-specific muscle technique that alleviates chronic muscular and joint pain, restores function and movement, and improves balance and posture. This is a 20-minute treatment that is done fully clothed.
Myofascial release:
An approach that releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons, and connective tissue.
Sports massage:
Therapeutic soft tissue massage, gentle mobilization, and stretching techniques to restore function to muscles and joints before, during, and following exercise and other athletic activities.
Pregnancy/postpartum massage:
A gentle massage that provides relief from discomfort associated with pregnancy. This approach can help relieve nausea, increase circulation and the flow of nutrients to the placenta, aid in postural realignment, provide relief to joint discomfort, diminish minor swelling, and enhance awareness of body tension patterns.
Reflexology:
A balancing and grounding ancient treatment that focuses on reflex points on your feet to improve circulation, revitalize energy levels, ease pain, and increase balance and relaxation in the body.
Oncology massage:
Whether you are currently being treated for cancer or are in remission, massage can be a therapeutic and comforting part of your healthcare plan. Our therapists have extensive training in oncology massage and will work with your medical team to determine the best and safest way to include relaxation, compassionate touch and healing in your life. A phone consultation prior to your visit is available.
Scar tissue management:
Massage and cupping can greatly reduce adhesions in scar tissue allowing for greater range of motion and comfort. Scars from many years ago or scars as recent as eight weeks old can be softened in appearance and tightness. This technique is particularly helpful following heart surgery, knee surgery, mastectomy, and C-sections.
Lymphatic drainage massage:
Gentle massage technique used for client’s with lymphedema. Specialized training is necessary for this type of bodywork. You will also be instructed in how to assist in this continued drainage at home.
Thai massage:
Thai massage is performed on a mat on the floor. The practitioner guides the recipient through a series of yoga postures and gentle stretching while pressing along the body’s energy meridians and pressure points. This relieves muscular tension, increases circulation and balances the body. Loose clothing is recommended. Please inform us a day in advance if you choose this type of bodywork.
Also available are:
Rosen Method, craniosacral therapy, geriatric massage, infant & child massage, Kinesio Taping, and Reiki, among other techniques.
Our skilled team of licensed massage therapists are here to help you restore your health today.
| Massage Therapy Pricing |
| 90 min visit |
$130 |
| 60 min visit |
$90 |
| 30 min visit |
$50 |
- Duke Integrative Primary Care Member – 10% Discount
- Duke Employee/Duke Student – 15% Discount
