Massage can improve overall health, enhance fitness training, reduce pain, aid in rehabilitation, and promote relaxation.

For this reason, many physicians now prescribe massage therapy for their patients -- and some health insurers now cover it.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

The benefits of massage include:

• Enhanced healing of overworked or injured muscles
• Relief of muscle spasms, chronic pain, and tension
• Increased flexibility or joint mobility
• General relaxation
• Reduction of physical or mental fatigue
• Increased circulation of blood and lymph fluids
• Increased athletic performance
• Enhanced flow of vital life energy (chi)

Just about anyone can benefit from massage therapy, particularly people in jobs that require repetitive motion and fixed, awkward positions. Those recovering from an injury or illness involving the musculoskeletal system may also gain relief from massage.

For many people, massage is a form of stress management or a way to become more connected to their bodies. If you have a medical condition, such as fever, infection, cancer, or severe respiratory disease, please check with our massage coordinator before scheduling a session.

Specialized Massage Services

The Duke Health and Fitness Center offers a wide range of therapeutic massage services in a quiet, private setting. Because our massage therapists strive to meet participants' individual needs and goals, each session begins with a discussion with the participant.

Each of our massage therapists has completed more than 600 hours of training, is nationally certified and holds a North Carolina license to practice massage. They combine their knowledge of massage with information provided by the participant to create a unique session every time.

Various types of massage typically are blended together in a single session:

• Swedish
• Deep muscle
• Myofascial release
• Trigger point
• Acupressure
• Bowen technique
• Sports massage
• Chair massage

Preparing for Your Massage

First-time massage therapy participants should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time to complete a brief health history form, which is available at the fitness desk. Anyone receiving a massage should:

• Dress comfortably
• Communicate clearly with your therapist about goals, the amount of pressure you wish to be used, and areas of your body where you are comfortable receiving massage
• Breathe deeply
• Relax and enjoy your therapeutic massage experience

Schedule a Massage

Massage is available Monday through Saturday. Payment is collected at the fitness desk prior to the massage.

Click here to download the Massage Therapy brochure.

New members can receive 10 percent off their first massage therapy package or 15 percent off their first single massage.

To find out more about the mind/body services we provide, inquire about membership, or schedule an appointment, call 919-660-6660 or e-mail us.

Staff

Learn about our massage therapists.

Locations

This service is available at:

• PepsiCo Fitness Center
  3475 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705