At Harvard University Health Services’ (HUHS) Center for Wellness and Health Promotion (CWHP), our goal is to help you build sustainable wellness practices that breathe life into your daily routine. Along those lines, we offer a wide range of services and classes—from acupuncture to yoga—to help you feel your best throughout your academic and/or employment life at Harvard Griffin GSAS. This December, we are showcasing massage therapy.
Massage therapy has a myriad of physical and mental benefits that promote well-being. It is a positive coping strategy for stress and anxiety. In a meta-analysis of 37 studies aimed at testing the effectiveness of massage therapy, Moyer, Rounds, and Hannum concluded that massage therapy aids in the reduction of state anxiety, depression, blood pressure, and heart rate, plus it helps relieve tension and pain which may indirectly promote better sleep (Psychological Bulletin 130, no. 1, 3–18, 2004). Results vary but a single session can produce these positive outcomes and more (2004).
Massage therapy can be performed in different ways to achieve desired outcomes. Modalities vary widely and the most effective therapy depends on your individual needs and preferences. Common massage modalities include Swedish, sports, deep tissue, myofascial/craniosacral, and prenatal—all available at the CWHP. Most of our massage therapists perform deep tissue and Swedish massage therapy but no matter your preferences or goals, a practitioner is available to work with you.
Although their specialties vary, all providers are licensed massage therapists with unique approaches and skill sets built from years of experience. Engaging and cooperative, they welcome your input and are receptive to feedback. (For more details regarding each of our practitioners, please visit the CWHP website.)
Whether you are seeking general relaxation, treatment for chronic pain, or central nervous system recovery to stay consistent in the gym, CWHP staff can help guide you with massage therapist selection. For all newcomers, we encourage an open-minded approach to your search for a massage therapist. Exploration and clear communication are the key to finding a great match. Regardless of whom you choose, we are confident your experience will hold value.
Our providers accept clients by appointment only. We offer massage therapy Monday through Saturday. Table massage can be scheduled in 30-, 60- or 90-minute sessions. Two-hour table massage sessions are limited to provider approval and schedule availability. Chair massage is offered on a more limited basis; however, it can be a nice introduction to massage for newcomers and a simply way to fit relaxation into a busy schedule. To schedule an appointment, please call the CWHP at 617-495-9629 or visit the HUHS Patient Portal.
The cost of massage therapy is based on the service and your insurance plan. For your convenience, further details regarding pricing can be found on our website.
Stress puts a greater demand on our bodies. We all think we are managing well enough on our own until a pang of discomfort or a dip in energy reminds us otherwise. Massage therapy can help! Whether you are a newcomer or a frequent client at the CWHP, we are here to serve you. Please feel free to call or email us with any questions. And remember to stop by the Office of Student Services in the basement of the Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS, room B-2, if you have more pressing concerns and need resources or support.
Banner image by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash.
