Stress Management

Stress has a significant impact on academic success, so Student Health Services is dedicated to assisting students with managing their physical and emotional stress levels by providing massage therapy, biofeedback services, relaxation podcasts, self-hypnosis and support groups.

You may also consider tackling the outside stressor in your life through the University's academic support services, including: the Writing Center, the Supplemental Instruction office, or the Career Center.

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Massage Therapy

Students are able to participate in our seated chair massage program. The 25-minute massage requires no undressing and uses no oils. To make an appointment, call 777-4969. Massage services are provided at the Thomson Student Health Center in room 316. There is a $20 fee for the 25 minute massage.

Consider recent clinical research on the efficacy of massage for pain relief:

• Massage therapy is more effective for chronic back pain than other complementary therapies.
• Massage therapy promotes relaxation and alleviates the perception of pain and anxiety in cancer patients.
• Massage therapy reduces post-traumatic headaches better than cold pack treatments.
• A pilot study conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles found that massage, as part of hospital-based surgery treatment, reduces pain and muscle spasms in patients who have undergone heart bypass surgery.
• Massage stimulates the brain to produce endorphins.

How does massage relieve pain?

• A simple and direct strategy: working from the external, outer mechanisms of pain to the primary, root cause.
• Focuses on the entire body system and its relationship to soft tissue – not solely on the site of pain.

Benefits of massage for pain relief:

• Helps patients become more aware of their bodies and the sources of pain.
• Better familiarizes patients with the pain they experience.
• Has an impact on the patient by virtue of human touch.
• Improves confidence by encouraging patients to effectively cope with their pain.

Looking for more information on massage therapy? Try these links!

• What Every Consumer needs to Know Before Visiting a Massage Therapist
• Massage Therapy Glossary of Terms
• Massage Tips for Consumers
• How to Get the Most From Your Massage