Massage Therapy

Article: "Massage Therapy for Pain and Stress Relief"

Massage therapy is available at UHCS for faculty, staff and students.

Many people seek therapeutic massage as a natural means to promote healthy body functioning, relieve stress and tension and provide general relaxation. Massage therapy is a respectful, non-sexual way to receive nurturance, to relax and to relieve aches and pains.

Massage Therapists: Jude Christensen, Sharon Vennum, Tom Lightfield

We offer massages at four different session lengths:

• 15 Minute chair massage = $10.00
• 25 Minute table massage = $15.00
• 50 Minute table massage = $30.00
• 55 minutes Hot Stone massage = $35.00

Gift certifcates can be purchased by anyone for UW-W students, staff and faculty. Call 262-472-1305 or stop in the second floor reception window.

Our professional, licensed Massage Therapists are available on:

• Wednesdays from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Thursdays from 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm
• Fridays from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Call 472-1305 for an appointment

The massage therapists are not University employees, but rather are independent practitioners who have agreed to provide sessions at the UW-W at reduced rates.

• Missed appointments prevent others from using that time. If it becomes necessary to change or cancel your appointment, please do so by 4:30 p.m. the day before your appointment - the earlier the better. A full price no-show fee will be charged for all missed appointments. To cancel or reschedule an appointment call 472-1305 during normal business hours.
• Please pay your therapist with cash directly before the massage. Massage practitioners cannot accept the hawkcard, credit cards or insurance.
• The therapists appreciate and value your comments as a way to become more aware as practitioners. If you have any comments, questions or feelings about your experience, please express them. You can do so directly to your therapist, on our online feedback form, or on a "How Are We Doing" form available from your therapist or at the reception window.

Thanks for your cooperation and for allowing us to serve you.

Jude Christensen

Education and Training: Graduate of A SpiriTouch Institute of Massage Therapy and Bodywork, Madison, Wisconsin; B.A. from Northern Illinois University in Sociology, Secondary and Family life Education; Wisconsin Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor: CADCIII; Internationally Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor.

Licensure/Certification: Wisconsin Certified Massage Therapist/Bodyworker, Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Additional training in acupressure, Professional member of American Massage Therapy Association.

Why I like working in the college health setting: I like being involved in the creative process of learning and teaching. A college setting has this atmosphere. My intent is to support and nurture safe and healthy self-care, and to connect with the healing flow of body, mind, and spirit.

Sharon Vennum

Education and Training: 2001 graduate of Wisconsin Institute of Natual Wellness, Racine, WI., including 40 hours of Shiatsu training Reiki I & II. Further studies in comfort touch massage and myoskeletal alignment.

Licensure/Certification:Passed national certification exam on Sept. 11, 2001 and have been licensed in Wisconsin since 2001 as well for massage, bodywork. Professional member of American Massage Therapy Association.

Why I like working in the college health setting: I enjoy meeting and working with a variety of people. I get new insights and I especially like to know I've accomplied a good result in helping people feel better, moving more freely than when they came in.

Tom Lightfield

Education and Training: Graduate of Wisconsin Institute of Natural Wellness, Racine, Wisconsin. B.S. - UW Madison

Licensure/Certification: Wisconsin Registered Massage Therapist/Bodyworker. Nationaly Certified Massage Therapist/Bodyworker. Certified Swedish Hot Stone Massage Therapist.

Why I like working in the college health setting: I enjoy working with people who have a desire to learn and I find that here. I feel I have a gift to share and this is a very receptive place to share it.

 

Are You Eligible for Reimbursement for MASSAGE?

If you have insurance coverage through UW-W under Dean Care, you can be reimbursed 50% of your massage fee up to $100 per year by submitting a form available from their web site and your statement from UHCS.

If you have insurance coverage through UW-W under Humana, you can be reimbursed $50 per year for your massage fees.

Let the receptionist know if you need a statement.

Other insurance companies may provide reimbursement as well. Contact your insurance company for more information.

Massage Therapy for Pain and Stress Relief

Looking for an alternative to drugs for pain or stress relief? More Americans are turning to massage therapy to reduce pain. Massage therapy is also growing in popularity for stress-related tension relief and relaxation.

According to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) organization, massage therapy has many healthful benefits, such as:

• Increasing circulation
• Stimulating the lymph system to help the body fight toxic invaders
• Relaxing and softening injured and sore muscles
• Reducing spasms and cramping
• Reducing recovery time and pain for athletes following strenuous workouts
• Increasing joint flexibility
• Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller
• Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for individuals with low-back pain
• Relieving pain for migraine suffers
• Providing exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles

In addition to the physical benefits, massage provides much needed caring touch that is often absent in today’s world. Safe and caring touch provides a human connection that promotes relaxation and emotional well-being.

For more information on the benefits of massage go to www.massagetherapy.com