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Therapeutic Massage

Free Massage for UnitedHealth Care Student Health Insurance Plan Participants

You can get 2 FREE massages!
During the academic year 2007 - 2008 all students insured by the University Health Center's UnitedHealth Care insurance plan are entitled to two free Massage Therapy sessions. For an appointment, call 301.314.8128.
Read about our Massage Therapy services and Massage Therapists!

How massage can benefit you

Many people who have received a massage experience overall muscle relaxation, reduced tension and stress levels, improved circulation, increased flexibility, reduced swelling in joints, an overall feeling of physical, emotional, and spiritual balance, and a general sense of calm, focus and well-being. back to top

Our Massage Therapist Staff

Clyde Anderson

Clyde is a graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute, Washington, D.C. and is nationally certified in a variety of massage modalities. He has been in practice for 7 years, integrating Swedish and deep tissue massage with stretching. He also provides specialized sessions in sports massage and Active Isolated Stretching (AIS). AIS is muscle and joint specific and can help break up scar tissue, increase flexibility, circulation and increase energy and blood flow to promote healing. Through AIS, the client can become more aware and active in their own healing process which in turn can help to reach and maintain balance in their life and body. AIS may be done clothed, with a world class athlete, a weekend athlete, a Parkinson sufferer, a person with fibromyalgia, or a soon-to-be mom. Clyde has taught at the Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI) for 6 years.


Wendy Roberts

Wendy is a graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute, Washington, D.C., and is nationally certified in massage therapy. Prior to her position here, she attended school and worked at Cornell University. Her work at Cornell's Veterinary Teaching Hospital broadened her interest in anatomy. Wendy now uses her in-depth knowledge of anatomy and extensive training in Swedish and deep tissue massage to relieve the stress and discomfort of everyday life-helping one return to a place of rest. She has a special interest in how the body can hold emotions such as grief, depression, anger and believes that massage can assist in dealing with such issues.


Eileen Zagone

Eileen is a graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute, Washington, D.C., and is nationally certified in massage therapy. She has a strong connection to the University of Maryland, having graduated from UM in 1993 with a degree in English. After working in the publishing field for many years, she decided to change careers and become a massage therapist. She believes massage therapy offers a broad range of benefits to mind, body, and spirit, including increased circulation and flexibility, greater body acceptance and awareness, and pain relief. Her work incorporates Swedish and deep tissue massage techniques tailored to the individual needs of each client, whether they are seeking deep relaxation, relief from chronic pain, or support of overall wellness.

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Massage Services

A variety of massage techniques may be used during your massage.
Swedish massage involves the use of long, smooth strokes to increase circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote profound relaxation. It can be focused on particular areas of tension in the body or the entire body.
Deep Tissue massage may be done for part of the session. It incorporates firm, detailed strokes to relieve tension in specific muscle groups to ease pain and muscle spasms.
Stretching is a muscle and joint specific technique that can help break up scar tissue, increase flexibility, circulation and increase energy and blood flow to promote healing. All sessions are 50 minutes in length.
$65 per session for Faculty, Staff, and Visitors
$50 per session for UM students
$25 Late Cancellation, No Show Fee

Restrictions
We do not offer massage therapy services for people having the following conditions:

  • The first trimester of pregnancy
  • Fever
  • Rashes
  • Contagious conditions such as colds, flu, etc

  • Costs may be charged to your student account or paid in advance by cash, check, or credit card. Alternatively, charges may be billed by UM. Gift certificates are available. back to top

    A NEW Massage Service
    Chair Massage Chair Massage can be provided on-site for University offices or organizations with the following guidelines:
    What is it? Chair Massage is done by licensed Massage Therapist using a specialized chair with a face rest. Massage is done on the upper body, neck and head with client clothed, but jacket removed.
    Two massage chairs are provided by the University Health Center

    Massage Therapists the University Health Center can provide 3 Massage Therapists depending on their schedule and availability. Please schedule one month in advance.

    Time and Scheduling Each massage can be 10 or 15 minutes.
    There is a minimum of 2 hour blocks and a maximum of 4 hours.
    It is preferable to have an onsite employee/student who can schedule and direct clients to the next available therapist.
    We will provide the on-site scheduler with the scheduling form.

    Breaks Each Massage Therapist should have a 15 minute break after a 2 hour time block.

    Fees
    The regular rate for Massage at the University Health Center, $65 for each therapist provided per event for Faculty and Staff, plus $10 on-site fee
    or $50 for each therapist provided per event for students, plus $10 on-site fee.

    Payment Payment via Interdepartmental Memo or check made payable to the University of Maryland, Health Center in advance of the scheduled event.

    How do I Make an appointment?

    Call (301) 314-8128. If you have any questions about massage, please feel free to give us a call.

    Where do I report for my massage sessions?

    Massage is located on the second floor of the University Health Center. Check in at the desk on the second floor and have a seat in the waiting room at the end of the hall. Your Therapist will come out to get you at the time of your appointment.

    Enjoy!

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    About Massage

    Many people say they think they would like to have a massage, only they're not quite sure what is involved. They're a little nervous about trying something they're not familiar with. This is not at all unusual. We seem to know intuitively that human touch is good for us. Yet massage hasn't been part of everyday experience in our culture, so it's still a little foreign to many of us. There is really nothing very exotic or even unusual about getting a massage. Just about anywhere you go to receive a professional massage, you can expect the same few things to happen.

    1. You will talk with your massage therapist about your health in general and about anything currently happening in your body that massage might be able to help (e.g., tight shoulders, stiff neck, lower back pain, sore arms or calves, tension headaches, etc.) This helps to determine if there is a medical reason that you can't have a massage. It also helps your practitioner tailor the massage to meet your current needs.
    2. You will receive your massage in a private room, in a space your practitioner has set up to maximize your relaxation and comfort. This should be a calm and peaceful place, where there will very likely be relaxing music playing in the background.
    3. You will be asked to undress to whatever degree is comfortable for you. Again, you will be doing this in a private space. You will be lying on a very comfortable massage table and you will be completely draped with a sheet during the entire time you are receiving the massage. Your therapist will leave the room while you undress, and will give you a few minutes on the table to relax before he or she returns to begin the massage. Only one part of your body will be massaged at a time, and only that part (an arm, a leg, a foot, etc.) will be uncovered.
    4. A non-scented lotion will be used during the massage. These lotions will usually be very light and very absorbent, so you will be able to put your clothes back on without fear of staining them. Remember, the hour is yours. If at any time you become uncomfortable, your therapist will stop. If you want extra work on a particular area, you may request it. If you prefer that an area of your body not be touched, you can request that as well. If you want to talk with your practitioner during the session, that's fine. If you want to close your eyes and relax in silence, that's fine, too. You know your body and your needs best. Your therapist will respond to whatever you feel is right for you.
    5. At the end of the session your therapist will tell you that he or she is finished, and will leave the room so you can get dressed. At this time, you will likely be in a deeply relaxed state, so you will be advised not to jump up too quickly from the table. Get dressed at a relaxed pace.

    Massage therapists are aware that many clients experience some initial degree of shyness, nervousness, or anxiety over doing something new for the first time. Because of this, they strive to make your experience a calm, relaxing and peaceful one. Now that you know what to expect, just relax and enjoy your hour.