Many of the headaches Americans suffer are caused by muscular tension due to the numerous stressors in life. Whether the stress is from a full schedule, the everyday mental and physical challenges of life, or from trauma and injury, many of these headaches could be prevented.

Massage therapy is a proven relaxation method used to address muscular tension. Many people find that receiving massage therapy on a regular basis decreases anxiety and enables them to be more relaxed, but still alert.

Some of the conditions we commonly see patients for at Mettler Center are Fibromyalgia, post-injury or post-surgery rehabilitation, chronic muscle tension, frequent headaches, arthritis pain or stiffness in joints, massage for athletes, and, of course, relaxation, among many others. Our massage therapists often work in conjunction with our physical therapists to deliver the best treatment and relief from pain to our patients.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

• Reduces blood pressure
• Strengthens the immune system
• Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments, reduces pain and swelling, and reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
• Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
• Helps relieve mental stress
• Reduces levels of anxiety

Source: American Massage Therapy Association

Types of Massage Offered

Swedish Massage uses a system of long strokes, kneading, and friction percussive and vibration techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints. It promotes general relaxation, improves blood circulation and range of motion, and relieves muscle tension.

Deep Tissue/Trigger Point Therapy releases chronic patterns of tension in the body by applying slow strokes and concentrated pressure on the contracted areas in the fascia and deeper layers of tissue.

Pre-Natal Massage is good for relieving aches to the muscles and joints brought on by the change in posture and hormones. It can be performed throughout the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Massage is generally safe for the expectant mom and baby, but if you have any concerns please check with your physician or licensed midwife, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Women in their first trimester MUST have a note from their doctor permitting massage.

Hot Stone Massage is a 90-minute full body treatment that incorporates Swedish massage, pressure point therapy, and heat therapy. The therapist places the stones on the body for warmth and comfort, and also massages with them to nourish the soft tissues and sedate the nervous system. You’ll find your stresses and tensions melt away, leaving you refreshed and renewed.

Infant Massage is a 45 minute session with a Certified Newborn Infant Massage Instructor where parents learn the benefits of massage, when not to massage, and what different cries mean. Parents will also learn how to tell when the baby is becoming overwhelmed by watching for time out signals, how to comfort the baby, and 13-15 different massage strokes that promote parasympathetic nervous system functioning including deeper sleep, digestion, absorption, elimination, healing, growth, and development.

Okazaki Japanese Restorative Massage is a massage technique that originated with the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF). It is a deep massage performed mostly with the therapist's forearms and elbows. This massage technique was used to quickly restore health to warriors who were injured in battle by assisting the body's own natural ability to heal through improved circulation, relieved pain, and increased mobility. It is also believed to unblock and restore balance to the body's own natural energy flow (chi or Qi), leaving the recipient with a sense of mental and emotional well-being as well as physical well-being.

Sports Massage Therapy can be used to help the athlete reach optimal performance through injury-free training, enhancing the body’s recovery process, reducing the risk of injury, and effectively manage acute and chronic injuries.

Thai Yoga Massage provides the benefits of both massage and yoga. It is done on a comfortable floor mat, fully clothed. The therapist combines yogic stretches and acupressure to promote flexibility, stress and pain relief, strength, relaxation, and resistance to injury. Thai Yoga Massage is for all ages and all levels of fitness. Traditional Thai Massage originated over 2500 years ago in India. Two styles have evolved; the southern style, called Wat Po focuses more on acupressure points, while the northern style, called Nuad Bo-Rarn emphasizes more stretching positions.

Negative Pressure Massage Cupping uses suction and negative pressure with a massage cup to create a warming, lifting sensation where the cups are placed. Most experience a state of deep relaxation during and after a cupping treatment. Cupping can help break down scar tissue and release trigger points and soft tissue adhesions.

Onsite Massage

Bring massage to the workplace and see the benefits. Research shows massage in the workplace increases productivity and morale and reduces employee absenteeism. For onsite massage, a therapist brings a special massage chair to perform 10-20 minute back, neck, shoulder, and arm massages on fully-clothed recipients.

To ensure therapist availability, we ask for at least two weeks notice for a request for on-site massage. If you are unable to give advanced notice, we will try our best to make someone available. All of our therapists have regular working hours at Mettler, so we cannot guarantee availability.

For more employee wellness services offered by Mettler, please see our Onsite page.

Appointments

How To Make An Appointment

To make an appointment, please call the Mettler Center at 217.356.6543.

Hours Available

Mettler Center

Monday, 1pm–8pm

Tuesday, 9am–9pm

Wednesday, 10am–9pm

Thursday, 10am–9pm

Friday, 9am–7pm

Saturdays & Sundays, Hours vary. Please call.

Cancellation Policy

Mettler’s appointment policy states that anyone who fails to appear for a scheduled massage appointment or who cancels a massage appointment without 24 hours advance notice will be charged 50% of the scheduled service fee.

Members: A “no show charge” will be automatically added to your membership account and itemized. Your discount of 10% will still apply to these charges.

Nonmembers: A credit card or debit card will be required to schedule a massage. This number will be saved on file so you only have to give it once, not every time you schedule. This information will only be used for the purpose of reservation and will not be charged unless you fail to show for an appointment or fail to cancel an appointment without 24 hour advance notice.

Availability Of Appointments

Availability of appointments usually depends on the time of year. The months of January–August tend to be busier so it may take anywhere from one day to two weeks to schedule an appointment at the desired time. The months of September–December tend to be a bit slower, so you can generally schedule an appointment within a day or two; although sometimes it may take longer.

FAQ

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule a massage therapy appointment at the Member Services desk or by calling the Mettler Center at 217.356.6543.

Do I have to be a member to get a massage?

No, you do not have to be a member of either Mettler location to receive massage.  However, our members do receive a 10% discount off the regular price of a massage.

What types of treatment may I receive?

All of our treatment sessions are individually tailored to each client, so it’s difficult to create a “standard” treatment list.

How long will my visits last?

Your visit with one of our therapists will vary from 30, 60, or 90 minutes.

What training do massage therapists have?

All of the massage therapists at Mettler have undergone extensive training at an accredited school of massage therapy and have graduated with a minimum of 500 hours of course work. Our massage therapists are fully licensed in the state of Illinois, and many are also Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, as well as being members of reputable massage associations. Additionally, our massage therapists continuously refine their skills through a minimum of 48 hours of continuing education every four years.

What should I wear?

You may wear whatever you'd like to your appointment. The massage therapist will leave the room and allow you to undress to the level of your own personal comfort. You will be fully covered by a sheet throughout the entire massage, except for the area of the body that the massage therapist is working on. If you are getting a back massage, it is best that you remove your bra to allow all areas of your back to be addressed. Your modesty will be respected and maintained.

What office policies should I be aware of?

It’s important to know that Mettler charges half the scheduled service fee to clients who fail to appear at for scheduled appointment or who cancel an appointment without 24 hours advance notice. Because of scheduling, if you are late to an appointment, it might not be possible for you to have your full session time. If your massage therapist is late, we will make every effort to allot your full session time.

Will my insurance cover massage therapy?

Most insurance companies don't cover massage therapy, but check with your specific health provider to find out their policies.

Do you have gift certificates?

Yes, we have gift certificates available in any amount or for any service.