This service is also open to the public at the Radford Wellness and Fitness Center. In addition to one-hour massage sessions available by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, CNRV also offers four different massage classes for couples, expectant mothers and infants. Massage therapy is available at the Radford Wellness and Fitness Center at 51 First St. by appointment on Monday and Wednesday from 6 - 9 p.m. Kim Hitzler, a nationally certified massage therapist, said the wellness center also offers gift certificates for 30 minute and one hour massage sessions to help people relax. A free workout session is included with the massage. In addition to relaxation, Hitzler said massage therapy can especially help athletes, weight lifters and fitness participants.
Massage therapy is more than just a relaxation technique.
Kerry McGrath, R.N., a certified massage therapist at CNRV, said that in addition to traditional treatments, many physicians nationwide are ordering massage therapy for their patients. While a physician referral is not required, individuals with a medical condition need clearance from their doctor before receiving massage therapy. Massage stimulates touch receptors in the skin. Those receptors then tell the brain to stop producing stress chemicals, which have been shown to depress the immune system. She explained that massage triggers the release of hormones called endorphins.