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The Mary Newill Therapy Center is dedicated to helping you get well and back to your life.

Sonja Isenhart is one of two massage therapists now offering extensive services in the newly expanded and renovated Mary Newill Therapy Center at Westminster Village North. The other therapist is Beth Philpot.

Massage Therapy  |  Recreational Therapy

Westminster Village North's newly renovated and expanded therapy center might lead you to think you've wandered from a health care facility into the spa of a fivestar vacation resort.

Light pours in from the glass wall overlooking a landscaped atrium courtyard. The gentle sounds of water flowing over a bed of river stones offers a soothing accompaniment to the professional treatments underway throughout the generously sized and beautifully appointed space. Flatscreened TVs hang from the wall, conveniently located to hold the attention of residents utilizing state-of-the-art fitness equipment designed for seniors.

And in one of the quiet, private rooms off the main space, massage therapists Sonja Isenhart and Beth Philpot offer Westminster Village North residents the luxury of massage therapy to provide comfort for aching muscles, or soothing relief and relaxation from stress and tension.

"We offer private and complimentary consultations and assessments so the resident can decide whether or not massage therapy sounds like something he or she wants to try," Sonja said. "Some people may choose massage therapy as an adjunct to physical or occupational therapy, but others may just want the opportunity for this specialized geriatric massage service."

Geriatric massage includes basic relaxation and stress relief, and also is an important tool in fighting many of the symptoms of aging. It is one of the alternative and complementary therapies to increase blood circulation, combat depression, improve balance and flexibility, reduce arthritis pain, increase joint mobility, improve posture and encourage overall well-being.

It also can assist in breaking down scar or fibrous tissues, alleviating pain, improving immune function, and provide greater resistance to re-injury. Each session, Beth explained, is typically 60 minutes in length and, while Medicare does not usually reimburse for massage therapy, the benefits may make it worthwhile for some residents to choose to pay for their own individual treatments.

Both Sonja and Beth are experienced massage therapists, and Sonja has achieved recognition as both a provider and an instructor in Reiki Massage. Pronounced "raykey," this discipline is similar to "healing touch" massage, and is sometimes called "chi," "prana" or by other names.

It is conducted through a series of carefully orchestrated touch patterns designed to advance healing and diminish stress. It is especially beneficial for those who are not comfortable with the partial disrobing required for traditional massage therapies, or who prefer a very light touch.

Whether through standard massage therapy or Reiki therapy, this addition to the Westminster Village North rehabilitation menu is an exciting one. "It brings it all together to help our residents recover and get home more quickly and comfortably," Sonja explained. For more information about this new service, call Tracy Pope, 826-6084.