Benefits of Massage Therapy

 

Relaxation

Relaxation and stress relief represent the most common reasons for getting a massage. During a half-hour body massage, the deep kneading, compression and stroking techniques soothe tense muscles and relax the body’s overall feeling. Lotions and oils used during the session offer aromatic properties to calm and relax the body and mind.

 

Reducing stress through massage therapy benefits a person’s overall health by decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting quality sleep patterns, increasing energy, reducing fatigue and improving mental concentration. People who attend regular massage sessions report a sense of clarity and perspective following their session.

 

Pain Management

During a massage, the body triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. This natural response reduces pain from chronic conditions such as low-back pain, bursitis, arthritis and sciatica.

 

The various stroking, tapping, pressure, rocking and vibration motions placed on the soft tissues and muscle structures increase blood circulation, range-of-motion and flexibility. Therapeutic massage reduces swelling, spasms and cramping.

 

Injury and Surgical Rehabilitation

Sports massage uses techniques to help athletes regain range-of-motion and flexibility following an injury. Massages also help stretch and relax overused or tired muscles during training and competition.

 

Post-surgical rehabilitation continues to evolve, and some doctors recommend massage as a part of the recovery process. Patients who use massage experience reduced post-surgical swelling and adhesions. Massage works to exercise and strengthen weak or atrophied muscles following surgery and injuries.

 

Health Conditions

The body responds to massage with a combination of physical, physiological and chemical changes and has profound health benefits. Traditional medical doctors have started to realize these benefits and support massage therapy as part of a whole-body treatment plan for certain medical conditions

 

Skin, the largest organ of the body, responds to massage with a smooth and supple appearance. The motions used gently exfoliate dead skin cells off the body, increases collagen production and improves circulation.

 

Massage improves circulation through the lymphatic system and improves a person’s overall immune function. Oxygenated blood fills the tissues, muscles and vital organs, delivering nutrients and flushing toxins from the lymphatic system.

 

Chronic conditions associated with muscle pain and weakness such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure and autoimmune diseases all benefit from massage. The increased blood flow from a massage reduces poor circulation symptoms, alleviates muscle tension and pain and reduces diastolic pressure in people with high blood pressure.

 

Children and adults with asthma experience a higher peak air flow and improved pulmonary functions.

 

Women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome symptoms report decreased cramping and water retention.

 

Pain associated with migraine and tension headaches goes away through targeted massage techniques.

 

The benefits of massage reach those suffering from neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and some forms of mental illness.

 

Cancer patients report positive benefits to their mental and physical well being following massage sessions.

 

Hospice care has started to integrate massage therapy into its programs to alleviate stress and reduce pain in the final stages of life.