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What is massage and what can massage do for me?

What is massage therapy?

Massage is one of the oldest forms of medical treatment. It was first recorded in Chinese medical texts as early as 2000 BC and was widely used in Indian Ayuvedic medicine. Ancient Greek and Roman physicians prescribed massage as the primary method for treating pain. The simple act of rubbing your shin after cracking it on a towbar is massage therapy – touch in response to pain is a basic instinct.

Massage therapy uses a variety of techniques to manipulate the muscular structure Massage_therapyand soft tissues of your body. These techniques include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands, although massage therapists do use other areas of the body, such as the forearms or elbows.

All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of your body. The intent is to relax the soft tissues, increase delivery of blood and oxygen to the massaged areas, warm them, and decrease pain. In fact, massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of you, the client.

The benefits of massage
How can you benefit from massage therapy? Below are a few of the conditions listed that massage has been proven to help with:

  • Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.

  • Increase joint flexibility.

  • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.

  • Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.

  • Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.

  • Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.

  • Reduce spasms and cramping.

  • Relieve headache and migraine pain.

  • Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.

  • Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.

  • Lessen depression and anxiety.

Massage and stress
Regardless of the reasons you may seek out treatment (a luxurious treat, stress relief, or pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that over ninety percent of disease is stress related*. And perhaps nothing will age you faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While it's unrealistic for you to be able to completely eliminate anxiety and pressure from your life, massage can, without a doubt, help you manage stress. This translates into:

  • Decreased anxiety.

  • Enhanced sleep quality.

  • Greater energy.

  • Improved concentration.

  • Increased circulation.

  • Reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance massage can provide you can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Massage_therapy_effectsProfound effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout your body, with profound effects. Research shows the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage therapists and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Increase the benefits with regular visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage regularly can do even more. A scheduled self-care plan can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for massage at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage sometimes feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic for you. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your massage therapist to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

Review the clinical research studies examining the benefits of massage.

Ok - so now you have plenty of reasons why you should get regular massage.  Perhaps one or two of the benefits or conditions above made you think "Yes, I know all about that" or "I wish I could have that" - well you can.

Book in for your massage session with us now.  Your body deserves it!