Some of the benefits of massage are...
- Increased circulation and lymphatic movement
- Increased flexibility and range of motion, preventing muscle
injury
- Increased endorphin production (the bodys natural painkiller)
- Reduced or eliminated chronic pain, muscle aches, spasms and
headaches
- Preventing/reducing the pain of Repetitive Stress Syndrome
- Increased endurance during physical activities
- Boost to the immune system
- Improved quality of sleep
- Lowered stress levels
- Comfort to pregnant women
Massage really works
chronic headaches, neck and low back pains
Headaches, chronic neck and back pain can be caused by sudden trauma
such as auto accidents (whiplash), sports related activities or
from repetitious activities such as working at a computer or doing
labor intensive jobs hat require a lot of bending, lifting and reaching.
Massage can help by releasing the tight, shortened muscles and trigger
points. When the muscles relax and become more pliable, the pressure
on the nerve lessens and blood circulation improves. By increasing
oxygen and blood to the tissue, the pain is reduced and often eliminated.
for cancer patients
Cancer and cancer treatments can cause great physical pain and anxiety.
Women who have mastectomies report negative feelings about being
touched and must fight a common problem of lymphedema (a buildup
of lymph in the arm after their surgery). Massage has been shown
to reduce and relieve lymphedema, to relieve pain and anxiety among
hospitalized cancer patients, and to help mastectomy patients recover
from their reluctance to be touched.
to boost immunity
Your bodys immune system helps you fight off infections and
illnesses, and it helps you recover from injuries. When you are
under high levels of stress, the immune system may not always work
as well as it should. Research among different groups of people
in very different situations has shown that massage can increase
the immune systems cytotoxic capacity (the activity level
of the bodys natural killer cells) and decrease
the number of T cells. The result is an immune system that is working
better. Massage doesnt cure ailments, but it has been shown
to help the body function better in fighting ailments.
How often should you receive a massage?
Your overall general health will determine this. If you're in good
health with no specific complaints or problems, you would probably
only need to receive a massage once a month, for maintenance purposes.
Depending on the severity of your pain and the specifics of your
problems, once or twice a week might be necessary to achieve the
desired results. Monthly follow-up visits after the desired results
are achieved would be beneficial to keep you maintained and keep
the old pain from reoccurring. Your therapist will be able to inform
you of treatment recommendations at the conclusion of your session.
Massage can address chronic pain on many levels, and often works
well in conjunction with other supportive measures, such as acupuncture
and chiropractic treatments. Rest, exercise, and a healthy diet
will maintain these results for a more substantial period of time,
as well as help you to maintain your optimum health.
Certain health conditions exist that may require a doctor's
approval prior to treatment. Some may contraindicate massage all
together. If you have a condition that you are unsure about please
consult your doctor or your therapist before your treatment.
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