Benefits of Theraputic Massage
Friday, February 26, 2010 at 12:03PM Hi everyone! Let's talk a little about the benefits to theraputic massage. Massage as a method of body work has been around for hundreds of years. Getting its start in western practices, massage works on all systems of the body, muscular, internal, as well as psychological. In the past 50 years massage has made a progression from being thought of as a "treat" to being considered a necessary means in combating muscle tension, stress, and injury.
As a practicing massage therapist since 2005, what I see most often in clients is upper back and neck pain as a result of poor posture, stress, and tension. If you are someone, for example, spending significant hours sitting at a desk, holding a phone, or carrying heavy items, you could be suffering from upper back and neck tension and not even realize it. The human body is amazing with what we can learn to live with. Maybe it's waking up with a kink in your neck, or chronic pain building up over time, in either case massage is an effective way to battle discomfort that comes from muscle pain.
Other benefits to massage therapy include:
* Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
* Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers
* Shorten maternity hospital stays.
* Ease medication dependence.
* Enhance immunity by stimulating the body’s lymphatic defense system.
* Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
* Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
* Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
* Increase joint flexibility.
* Lessen depression and anxiety.
* Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
* Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
* Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
* Reduce spasms and cramping.
* Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
* Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
* Relieve migraine pain.
The power of body work is undeniable. Regardless of how we justify it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Leslie Smith, LATC, MT
Reader Comments (1)
Nicely written, Leslie. It's always a pleasure to read about your work and the passion you possess within it.