Therapeutic & Relaxation Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods of healing
The practice of therapeutic massage can be traced back nearly 4,000 years. Statistics from both Health Canada and the American Massage Therapy Association show that millions of North Americans use it today.
Massage therapy refers to a comprehensive health management strategy focusing on the application of various techniques to positively affect the soft tissues and joints of the body. Massage techniques most commonly include pressure and compression, kneading, frictioning, and mobilizing to improve the health and condition of the muscles, tendons, skin, fascia or connective tissue of the body.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage is a Safe and Effective Form of Health Care
Many people benefit from Massage Therapy. Whether you are in search of help in injury recovery and rehabilitation, looking for a healthful way to deal with day-to-day stress or simply interested in maintaining good health, Therapeutic Massage is a safe and effective form of health care.
Today massage is thought of as a holistic therapy that complements medical treatment. The "Physician's Guide to Therapeutic Massage" shows that massage can decrease pain, improve range of motion, improve mood, aid in the circulation of blood and lymph flow, reduce muscle and joint soreness, and improve sleep.
Relief Through Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy has been shown to provide relief from the following disorders:
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Other Massage Therapy Benefits
Therapeutic Massage may also be considered an important treatment choice for the following conditions:
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Improves Recovery Rate
In addition, Massage is frequently recommended to improve the rate of recovery from injury.
- Minor Sports Injuries
- Recurring Stress or Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Whiplash and Whiplash Associated Disorders
- Recovery and Rehabilitation from Surgery
Massage Therapy Applications
Massage is Beneficial for People of All Ages
The Touch Research Institute, University of Miami, has completed many research studies on massage therapy. These researchers have found evidence that massage has significant benefit for babies, children, adults, and elderly persons. Massage therapy has been shown to enhance growth in premature babies in the hospital, calm aggressive adolescents and help kids with Attention Deficit Disorder. Elderly persons in nursing homes have responded to massage with decreased agitated behaviour.
Massage Therapy On the Job
Corporations and other institutions are discovering that massage therapy programs for employees pay off.
Job stress has been identified as a serious health care issue that relates to decreased productivity, decrease job satisfaction, increased work related injury, errors and absenteeism.
Research reported in the Financial Times, and in Massage Therapy: The Evidence for Practice show that massage is a good tool for reducing work stress.
Stress, Depression, and Immunity
Massage therapy studies have shown positive results in boosting the body's own natural cellular immune response, decreasing pain by pumping up the body's levels of endorphins and decreasing the blood levels of cortisol which is a hormone related to stress. These beneficial results are proving helpful for people with critical illnesses like cancer and HIV infection and for those who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.
Massage Therapy in Sports
Athletes, coaches, and professional trainers use massage therapy as part of their health and welness. Massage therapy is used at sporting events to help athletes performance and to help prevent injury.
Massage may improve muscle recovery and decrease muscle soreness after exertion. Athletes also benefit from the therapy's positive effects on heart rate and blood pressure, and the general relaxation response that reduces anxiety and improves mood.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Receiving Massage therapy is safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Many women enjoy the skilled care of a massage therapist to help to alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain associated with changes in the body during pregnancy. The general benefits of increased circulation and enhanced well-being are valuable therapeutic effects. Specially trained massage therapists can even participate during childbirth to help decrease pain and anxiety.
