People use massage for either general relaxation and stress reduction or to address a specific complaint, such as pain or limited range of motion. Modern research suggests professional massage therapy will contribute to both goals.
General Benefits of Massage Therapy
Physical relaxation
Improved circulation, which nourishes cells and improves waste elimination
Relief of tight muscles, aches and pains
Release of nerve compression
Increasing flexibility and range of motion
Enhanced energy and vitality
Accelerate healing of scar tissue, tendon, ligament, and muscle tears
What Specific Conditions Can Massage Therapy Help?
Massage therapy can benefit your health in a variety of ways. Massage can relax muscle tissue, which will lead to diminished nerve compression, increased joint space, and range of motion. This will reduce pain and improve function.
Massage therapy can also improve circulation, which enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells and aide in the removal of waste from the body's tissues. These circulatory effects of massage have value in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis or edema.
Professional massage will also induce relaxation response, which lowers the heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure; boosts the immune system; and generally decreases the physical effects of stress.
These effects suggest that massage is helpful for a wide array of conditions. Some of these conditions are listed below.
Diminished Pain & Increase Function in These Conditions:
- Carpal tunnel
- Sciatica
- Tension headaches
- Whiplash
- Scoliosis
- Torticollis
- Tendon & muscle tears
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Varicose veins
- Pregnancy-related back pain & discomfort
- Myofascial pain
- Sore or overused muscles (prevention & treatment)
- Muscle injuries
Treats & Manages Symptoms or Complications of:
- Gout
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Muscular dystrophies
- Raynaud's disease
- Diabetes
- Hypertension & congestive heart failure
- Reduces risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases
Other Psychological, Emotional, & Physical Benefits:
- Improved mood
- Reduced anxiety
- Lower stress level
- Lessening of depression
- Reduced anger & aggression
- Improved sleep patterns & decreased sleep disturbance
- Reduce fatigue
- Enhance immune system
- Improve athletic performance & enhance recovery
