Benefits of Massage Therapy

The Benefits of Massage Therapy are currently being studied and researched.

The latest and most interesting results from "A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin January 2004;130(1):3-18." shows clearly that the biggest benefit of massage is the psychological benefits that include reducing anxiety and depression levels. So great were these reductions that the scientists considered massage therapy almost as effective as traditional psychotherapy in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Reducing these psychological issues is essential in healing and preventing any disease or condition.

Other research shows that other benefits of massage are reducing Back and Neck Pain, as well as Pain and Stiffness, reducing blood pressure, reducing recovery time after injury and reducing the symptoms of many diseases such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's.

(For a more comprehensive list of conditions see the other conditions section.) Other Benefits of massage include: (The following is from the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) website):

Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension, which, experts believe, accounts for 80%-90% of disease. Massage has been proven beneficial in treating cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, low back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, post-operative surgery, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking cessation, and depression, to name just a few.

Here’s why:

Bodywork offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Massage has many physiological effects, such as:

* Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.

* Stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.

* Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles.

* Reducing spasms and cramping.

* Increasing joint flexibility.

* Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.

* Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.

* Reducing post-surgery adhesions and edema and reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred.

* Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with low back pain.

* Relieving pain for migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication.

* Providing exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reducing shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.

* Contributing to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety, and shortening hospital stays.

If you have any questions as to how massage can help your specific condition or disease, please feel free to contact me for a free consultation at the phone number below.

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