While massage therapists are often perceived by the general public to only perform relaxation massages, most, if not all massage therapists, however, provide many of their clients with specific, treatment-focused massage therapy which is designed to treat many common musculoskeletal injuries, neurological symptoms and respiratory conditions.
Below is a list of some of the major benefits associated with massage therapy:
- Helps relieve stress and aids in relaxation
- Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness by softening injured and/or overused muscles
- Helps in the reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms
- Helps alleviate tension related headaches and the effects of eye-strain
- Promotes faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments by reducing pain, swelling and excessive scar tissue
- Promotes deeper and easier breathing
- Releases 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
- Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs
- Strengthens the immune system
- Beneficial during pregnancy and helps alleviate labour discomfort
- Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
- Reduces post-surgery adhesions, swelling and scar tissue
- Reduces blood pressure
- Improves posture