Benefits of Massage Therapy
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