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Benefits of Therapy

More than just pampering, provide real health benefits to your body.

Everyone knows a massage feels good, but not everyone knows all the benefits of massage therapy. It may be a challenge to believe that a bit of pampering can actually benefit your health, but with massage, that’s exactly the case for people of all ages. It can help pre-term babies gain weight or ease arthritis pain in the elderly. Studies have found massage to be effective in reducing muscle tension, chronic pain, and reducing stress. Massage also serves as a safe, non-invasive, drug-free option for treating a variety of disorders and improving your overall health:

Anxiety       Depression
Digestive problems      Fibromyalgia
Headaches and migraines      Myofascial pain
Nerve pain      Soft tissue injuries and strains
Stress-related insomnia       TMJ syndrome (temporomandibular joint pain)
Eases medication dependence      Improves circulation
Increases flexibility      Reduces chronic pain
Releases endorphins      Speeds injury recovery

How Massage Therapy Helps

Massage therapy works to relieve pain and reduce stress on three different levels. First, the gentle, soothing movements of bodywork trigger what’s known as the “relaxation response,” an involuntary reaction from the body’s nervous system. This relaxation response is the reason many massage clients yawn and feel sleepy while receiving therapy.

The second level is mechanical. The action of manipulating the body’s soft tissues has a direct physical affect. Muscles relax and tight connective tissues release. Circulation of blood and lymph improve, and toxins are naturally removed.

The third level is internal. Massage therapy can actually benefit the organs even though they aren’t directly touched. Sharing the same neurological pathways, the organs can be affected by distressed nerves, bones, or muscles. In fact, when they are distressed it can actually affect the way the organs function. All the systems of the body are connected, and when one is improved the entire body benefits.

You can increase the benefits you receive from massage therapy by taking a few simple actions before, during, and after your appointment.

Before:

  • Don’t eat directly before your scheduled appointment. When your body is focused on digestion, it will have a harder time relaxing.
  • Be on time. By allowing yourself enough time to arrive for your appointment, you skip the added stress or worry that comes with feeling you might arrive late. Instead, you can simply begin your therapy as relaxed as possible.
  • Provide accurate health information. Talk to your therapist about any recent injuries or chronic pain you’re experiencing.

During:

  • Let your therapist know if you’re uncomfortable with the pressure or style of massage you’re receiving.
  • Breathe normally. People sometimes hold their breath or feel they should take extra deep breaths during massage. Don’t worry if you’re breathing “right,” just allow yourself to breathe in a normal way.
  • Silently relax during the massage. Don’t hesitate to give your therapist necessary feedback, but generally avoid small talk to allow yourself to relax fully.

After:

  • Take a moment when the therapist leaves the room, and get up slowly. If you feel light headed, stay seated on the table until you feel better.
  • Drink extra water throughout the rest of your day.
  • Schedule your next massage therapy session. Massage offers the most benefits over time. Weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly appointments will provide you with the most lasting benefits.

If you are interested in scheduling your massage session today, click here to book online!

MASSAGE THERAPY AND WHAT IT CAN DO FOR YOU

It relaxes muscles, easing and soothing your aches and pains. It rejuvenates, restoring balance to your body and being, making you better for all the things life throws your way. What are you waiting for?