December 3rd, 2019
You may think of massage as just something you do only at a day at the spa. Well, think again! Massage has gone mainstream and is now recognized as a popular form of complementary and alternative medicine – so much that some hospitals and other health care providers are including massage as part of their treatments too. There are several benefits of therapeutic massage for overall health and well being. Read more from Dr. Sarah!
There are over 80 variations of massage therapy – each offering a wide variety of techniques, which cater to the specific needs of each patient. Therapeutic massage therapy is a catchall term that describes any type of massage modality that relieves pain, reduces stress, and/or works on a specific problem like tennis elbow. While it involves the manipulation, rubbing and pressing of soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, and tendons), this isn’t a strong massage like deep tissue.
Massage has always focused on relaxation, and that certainly hasn’t changed. Countless studies show that therapeutic massage significantly reduces physical and psychological stress by increasing the production of endorphins (the “feel good” chemicals), serotonin and dopamine.
It also reduces cortisol levels (the “stress hormones”), heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption – all factors associated with stress.
Everyday pressures of life have made Americans tenser than ever – both physically and psychologically. This has resulted in an increase in back injuries, joint stiffness, and muscle tension. Therapeutic massage is well known to soften the impact of muscle tension and relax stiff joints.
In today’s world of mobile devices, massage therapy is almost a requirement to prevent and/or alleviate back pain. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, back pain sufferers experienced more pain relief from therapeutic massage than those who were given a placebo.
Therapeutic massage increases blood circulation by directing oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to and from the muscles and internal organs, resulting in growth, recovery and total body healing.
Athletes at all levels have long used therapeutic massage as part of their fitness regimens. Not only does it help with injury and recovery, but it also works as a form of preventative maintenance.
Massage aids in the release of serotonin, which helps the body achieve a state of rest. Because of this, massage therapy is known to significantly reduce insomnia in adults and can help infants sleep better and cry less.
Massage therapy reduces cortisol levels which triggers several brain chemistry responses, resulting in extended periods of deep relaxation.
Concrete evidence suggests that massage not only reduces pain associated with conditions such as chronic back pain, knee osteoarthritis, arthritis or rheumatism, it also improves range of motion and overall function.
The benefits of therapeutic massage clearly go far beyond relaxation. Schedule a therapeutic massage session at our South Tampa wellness studio! Call or text (813) 440-3016.
Categories: Rejuvenation