Sunday, September 11, 2011

Benefits of Massage

Massage is not just about fancy spas and fluffy robes.  Medical doctors and clinicians have agreed that the physiological, psychological, and therapeutic benefits of massage are many.

Massage can be utilized for pain management, sports-related injuries, reducing chronic neck and back pain, controlling depression and anxiety, reducing stress, and can increase an overall feeling of well-being.  If you receive chiropractic adjustments, it can be used in conjunction with your treatment to optimize results.
Some other benefits of massage:*

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

- Stimulates the flow of lymph, the body's natural defense system, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.

- Increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of the body's largest organ - the skin.

- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles

- Reduces spasms and cramping

- Increases joint flexibility

- Reduces recovery time, helps prepare for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete at any level

- Releases endorphins - the body's natural painkiller - and is being used in chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain

- Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred

- Improves range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain

- Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication

- Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion

- Assists with shorter labor for expectant mothers, as well as less need for medication, less depression and anxiety, and shorter hospital stays

*Credit:  Massagetherapy.com

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