For decades massage therapy has been deemed a luxury that simply soothes and refreshes the body, without offering any notable health benefits. However, in recent years, hospitals, clinics and other medical establishments have started to use massage therapy as a viable treatment option. This trend is due to the fact that massage therapy has been demonstrated to improve symptoms for a wide range of conditions and to promote general healing. The following physical ailments have been shown to improve when treated with massage:
When you have chronic stress, the persistent fight-or-flight response in your body may cause additional issues. As stress elevates to distress, you may experience an upset stomach, headache, increased blood pressure and insomnia and chest pain. A Touch Research Institute study at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine confirmed that massage therapy can relieve anxiety. In their study, the participants had reduced cortisol hormone levels immediately following a massage by as much as 53 percent. Cortisol can increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels as well as suppress the immune system. Massage has also been proven to increase endorphin production. If you are ever feeling stressed out and anxious, a massage may be just what you need.
Injuries
Migraine Headaches
Digestive Disorders
To treat digestive disorders, a therapist applies gentle pressure to the exterior of the abdomen, feeling the internal colon and small intestine structures. In some cases, the therapist will be able to feel an area in the digestive tract that is congested. Massaging this area can help stimulate spontaneous movement of the digestive tract and decrease symptoms such as gas, cramping, bloating and constipation. Abdominal massages can also help remove masses that are trapped within the intestinal wall outpouchings. Sometimes a therapist will apply ice or heat alongside gentle massage to decrease swelling or stimulate the bowel. It is important not to use massage during acute or active IBS, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease flare ups.
Fibromyalgia
TMJ
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Injuries
Massages can speed up the recovery period for twisted knees, muscle spasms, sprained ankles and broken bones. The therapist will improve blood flow, break down adhesions, and flush out swelling. A Swedish massage can be both relaxing and energizing which is beneficial following an injury, while a deep tissue massage helps flush lactic acid and other metabolic waste out of the muscles, letting in more blood filled with oxygen and nutrients.
Migraine Headaches
In America, more than half of the 45 million citizens who have chronic headaches suffer from migraines. Generally they come about from insomnia and/or high stress levels and can significantly compromise normal functioning. A massage has a two-fold effect for treating migraines and tension headaches. Regular massages help the body maintain an ideal relaxation and stress relief level. Massages can also ease the pressure that comes about during a migraine or tension headache. Focusing the massage on the neck, shoulders and head can alleviate the pain and discomfort and reduce muscle spasms and trigger points.
To treat digestive disorders, a therapist applies gentle pressure to the exterior of the abdomen, feeling the internal colon and small intestine structures. In some cases, the therapist will be able to feel an area in the digestive tract that is congested. Massaging this area can help stimulate spontaneous movement of the digestive tract and decrease symptoms such as gas, cramping, bloating and constipation. Abdominal massages can also help remove masses that are trapped within the intestinal wall outpouchings. Sometimes a therapist will apply ice or heat alongside gentle massage to decrease swelling or stimulate the bowel. It is important not to use massage during acute or active IBS, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease flare ups.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is associated with extensive chronic pain, mood changes, memory issues, and fatigue. There are a variety of massage techniques that are effective for reducing fibromyalgia related pain. Depending on your tender spots and sensitivity levels, a massage therapist may use reflexology or specific methods that address your particular requests and needs. As fibromyalgia can cause pain and extreme sensitivity, it is important to be honest about how much pressure your muscles can take during a massage. Massages can also make you more relaxed, providing a better night's sleep which helps you wake up more refreshed with less pain.
TMJ
Joint disorders that affect the jaw are referred to as temporomandibular joint disorders or TMJs. Massage therapy can help relieve the pain associated with TMJs by restoring range of motion, decreasing muscle tension, and getting rid of trigger points. If you suffer from TMJ, you may want to consider Swedish massages, post-isometric relaxation techniques and neuromuscular and cranial-sacral therapies.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition in which pain is sent from sensitive regions known as trigger points in particular muscles or connective tissues to other regions of the body that don't seem to be related in any way. This pain is quite different than the occasional sore muscles that you may get from spending the weekend painting. Myofascial massage treatments may include gentle pressure, traction and positioning of joints in varying angles to create a natural stretch. These treatments encourage muscle spasms to relax and break up bonds in the affected fascia.
