Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
Written by Chrystal Benson, CMT
Massage therapy is more than “just a luxury”. Massage is considered to be among the oldest healing treatments used by man. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document the use of massage in healing. The ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians used forms of massage for some ailments, and Hypocrites wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today massage is an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs and has proven to be a beneficial treatment for many chronic conditions, such as low back pain, arthritis, and bursitis. Massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of daily living.
There are many benefits of massage. Massage can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and create an overall sense of well-being.
There are many types of massage therapy. The intensity of the practitioner’s touch varies in massage from light strokes to deep tissue work, depending on the modality and goals. Swedish massage, described by the American Massage Therapy Association, is a system of long strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscle, combined with active and passive movements of the joints. Anyone who has never received a massage before may want to consider Swedish. At the other end of the spectrum of massage is neuromuscular therapy or NMT. NMT often involves deep tissue work. The focus of NMT is on the relief of pain and pain syndromes occurring from trigger points- small, hypersensitive knots or rope-like bands that can be found in body tissue, including the muscles, the fascia, ligaments, the tissue surrounding the bone, under the skin, and even in scars. Massage therapists provide their clients with the various elements of touch, relaxation, healing, and education.
Do you have health goals? Has your doctor recommended that you reduce and stabilize your blood pressure? Do you have an old sports injury that still bothers you? Are you seeking relief from muscle spasms, soreness, or tension? Do you want to improve your flexibility and move more easily? Are you trying to get your energy back? Do you want to improve your quality of sleep? Is your goal to alleviate anxiety or depression? Massage therapy might be for you.
Seek out a qualified massage therapist that you feel comfortable with. Ask questions about schooling, education, and even references. Talk to the therapist about your goals. Make sure the setting is right for you and is clean and comfortable.
Massage has the potential to transform your health. To find out more about how massage therapy can work for you, contact Chrystal Benson, CMT, at 814-643-0588.
The Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association makes no medical claims or recommendations. Check with your doctor about your specific health care need.