Benefits of Massage

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Massage has much more than just the “feel good now” benefits, it also has direct psychological and physiological benefits (how the body functions). Most benefits of massage are ones that you may not even know about. A massage creates a relaxation response in most individuals. Massage can increase metabolism, improve lymphatic function, expediate healing and relax muscles. It reduces muscle tension, soreness and a human’s perceived level of stress. Massage therapy improves circulation of blood and lymph, which improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body while encouraging the removal of waste. It can also be effective in pain management for whiplash, labor/deliver, sciatica, arthritis, headaches and other conditions. Formal research indicates that massage therapy can be an encouraging factor in being used with other medical treatments. Some cancer patients who receive regular massages site a reduction in pain, nausea, fatigue, and anxiety. Still other research indicates the benefits of massage to enhance the functioning of the immune system. With so many different types of massage therapy available, the benefits of massage are enormous and can be suited to your specific needs and issues.

Conditions Generally Relieved by Massage

Anxiety
Sports Injuries
Back Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Edema
Emotional Stress
Fybromalgia/Fibrositis
Headaches
Insomnia
Leg Stiffness / Leg Discomfort
Migranes
Myofascial Pain
Neck Pain
Osteoarthritis
Post Injury Rehabilitation
Reduced range of motion
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Sciatica
Skin Tone Improvement
Sprains
Strains
Tendon issues / Tendonitis
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Whiplash
And many other conditions

Physiological Effects of Massage

When used properly, massage is an effective method of influencing the structures and functions of the body. Depending on the method and manner of manipulations, a sense of relaxation, refreshment or stimulation may follow. The two physical effects of massage are mechanical and reflex which may occur simultaneously or separately. Reflex effects of massage are indirect responses fthat affecte the functions and tissues. Mechanical effects occur directly from the muscle and tissue that is manipulated. Effects of Massage on Muscles By stimulating circulation, muscles can become firmer and more flexible. Estimations are that muscles being massaged have blood flow increased three times over muscles at rest. Massage prevents / relieves tension and soreness. Muscles will be more rapidly restored with massage than by passive rest in the same time span. Massage can also have effects on range of motion in cases where the range is due to tissue injury, tension, strains and more.

Nervous System affected by Massage

The sensory nerves and their receptors are affected by massage. The type of response achieved depends on the type of massage movement applied. Friction, Percussion & Vibration techniques encourage stimulation. Gentle effleurage, light friction & compression enhance relaxation. Shorter massages (under 15 minutes) appear to stimulate the body leaving it more alert and energized. However, longer massages seem to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Studies have been conducted to note a decrease in beta waves and increases in delta waves in the brain for participants who received consistent massages (2 times a week, 15 min.) The results stated participants performed better on tests and that job related stress and cortisol (stress hormones) was reduced. Short invigorating massage can increase the production of epinephrine and norepinephrine. A one hour relaxing massage can decrease epinephrine and norepeniphrine and encourage relaxation. Massage increases levels of available serotonin and dopamine. These increases could possibly lead to decreased stress and depression.