Massage therapy is a form of tissue manipulation that is one option for treating various symptoms.

One of the oldest therapies in the world, massage has been passed down through centuries in cultures such as among the Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous.

Kneading and manipulating a person’s muscles and soft tissues, this could have an impact on improving one’s health and well-being. It takes a skilled practitioner to deliver the right pressure across muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

A dynamic treatment, massage therapy targets dozens of physical and psychological problems. Here are just a few of them.

Relaxation

One benefit that could come with massage therapy is relaxation.

In the moment, it’s possible to feel a complete release of tension in our muscles. Sometimes we don’t know how much tension we actually carry around in our bodies. Massages are a great way to try and physically release anything you can’t shake.

Maintenance

A lot of people use massage therapy as a form of maintenance. It’s sort of like oiling the joints!

As we age or engage in physical activities, we put wear-and-tear on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. The soft tissue structure gets worn and with that, there’s pain and movement and mobility is affected. Massage therapy can help restore mobility and ‘warm up’ the body, providing a person with the chance to move and feel better.

Targeted Relief

There’s full-body massage, yes, but there is also massage therapy which targets specific areas.

Knee massages, upper back massages, lower back and hip massages, leg massages, neck massages, shoulder massages, and more. There are a range of massage techniques to specifically target these areas and bring blood flow in, possibly reduce swelling, maybe bring new joint fluid into the area, and try to eliminate stiffness.

Circulation

A number of symptoms relating to pain and discomfort can be partly relieved by increasing circulation.

Massage targets areas of the body directly. If there’s stagnancy or circulatory issues in specific regions, these can be addressed through manipulating the tissue in the hands of an experienced massage therapist.

Back Pain

The #1 most common form of pain experienced by adults is back pain, lower and/or upper. Chronic pain in this area is notoriously difficult to manage.

An Edmonton massage therapist can help treat back pain in a variety of ways, releasing tension and manipulating specific areas to try and soothe them into relaxation.

Sleeping Difficulties

People who get regular massage therapy might see themselves sleeping better at night.

Anyone with trouble sleeping – either falling asleep or staying asleep – could see an improvement through a basic massage. The release of stress and the treatment of chronic or acute pain can make the world of difference in improving the quality of sleep.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries could possibly heal quicker with the addition of massage therapy into one’s plan for rehabilitation.

For people who enjoy playing sports, going to the gym, and who are active, massage therapy could boost the body’s natural healing response. It can possibly break down adhesions and scar tissue, improve circulation, and aid in bringing more oxygen to muscle cells.

Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases are something that a lot of Edmontonians have to live with, regardless of one’s background.

Massage therapy’s range of potential benefits extends to various chronic diseases, particularly as they relate to discomfort and pain. It has also been shown to be beneficial in managing numerous illnesses.

Mental Health

Massage therapy isn’t just a treatment for physical ailments. Thankfully, it can also have a strong impact on mental health.

Anxiety or depression can have a stress component, especially when it comes to worsening symptoms. Massage can help provide a sense of relief, empowerment, and strengthen the mind-body connection. It may not cure a mental health condition but in terms of symptom management, it can help in addressing the relationship between stress and mental health.

Stress Hormone Production

Cortisol is a stress hormone. It’s produced in above-average amounts when we are stressed.

Overly high levels of cortisol can have negative consequences, ranging from weight gain and high blood pressure to low energy levels, disrupted sleep, and even contribute to the development of diabetes. As we relax through massage therapy, stress hormone production can come under better regulation.

Avoid Medications

When we go to our doctor for an ailment, we often walk away with a prescription. Every medication comes with a risk of side effects, some of which can be quite severe.

Though pharmaceuticals have their place in healthcare, massage therapy may be able to provide a more natural way to treat and manage a condition such as pain, stiffness, or swelling. If you want to take less medication than prescribed, look at natural means of treating your symptoms.

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a part of our immune system, transporting lymph throughout the body. The function of the lymphatic system not only support our defences against illnesses but to regulate body fluid levels, aid in absorbing digestive fats, and removing cellular waste throughout our bodies.

It’s very common to have lymphatic system blockages. A massage can help to release those, which aids in treating things like fatigue, insomnia, digestive problems, skin disorders, swelling, and fibromyalgia.

Immune System Functioning

As massage therapy is performed, a practitioner is treating your body so that it might work better in several ways.

In improving the efficiency of the body, the immune system gets stronger. The oxygenation, cellular strength, and increased blood flow, combined with other benefits. Combining this effort with proper nutrition and some physical activity, and you have all the tools to maximize the potential of your immune system to defend itself from invaders.

If you are in the Edmonton area, contact Benedicto for more information.