Therapeutic massage is an age-old remedy and health practice. It is found in all major civilizations past and present. From the ancient Greek gymnasia and Roman baths to modern day spas and health clubs, massage has been recognized for its health enhancing effects.The healing systems of many cultures, including our own, use hands-on therapy to soothe aches and pains and facilitate the body's own healing powers.
From infancy to old age, massage has been found to enhance general health and well-being. Therapeutic massage has many applications and variations. Because it is used for health promotion as well as for its curative aspect, it can truthfully be said, "if you have a body, you can benefit from therapeutic massage."
Many Benefits and Uses
Enhances General Health: Therapeutic massage can be an important component of your health maintenance or wellness plan. It helps keep the body and mind functioning optimally.- Promotes well-nourished and healthy skin
- Improves circulation of blood and lymph
- Relaxes muscles and improves joint mobility
- Encourages general relaxation
- Improves immune system functioning
- Improves energy flow
Alleviates Problem Conditions: Therapeutic massage can help relieve certain common physical problems and can help bring the body back to optimal functioning.- General muscular tension and aches
- Tension headaches
- Muscular back pain
- Poor circulation
- Stress and anxiety
Support Your Fitness, Sports, or Rehab Program: Therapeutic massage can be an important adjunct to a fitness, sports, or rehabilitation program, helping you achieve your performance goals with minimum injury and pain.- Relieves tired and sore muscles
- Helps improve flexibility
- Relaxes tight muscles
- Speeds recovery from strenuous physical exertion
- Reduces the anxiety of athletic competition
Combats the Effects of Aging: Therapeutic massage is effective in combating the effects of aging noticed in the middle to late years of life. It helps keep body tissues and basic functions in a more youthful state.
- Enhances tissue elasticity and joint flexibility
- Improves blood and lymph circulation
- Promotes healthy and vibrant skin
- Improves immune system functioning
- Relieves muscle aches and stiffness
Relieves the Effects of Stress: Therapeutic Massage helps balance the effects of stress in our lives and helps us avoid stress related disease and dysfunction.- Triggers the "Relaxation Response"
- Relaxes tense muscles
- Reduces anxiety level
- Normalizes blocked energy flow
- Improves immune system functioning
- Restores a calm mind and feeling of well-being
Special Cases: Therapeutic massage can help in certain temporary or long-term situations which cause unique physical and mental challenges.- For mothers-to-be during pregnancy
- For infants, especially premature and other developmentally challenged babies
- For the disabled, especially those in wheelchairs and others with challenging orthopedic conditions
- For the elderly
Complements Other Health Care: Therapeutic massage is frequently used to enhance the beneficial effects of other types of health care.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy
- Chiropractic
- Psychotherapy
