Benefits of Massage Therapy

Beyond the below described physiological and psychological benefits, there is a range of added benefits that my clients receive. For example, beyond actual physical balance improvement, one can gain overall feeling of being more stable and centered. As we begin to experience more relaxation and ease in our bodies, all functions improve: from thinking to feeling, from moving to perceiving a sense of deep stillness within.

In the course of treatment clients learn relaxation, stress management, and self-care techniques to improve function and expand their sense of well-being. Understanding the language of the body is another benefit of my particular approach to regaining wellness. For example, many people have the misconception that health = a pain-free life. But pain is complicated. (see Lorimer Moseley Why Things Hurt). Yes, it affects our attention, mood, ability to think clearly, and anxiety level. It even influences how the body functions as a whole. It is the most basic warning signal from the brain that something is wrong. It helps us survive by telling us to stop before we suffer more damage. Before one can be rid of pain, it is necessary to first recognize that it is a powerful messenger. Instead of resenting body parts that we feel have betrayed us, I help clients to understand and appreciate the ingenious process of pain and its key to being pain free and healthy.

Muscular therapy is not a “cure-all.” There is the concept of self-care in order to effect long-term results. When treating an injury it is important to address the context in which it occurred. I teach clients ways to de-stress, keep muscles released, and prevent future injuries. I offer a variety of self-massage tools and direct them to resources such as YouTube videos, CDs, and apps related to their issues. People who consult me learn to practice techniques at home and at work to extend the benefits of our sessions. I believe in empowering clients to self-direct wellness anytime and anywhere.

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There are proven physiological and psychological benefits from massage therapy and other modalities in which I am trained. Among them are:

Physiological Benefits of Massage

Effects on the Skeletal System

Massage can:

• help increase joint mobility by reducing any thickening of the connective tissue and helping to release restrictions in the fascia. 
• free adhesions, break down scar tissue and decrease inflammation. As a result, it can help to restore range of motion to stiff joints. 
• improve muscle tone and balance, reducing the physical stress placed on bones and joints.

Effects on the Muscular System

Massage can:

• relieve muscular tightness, stiffness, spasms and restrictions in the muscle tissue. 
• increase flexibility in the muscles due to muscular relaxation. 
• increase blood circulation bringing more oxygen and nutrients into the muscle. This reduces muscle fatigue and soreness. 
• promote rapid removal of toxins and waste products from the muscle.

Effects on the Cardiovascular System

Massage can:

• improve circulation by mechanically assisting the venous flow of blood back to the heart. 
• dilate blood vessels helping them to work more efficiently.
• produce an enhanced blood flow; delivery of fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues is improved and the removal of waste products, toxins and carbon dioxide is hastened via the venous system. 
• help temporarily to decrease blood pressure, due to dilation of capillaries. 
• decrease the heart rate due to relaxation. 
• reduce ischemia (ischemia is a reduction in the flow of blood to body parts, often marked by pain and tissue dysfunction).

Effects on the Lymphatic System

Massage helps to:

• reduce edema (excess fluid in the tissue) by increasing lymphatic drainage and the removal of waste from the system.
• help strengthen the immune system (when applied regularly), due to the increase in white blood cells.

 

Effects on the Nervous System

Massage can:

• stimulate sensory receptors: this can either stimulate or soothe nerves, depending on the techniques used.
• stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping promote relaxation and the reduction of stress.
• reduce pain by the release of endorphins (endorphins are also known to elevate the mood).

Effects on the Skin

Massage can:

• improve circulation to the skin, increased nutrition to the cells and encouraging cell regeneration.
• increase production of sweat from the sweat glands, helping to excrete urea and waste products through the skin. 
• increase vaso-dilation of the surface capillaries, helping to improve the skin’s color.
• improve elasticity of the skin.
• increase sebum production, helping to improve the skin’s suppleness and resistance to infection.

Effects On The Respiratory System

Massage can:

• deepen respiration and improve lung capacity by relaxing any tightness in the respiratory muscles.
• slow the rate of respiration due to the reduced stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.

Effects on the Digestive System

Massage can:

• increase peristalsis in the large intestine, helping to relieve constipation, colic and gas.
• promote activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates digestion.

Effects on the Urinary System

Massage can:

• increase urinary output due to the increased circulation and lymph drainage from tissues.

Psychological Effects of Massage

Massage can:

• help to reduce stress and anxiety by relaxing both mind and body.
• create a feeling of well-being and enhanced self-esteem.
• promote positive body awareness and an improved body image through relaxation.
• ease emotional trauma through relaxation.
• reduce anxiety and fatigue that occur during chemotherapy treatment.

 My thanks to Ben Benjamin, the Muscular Therapy Institute, and the American Massage Therapy Association for their insight concerning the range of physiological and psychological benefits of massage therapy.