Massage Therapy: What Can It Treat?

Massage therapy has been practiced by many cultures for thousands of years. In modern times, it’s used for a wide variety of purposes from relaxation to treating serious illnesses. Massage therapy is viewed as a type of alternative medicine in the United States. Other than soothing sore muscles, there are many benefits and uses for this therapeutic treatment.

What is Massage Therapy?

There are many different types of massage therapy that are tailored toward achieving different goals. The therapy always involves applying pressure and manipulating muscles and other soft tissues of the body. Massage also has been shown to improve the circulation of blood and lymph in treated areas, which increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients that help improve recovery from injuries. Each style of massage utilizes different kinds of motions. Some common types of massage therapy are as follows:

• Swedish Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Aromatherapy Massage
• Hot Stone Treatments

How Does It Work?

When muscles are stimulated by kneading and stroking motions, they enter a more relaxed state. Muscles often become tense, and when they are worked into a relaxed state, it often relieves pain and stress that accompanies muscle tension. When your muscles become more relaxed, other systems of the body such as breathing and heart rhythm receive positive benefits.

The relaxation provided by massage also has positive effects on brain chemistry. Serotonin, a brain chemical involved in improved mood, has been found to increase in response to massage. The stress relief that results from massage therapy can also positively affect the body’s ability to respond to a wide variety of illnesses.

What Does It Treat?

Patients seek massage therapy treatments to relieve pain and stress associated with many different illnesses and health conditions. Some of these include:

• Muscle tension
• Fibromyalgia
• Depression
• Arthritis
• Cardiovascular problems
• Anxiety
• Hypertension
• Chronic neck and back pains
• Mobility problems
• Chemotherapy-related nausea
• Pregnancy-related pain and discomfort
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Massage therapy is a very effective way to improve your health and longevity. In some cases, it can work wonders where other alternatives are not enough to provide relief. If you’re interested in learning how massage therapy could benefit you, contact the Bougainvillea Clinique in Winter Park and schedule a consultation today!