What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a comprehensive intervention involving a range of techniques to manipulate the soft tissues and joints of the body.
The purpose of massage therapy is to prevent, develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function or relieve pain. It is a clinically oriented health option that achieves undeniable results in the relief of an array of discomforts stemming from stress, muscular overuse and many chronic pain syndromes.
In Canada, it is estimated that between 17-23% of the population has used massage therapy. In Ontario, 35% of the population has used massage therapy in the past two years. Several research studies have illustrated that massage therapy is become accepted as a useful addition to conventional medical treatments, and by a mixture of populations.
The therapeutic process is a partnership between client and therapist, working together towards common and realistic goals.
The Benifits of Massage Therapy
There are tremendous benefits to be achieved through regular massage therapy treatments from a Registered Massage Therapist. Whether your need is to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension or attain relief from chronic pain, a therapeutic massage can enhance your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being as well as your quality of life.
Massage therapy benefits people of all ages. While it benefits the injured, the ill and the stressed, the strength of massage therapy in preventing illness and conditions before they develop cannot be overlooked. Massage therapy can be used in the treatment of both acute and chronic stages of conditions.
The following is a list of conditions for which massage therapy, when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist, can prove beneficial:
- Anxiety and depression
- Back, leg, and neck pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain)
- Dislocations
- Fractures and edema
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscle tension and spasm
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Sports injuries
- Stress and stress related conditions
- Tendinitis
- Asthma and Emphysema
- Cancer
- Chronic Fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis
- Kyphosis and Scoliosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Palliative care
- Pregnancy and labour support
- Strains and sprains
- Stroke
- Whiplash
Therapeutic massage is an important part of your health maintenance plan, by:
- Reducing or eliminating pain
- Improving joint mobility
- Improving circulation
- Improving immune system functioning
- Increasing lymphatic drainage
- Reducing depression and anxiety
- Reducing tension within muscles
- Increasing body awareness