STRESS RELIEF

We are so conditioned to living in a stress-filled environment that sometimes we can loose touch with how it feels for our bodies to be in a normal relaxed state. When muscles are chronically tense or overworked, they are often sore, stiff and may spasm. Symptoms you might not realize you experience due to stress are: tightness, pain, or stiffness in the muscles of the neck & shoulders, irritability, back aches, insomnia, headaches or migraines, tightness in the abdomen or an upset stomach, fatigue, tense jaw muscles, frequent, tearful outbursts. If you have associated yourself with even one of these, regular massage may just be the right answer to relieve the symptom, relax and calm you. There is a close relationship between stress and physical illness, and a healthy habit of receiving massage will prevent these syndromes from accruing.

PAIN RELIEF

Overly contracted, tight muscles due to stress/overuse/trauma may compress blood vessels and restrict blood flow (known as ischemia) reducing circulation, range of movement, and causing pain. Nerves are prone to suffer entrapment by certain muscles due to their pathways through the body, which will cause altered/disturbed sensation (pain, tingling, numbness) and possible loss of motor function. Massage relaxes and stretches tight muscles, improving circulation, freeing trapped nerves, and alleviating pain syndromes.

ACUTE INJURY CARE

When soft tissue first suffers an injury (Sprains, Sprains, Fractures), the body responds by sending inflammation to the area. It will be hot, swollen, painful and the skin will possibly be altered in color. "Traditional" massage methods are contraindicated in this immediate situation, however there is much a massage therapist can do to help soothe and calm the client; reducing pain, muscle spasm, inflammation and doing energy work is incredible powerful in assisting the body's own natural healing process. Once the initial acute stage is over, a therapist can incorporate movements and massage that will promote healthy range of motion, prevent atrophy and compensations by uninvolved tissues.

CHRONIC INJURY CARE

When an injury has been suffered and care was not taken to insure that the tissue healed properly, there will be a reduced range of motion due to buildup of fibrous adhesions and muscle atrophy. Other muscles not directly involved with the injury may be tight and stressed due to their compensating for the injured tissue. This can lead to the activation of trigger points, which can cause pain and reduced function in the muscles. Massage is considered a passive exercise and helps support muscle tone. It can break down the unnecessary adhesions, deactivate trigger points and help return tissues to their normal, healthy functioning state. Please read further research on how massage can help with chronic low back pain here.

PROMOTES HEALTH 

Massage helps a person feel better and become more aware of their bodies, which in turn can lead to more positive lifestyle choices. Just like exercise, massage affects the circulation of blood flow, heart rate, and the lymphatic system which in turn affects other systems of the body. Massage induces a state of relaxation, which also causes reduced stress levels and benefits all of the body's systems. 

Massage also has been shown to help boost your immune system by stimulating the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body. This fluid works to remove toxic poisons, cholesterol and viruses. It is moved only by deep breathing, stretching, vigorous exercise, gravitational force and massage. Repeated massage sessions can create a continuous flow of lymphatic fluid to keep your system free of harmful wastes and increasing your resistance to sickness and disease.

IT FEELS SOOOOO GOOD!

There are some medical conditions in which massage therapy is not appropriate. Your therapist will take a case history to make sure that none of the following apply to you: Local infections, edema or swelling in the body, fever, bruising, broken bones, various heart conditions, and varicose veins.  The body is being compromised by these conditions and massage may worsen the situation.  However, there are many Conditions Treatable by Massage Therapy.