Massage therapy provides relief to people of all ages—from infants to seniors—and from all walks of life. Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension, which, experts believe, accounts for 80-90% of disease.
Massage has been proven beneficial in treating sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, headaches, back pain, TMJ disorders, repetitive strain injuries, immunity suppression, post-operative surgery, age-related disorders, and depression, to name just a few. Here’s why: soft Tissue therapies offer a drug-free, non-invasive and individualized approach based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Massage has many physiological effects, such as:
- Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
- Stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.
- Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles.
- Reducing muscle spasms and cramping.
- Increasing joint flexibility.
- Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
- Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
- Reducing post-surgery adhesions and oedema plus reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred.
- Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with back pain.
- Relieving pain for migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication.
Massage also provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion. Thus, contributing to shorter labour for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety, and shortening hospital stays.
As studies continue to reveal the link between kinesiology and physical and emotional health, the effects of massage will be further documented. However, one need only experience a good massage to know it’s benefits to the body and a healthy lifestyle.
We’re busier than ever with longer workdays, less leisure time, shorter lunch hours, longer commutes, and more demands than ever before. Massage Therapy is a useful tool in counteracting the negative forces of a busy and demanding lifestyle. At Apollo’s we have amazing Massage Therapists on staff with many years of experience and an eclectic variety of therapy options are available.