January 14, 2015

Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

Massage Therapy is much more than a luxurious day of pampering at a spa.  For seniors, especially those suffering from the aches and pains of aging, massage can provide both physical and emotional benefits.  Massage therapy can be a powerful tool in your health care regime.  Aside from the relaxation and restorative benefits of massage, there are a host of medical benefits that accompany this treatment. Let’s look at some of the positive health results we have seen for our clients:

Osteoarthritis According to Massage Therapy Online, a clinical trial looking at the effectiveness of Swedish massage for knee osteoarthritis, reported that participants who received a one-hour massage either one or two times a week had improvements in pain, stiffness, and function.

Back pain – More than one study has shown the effectiveness of massage therapy for back pain. In fact, one 2003 study showed it worked better than acupuncture or spinal modification for persistent low back pain — reducing the need for painkillers by 36%.

Increased Blood Circulation – The long-term effects of massage therapy are more than skin deep. Better blood circulation is part of the chain reaction that occurs in the body as a result of receiving massage therapy on a regular basis.

Flexibility and Range of Motion – Massage therapy is a beneficial treatment for maintaining and improving flexibility and motion. By working on muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints, regular massage can improve your flexibility and range of motion, keeping your joints more fluid and making them less injury prone.

Post surgery and rehabilitation – Massage can assist in circulation of oxygen to vital organs and getting the right nutrients to the tissues and muscles needed to recover from surgery.