The Benefits of Massage Therapy
Over time, stress and muscle tension can lead to serious health problems. Fortunately, regular massage therapy can help reduce tension, thereby decreasing the risk of certain diseases. Studies have shown that even in small amounts, massage therapy has tremendous benefits on the mind and body. A skilled massage therapist can help relieve tension, keeping you healthy and relaxed for both the short term and the long term.
Specific benefits of massage therapy
Massage therapy provides relief for tense, tight muscles, and increases the flexibility of joints throughout the body. This relaxation and stretching of joints and muscles has the added benefit of improving circulation in the body. Regular massage therapy can also improve the condition of the skin, resulting in a reduction of scar tissue and stretch marks. Because massage also stimulates the activity of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, many people who receive frequent massages also report a decreased need for pain medication. Of course, the benefits of massage therapy are cumulative, so regular massages help maintain these benefits. Common benefits of massage therapy include:
- Increased circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs
- Improved condition of the skin due to increased circulation that results from massage
- Relaxed injured and overused muscles
- Reduced spasms and cramping
- Increased joint flexibility
- Improved range-of-motion and decreased discomfort for patients who suffer from lower back pain
- Increased release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller helping people recover faster from injuries, chronic illness, and surgery.
- Increased flow of lymph, the body’s natural defense system against toxic invaders. In cancer patients, massage has even been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer
- Reduced post-surgery adhesions and edema. Massage therapy can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred
- Reduced pain for migraine sufferers and a decreased need for medication
- Shorter labor, decreased need for medication, less depression, and less anxiety in expectant mothers
Massage therapy
is good for the body and mind Science continues to illustrate the strong connection between the mind and the body. When the mind is stressed, that stress shows up in the body, and that physical tension can prevent you from being mentally sharp. Studies have shown that massage therapy helps decrease anxiety for many people.
Specialized massage techniques
The benefits of massage therapy can be increased when specialized techniques are used. For example, sports massage before a competition can help athletes achieve better results, and recover more quickly after finishing an event. Rehabilitative massage therapy is used to help injured patients recover more quickly. Massage techniques based on ancient Chinese practices are also widely used today to relieve tension in a different way. Other techniques, such as hydrotherapy and hot stone massage, are also becoming more popular.
If a career in massage therapy interests you, consider the Sports Therapy program at Fremont University. You can earn an associate’s degree in Sports and Rehabilitation Therapy in just 15 months at Fremont University and be equipped with the hands-on experience and knowledge you need to succeed in a Massage Therapy career. Fremont University has two Southern California locations, including a Sports Massage Therapy school in Los Angeles and a Sports Massage Therapy school in Cerritos. Enroll in the Sports Massage Therapy training program today and be on your way to pursuing a rewarding career as a Massage Therapist!
