4 Conditions Helped By Massage Therapy

By Thomas Jordan, RMP

Moonshadows Massage & Wellness

. http://www.moonshadowsmassage.com

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

4 Conditions Helped By Massage Therapy

Many people assume that massage therapy is only important if you have back, neck, or shoulder pain. But massage therapy can actually be amazingly beneficial for a number of conditions that might surprise you.

Massage for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the inflammation of nerves within the carpal tunnel of the inside of the wrist, which can cause numbness, tingling, difficulty gripping or grasping objects, and/or hand pain.

A massage with a focus on the wrist, shoulder, and arms can help patients find relief. Many clients can see results after the first session, but it can take 3-5 sessions in combination with behavior modification and anti-inflammatory methods to achieve lasting results.

Massage for Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that does damage to the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.

In addition to the relaxation benefits of massage, diabetes patients can also expect to benefit from improved circulation, which can lead to a more efficient uptake of insulin by the body’s cells. Massage is also important for myofascial effects, such as increased joint motion, more comfortable mobility, and decreased stiffness. In addition, massage can increase the body’s production of serotonin, which can help patients sleep better.

Massage for Muscle Injury

Muscle injury is defined as an injury – like a sprain, strain, or tear – to a patient’s muscles. Common types include sports injuries and overuse injuries.

Massage increases circulation and can reduce muscle spasms and swelling in joints as well as flush lactic acid and other metabolic waste from muscles. Popular types of massage that deal with muscle injuries are Neuromuscular massage and deep tissue massage.

Massage for Depression

Depression is a condition that impacts a person’s moods and emotions. Symptoms can include feeling sad, anxious, empty, disconnected or hopeless, loss of interest in activities or hobbies, fatigue, decreased energy, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, persistent aches and pains, and/or thoughts of suicide.

Research has shown that massage therapy can improve mood and reduce anxiety in patients who have chronic pain, tension headaches, high stress levels, and more when used in conjunction with exercise and psychotherapy. Massage therapy can reduce the amount of cortisol (the body’s response to stress) the body produces, while increasing serotonin and dopamine production, which can help stabilize one’s mood.

Massage, in its many forms, can be used as a powerful tool to treat a variety of your physical and psychological issues. If you don’t receive massage as part of a regular health and wellness routine yet, consider using it as an effective complement to other treatments and help bring yourself back to a place of health and wellbeing.