Massage Therapy offers benefits for all ages
Massage therapy performed by a trained practitioner can benefit everyone, from infants to the elderly. It relaxes the body and soothes the mind, improving concentration and physiology.
Massage therapy can benefit people who deal with chronic pain and inflammation as either primary care or complementary care blended with conventional medical treatment. Fibromyalgia, neck pain, back pain, arthritis, and past athletic injuries are soothed through the use of deep tissue massage.
Physical therapists also use massage therapy to help alleviate depression and anxiety. If a person constantly experiences high levels of stress or fatigue, massage therapy helps the muscles to relax, easing the effects of stress. A professional massage or physical therapist can ease the effects of chemotherapy and can hasten the healing process after someone has had surgery.
Physical therapy offers massage therapy to people who suffer from migraines, diabetic nerve pain, severe wounds, and many other health conditions that involve chronic pain.
What does massage therapy involve?
A massage therapist manipulates the soft tissues of the body through firm pressure and fluid movements. Manipulating the tissues breaks up deposits in the muscles, increases flexibility, elicits a healing response, and improves overall wellness. There are different types of massage and the therapist who is working with the client will determine the type of massage that is best suited to their particular needs.
Swedish massage involves gentle, guided pressure that only addresses the most superficial issues. Deep tissue massage is often used for athletes and individuals with excessive amounts of muscle tissue. It’s ideal for relieving stress and detoxifying the body. Lymphatic massage improves the function of the lymphatic system promoting drainage and removing toxins from the body. Lymphatic massage is often used to improve the function of the immune system. Trigger point therapy is a specialized form of massage that targets specific points, releasing trigger spots that can cause pain and discomfort.
During a massage, the therapist may use oils or lotions that have essential oils added to them. Aromatic essential oils are used to enhance the benefits of the massage by stimulating the sense of smell. The combination of aromatherapy, the gentleness of touch, and fluidity of the movements of the physical therapist will determine the degree of benefit the client receives.
What are the immediate benefits of my first session?
The certified and licensed physical and massage therapists at our facility are highly trained. They can successfully evaluate injuries and health conditions that are affecting your quality of life. Even if you are only dealing with high levels of stress, your therapist can assess your physical condition and handle the situation accordingly.
Your therapist will talk to you about anything you may be experiencing and will work with you to encourage healing on all levels. They will discuss a timeline for treatment and make sure you fully understand what is happening to your body. If you want to know more about massage and physical therapy services, call our office today!