Benefits of Regular Modalities
Researchers at the Touch Research Institutes have completed controlled clinical studies on a number of special populations. Results included come from the Touch Research Institute and other Study groups. All references below.
Muscle and connective tissue (Myofacial) pain: Although therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.
Arthritis: Massage therapy cannot cure or stop the progression of any of these arthritic conditions, but massage can most assuredly ease the symptoms associated with inflammation, and help improve the quality of life of someone affected by arthritis. Massage therapy, done correctly, can help improve joint movement, relax tense muscles, and stimulate the flow of blood and nutrients to the skin and underlying tissues. What's more, it just feels good, and the relaxation it brings can help break the cycle of pain and stress that often goes along with arthritis.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Massage therapy eases the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and increases grip strength, according to a recent study.
Headache: Massage significantly reduced the number of headaches experienced by people with chronic tension headaches, and decreased the duration of the headaches, according to a recent study.
Relaxation / Stress / Anxiety: Massage reduced anxiety in depressed children and anorexic women. It also reduced anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking.
Insomnia: Massage has long been known to enhance relaxation and improve sleep patterns. While massage alone is an effective method for relaxation, studies suggest that massage with essential oils, particularly lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), may result in improved sleep quality, more stable mood, increased mental capacity, and reduced anxiety. In one recent study, participants who received massage with lavender felt less anxious and more positive than participants who received massage alone.
Sports injuries: (including pulled or strained muscles and ligaments) sports massage reduces the heart rate and blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, reduces muscle tension, improves flexibility, and relieves pain. Each sport and athletic event uses muscle groups in a different way. Sports Massage can also include pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and reduce recovery time.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction Great article: http://www.massagetoday.com/archives/2004/12/05.html
Here are some more benefits you may not think of or be aware of:
Alcohol withdrawal: Massage during withdrawal from alcohol has shown benefits when combined with traditional medical treatment by increasing feelings of support, safety and engagement in the therapy.
Boosts your immune system:. Studies showed an increased number of natural killer cells, which are thought to defend the body from viral and cancer cells.
Release of body’s natural painkillers: Pain was decreased in studies of people with fibromyalgia, migraines and recent surgeries.
Cancer treatment: People with cancer who received regularly-scheduled massage therapy during treatment reported less anxiety, pain and fatigue.
Self-esteem: Because massage involves direct contact with another person through touch, it can make you feel cared for. That special attention can improve self-image in people with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses. And using touch to convey caring can help children with severe physical disabilities
Systemic: Reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins.
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Office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who weren't massaged. |
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Massage therapy decreased the effects of anxiety, tension, depression, pain, and itching in burn patients. |
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Abdominal surgery patients recovered more quickly after massage. |
Resources and Website links
Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. Authors: Tiffany Field, Ph.D.; Miguel Diego; Christy Cullen; Kristin Hartshorn; Alan Gruskin; Maria Hernandez-Reif, Ph.D.; and William Sunshine. Originally published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2004, Vol. 8, pp. 9-14.
Boulder College of Massage Therapy. Authors: Christopher Quinn, Clint Chandler and Albert Moraska, Ph.D. Originally published in American Journal of Public Health, October 2002, Vol. 92, No. 10, pp. 1,657-1,661.
http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/research.htm#MTS
http://www.mamashealth.com/massage/sports.asp
http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic163.htm
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/insomnia-000096.htm
http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2005/issue114/research114.1.php
http://massagetherapy.suite101.com/article.cfm/arthritisandmassage
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