These days there are
so many different treatments that claim to help you deal with pain that it’s
becoming increasingly more difficult to determine which methods are most likely
to deliver the results you want. One of the most popular, and most effective treatments
for relieving pain, has a centuries-old proven track record: massage therapy.
What is massage
therapy?
Massage therapy is a
form of massage that uses a variation of massaging techniques, including
kneading, compression, and vibration of the soft tissue of the body. Massage
therapy is typically done using the hands, but may also involve the elbows and
forearms or even the feet. Massage
therapists work to assess any tissue damage you have sustained as the result of
an injury while decreasing the pain that accompanies it. What’s more is that
inflamed muscles can inhibit your ability to perform at your highest level.
Massage therapy works to relieve inflammation while alleviating chronic pain.
What is massage
therapy beneficial for?
Even the two words in
themselves sound relieving….massage therapy…Beyond how wonderful it can feel,
there are many benefits, both mental and physical, to massage therapy.
Massage therapy’s
physical benefits include:
-
The
loosening of tight muscles
-
Relief for
tired, aching muscles
-
Increased
flexibility and motion range
-
Chronic
pain that is diminished
-
Lowered
heart rate and lowered blood pressure
-
A stronger
immune system
Massage therapy’s
mental benefits include:
-
A calmer
nervous system
-
Stress
relief
-
Improved concentration
-
Better
sleep
-
Mental
relaxation
When contemplating the
definition of ‘massage therapy,’ it’s important to consider what it offers and
achieves. While the short term effects
of massage therapy relieve aching and tired muscles and chronic pain, the long
term benefit is returning you to peak physical health to take part in the
activities that bring you joy.
Another important
component to massage therapy is its role in the prevention of future injuries.
Because massage therapy helps loosen muscles, lowers heart rate and reduces
blood pressure, it can help you remain flexible. Flexibility of muscles helps
decrease the chances of experiencing an injury when your body tense, wound up
like a top, ready to snap – as bodies can – in response to the most innocuous
little movement. Keeping your body healthy and avoiding injury is an important
reason to consider regular, ongoing massage therapy.
Often, individuals who
have suffered a sports related injury, or any type of soft tissue injury, are
confused about how to deal with the associated pain. Alternative remedies such as massage therapy
can conquer pain without evasive treatments such as surgery, meaning a greatly
reduced (or non-existent) recovery period, and a greater chance of preventing
injury in the future.
So, in summary,
massage therapy and how it can help you is multi-faceted. As a form of massage, while it treats
recurring pain from a sports related injury, it also helps you deal with the
stress that often accompanies injury; address the issues preventing you from
participating in your regular activities; and enjoy maintaining a healthy,
active, pain-free lifestyle.
For further details on what massage therapy is and the benefits it
offers, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416 800 0800, or visit
www.aesm.ca
No comments:
Post a Comment