Benefits of Massage Therapy

The benefit of massage therapy on many specific conditions is still being researched.

With every passing year we learn something new about the positive effects of massage on human health. Here are some conditions that massage can help treat;

ADHD–Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric diagnostic labels given to children. About 2 million children in the US have been diagnosed with this disorder. Find out more about the benefits of massage therapy on ADHD.

Adrenal Fatigue–Adrenal fatigue is a condition that is very common in today’s fast paced lifestyles. Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include fatigue, nervousness, body aches, and digestive problems and sleep disturbances.

Alzheimer’s Disease--This is the most common form of dementia and the 7th most common cause of death in the United States.

Anxiety Disorders--There are five different types of anxiety disorders. 13% of the adult population suffers from one of these five different types of anxiety disorders. By helping to calm the body, often the mind can become calmer as well.

Arthritis–There are 200 different types of arthritis. The most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. While massage can’t heal arthritis, people with arthritis can still experience pain relief and greater mobility through the help of massage therapy.

Asthma–Asthma has become increasingly common in recent years. It affects people of all ages from all walks of life. Both acupuncture and massage therapy are believed to help asthma suffers.

Autism–There have been more documented cases of autism over the years. As these cases increase people are trying different methods to lessen the symptoms and give people with autism a higher quality of life. Massage can help autistic individuals by calming the body and mind.

Back pain–Low back pain is the most common form of back pain. 3 out of 4 people experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Massage therapy can help reduce back pain by relieving stressed or strained muscles by improving circulation to relax muscles. It also helps increase your range of motion, flexibility of joints while reliving stiffness and relaxing your nervous system.

Bell’s palsy–Facial paralysis can be caused by a number of issues. Once these problems are ruled out the diagnosis you’re left with is Bell’s palsy. Massage therapy can aid Bell’s palsy by increasing blood circulation to the tissues and muscles while aiding in relaxation.

Bursitis–Bursitis is a painful condition that usually occurs in large joints such as the shoulder, elbow, hip and most commonly the knee. Massage increases mobility, flexibility, and increases blood circulation to muscles.

Cancer— Recent studies have shown that massage can help decrease pain and anxiety in cancer patients. Check with your Victoria GP before commencing treatment.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome–Although carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with the repetitive strain of the wrist. Massage can help by reducing pain, and relaxing the muscles and ligaments of the wrist.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome–Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by fatigue that doesn’t go away. The symptoms appear flu-like in nature.

Charley Horse—Massage can easily aid with Charley Horses. We can also teach you how to massage them yourself!

Chronic Pain–Many people suffer from chronic pain. Chances are you or someone you know suffers from this conditions. Massage can aid chronic pain by increasing blood circulation, thereby relaxing the muscles. Massage therapy can also increase joint and muscle mobility.

Constipation–Constipation is a common problem. Massage can help relieve constipation naturally.

Depression—Many people will have had some experience with depression during the course of their lives. Depression comes in many forms and has many causes. Massage can help relax the aches and pain that come along with depression, as well as provide a calming therapy for both body and mind.

Eating Disorders–Anorexia and bulimia are increasingly becoming more common in today’s image conscious society. Massage can help by decreasing stress and increasing bodily relaxation.

Elbow Tendonitis--Also known as Tennis Elbow, this condition is quite painful. It occurs when the tendon in the elbow region becomes damaged from repetitive movement.

Fallen Arches–More commonly called flat feet, fallen arches can cause considerable foot, leg, knee, and back pain.

Fibromyalgia–This is a chronic pain condition of the muscles and ligaments. 9 out of 10 sufferers of this condition are women.

Frozen Shoulder--Frozen shoulder is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Women are twice as likely to get it as men.

Headaches–Many people search for headache relief. 90% of men and 95% of women have suffered from a headache within the past year.

High Blood Pressure--One in three adults suffers from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. In 90 to 95 percent of cases the causes of high blood pressure are unknown.

Iliopsoas Tendonitis–This form of tendonitis can be a cause of groin pain. It is quite painful and is sometimes referred to as hip tendonitis.

Infertility–Growing numbers of people are experiencing unexplained infertility. Mayan abdominal massage is a non-invasive way to treat this problem.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)–This common gastrointestinal disorder can cause pain, discomfort and even embarrassment.

Leg Cramps–Leg cramps are very common. Most people will get one at some time in their lives. We can help relieve leg cramps, and show you how to treat them yourself!

Lou Gehrig’s Disease–This is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Scientist Stephen Hawking is the most well-known person currently living with this disease.

Lupus--This autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks healthy skin, organ, joint and blood vessel cells. Find out how massage can enhance lupus treatment.

Menopause–Menopause can be a difficult stage in a woman’s life. Massage is just one of the many natural treatments that can be used to help ease the many symptoms of menopause. Find out more about natural menopause therapy.

Muscle Spasms and Cramps–Most people have experienced these at some point in their lives. Find out how massage therapy can help muscle spasms and cramps.

Muscular Dystrophy (MD)–This genetic condition is characterized by muscle weakness and wasting. There are many types of MD. Find out more about the benefits of massage therapy on muscular dystrophy.

Neck Pain–Neck pain and stiffness are common. It can be caused by trauma or bad habits. No matter how it occurs when you have it all you want is relief. Find out more about the benefits of massage therapy on stiff neck.

Neck and Shoulder Pain–Neck and shoulder pain are common among people with office jobs. We can show you some self-massage techniques that can be used to manage neck and shoulder pain.

Parkinson’s Disease–This neurological condition affects movement. This condition affects each person differently, however, massage therapy can help relieve some of the discomfort related to this condition.

Plantar Fasciitis–Sometimes called heel spurs, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. We can help ease the pain associated with this condition, as well as increase mobility.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)–Though it’s used casually in conversation, PMS is a real disorder that affects many women. The pain and anxiety it causes can be treated with massage.

Restless Leg Syndrome–This condition is characterized by a strong urge to move your legs. This can cause discomfort. The increase in circulation that massage therapy can provide can help relieve the sensations caused by this condition, and any associated discomfort.

Sciatic nerve pain–Sciatic nerve pain is known as sciatica. Sciatica feels like a sharp pain that runs down the lower back, buttocks and/or down the back of the leg. Massage therapy can help reduce the nerve and muscles pain that result from this condition.

Sleep disorders–Sleep has a very important role in health. If you suffer from a sleep disorder it can affect every aspect of your life. Our Victoria Registered Massage Therapists can help soothe sore muscles and increase circulation, as well as calm the mind, for a better night of sleep.

Sports injury–With more people participating in athletic activities, more people are getting sports related injuries. Massage therapy can help reduce pain, increase mobility and loosen tight muscles so you can get back to what you love doing quickly!

Stress—Whether physical or physiological, massage therapy can help with the symptoms of stress by providing pain relief, muscle tension relief and calmness.

Tendonitis–Tendonitis occurs when the tendons get irritated and inflamed from repetitious movements and overuse. Massage therapy can improve mobility, circulation and reduce pain.

TMJ syndrome–TMJ syndrome is a painful condition that affects the jaw. It is more common in women than men. TMJ sufferers experience many benefits of massage therapy, including the reduction of tension in the facial muscles, pain relief, and relaxation. RMT Molly Scott has a special interest in treating TMJ.

Please contact your doctor if you would like to find out how any of these conditions may be treated by massage therapy. It is always important to contact your doctor to see if you are a candidate for massage therapy, especially if you have any health conditions.

Massage therapy works for many different people, but there are some conditions that make massage therapy unsafe. It is always recommended that you speak to a doctor first before coming in for therapy if you are unsure of how your condition will interact with massage.