Massage is one of the oldest and simplest forms of therapy. It is a system of stroking, pressing, and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and tone the body.
Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the organs themselves.
Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system, which improves the elimination of waste throughout the body.
A 2016 survey by the American Massage Therapy Association shows that nearly half of Americans have used massage therapy as a way to manage and relieve pain. Also according to the survey, more and more insurers have begun paying for massage therapy. Massage therapy is beneficial for a variety of conditions including:
- Chronic muscular tension and pain
- Sports injuries
- Sprains
- Strains
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Soft tissue injuries from auto accidents
- Pregnancy aches and pains
- Headaches
- Tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Poor circulation
- High blood pressure
- TMJ
- Fibromyalgia
- Fatigue