6 Research-Based Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has been part of history. Its written traditions came from India dating back to 3000 BCE or earlier. Hindus regarded it as part of the sacred system of natural healing – known as Ayurveda or ‘life health’. Massage therapy believed to relieve and cure diseases.

Until now, we can witness its popularity. And, we may think that it’s just part of the trend. But, massage therapy has a lot to offer. Its benefits are not only accessible on social media – Science can prove it. It goes beyond relaxation.

To give you proof that massage therapy beyond relaxation trend. We compiled significant research studies that feature the multi-health benefits it can offer. But before getting straight to its health benefits, let’s review first the relevant information.

How Massage Therapy Works

Massage therapy involved skilled manipulation of the body soft-tissues by certified professionals. And, this includes manipulation of our muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Using diverse techniques of pressure and movement application to relieve body tension, pain, and stress. Also, it offers long-term benefits to our health. Thus, it became part of complementary and integrative medicine.

Common Types of Massage Therapies

You might hear some of the popular massage therapies. And yes, there are numerous types of massage – there are about 80 known therapies. And among the common massages therapies that we can hear are the following:

Swedish Massage Therapy

Among the most common type of massage therapies. Its main goal is to relax your whole body. A registered massage therapist will apply pressure and friction. By using long strokes it allows the blood to return to the heart. It also uses, the combination of soft, long, rhythmic, and tapping strokes with joints’ movement.

Deep Tissue Massage

It uses slow and deep strokes which targets the inner layers of muscles – helping to break up scar tissue which is form during an injury. Thus, this type of massage is best for musculoskeletal issues e.g. if you’re suffering from sports injuries and/or muscle pain or strains.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

This type of therapeutic massage uses light or very gentle pressure. It is helpful to each various conditions such as detoxification, and seasonal allergies. By using a gentle massage, it allows the lymph fluid to move around the body. Thus, it helps in removing waste and toxins around the tissues. It is also beneficial for those persons diagnosed with lymphedema.

There are still various types of massage therapies existing. Its presence and popularity imply the value it brings. Various research studies provide essential benefits of massage therapies. This scientific evidence shows that massage goes beyond the part of a relaxation trend. And, take note of some of the massage therapies to follow after the name of illness it can treat.

6 Key Benefits of Massage Therapy based on Scientific Evidences

Numerous researches have proved the effectiveness of the massage. As one of the evidence-based practices, we want to share with you the amazing benefits it can provide to human health.

Effective for Chronic Back Pain

A 2011 research from Annals of Internal Medicine studies on the effectiveness of two types of massage and usual care for chronic back pain. It involves 401 patients with ages 20 to 65 years old having nonspecific chronic low back pain. The results show that massage therapy is effective in treating chronic back pain. Its benefits can last at least 6 months. Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Kahn J, et al. (2011)

Depression, Anxiety and Stress Management

A study from the Journal of Psychosomatic Research in 2004 shows that women having stage 1 and 2 breast cancer may benefit from massage therapy. Thrice-weekly massage therapy can able to reduce depressed mood, anxiety, and anger. It can enhance dopamine, serotonin, and NK cell number and lymphocytes. Hernandez-Reif M, Ironson G, Field T, et al. (2004)

In another study which was participated by young wrestlers (15-18 years old) shows that massage therapy can decrease the level of depression, anxiety and stress. The results show that massage therapy is helpful in improving mental health and performance. Zadkhosh S., et al. (2015)

Pain Management in Postoperative Orthopaedic Patients

In a study released by Orthopedic Nursing in 2015, shows that the addition of a brief massage is effective in managing pain. A 5-minute massage after the analgesic administration is helpful for postoperative orthopaedic patients. It increases patient satisfaction with pain management. Their pain management is higher with the application of brief massage than with medication only. Miller J, Dunion A, Dunn N, et al. (2015)

Improving the Quality of Sleep

A study on the effect of massage therapy on patients with breast shows that it can improve their quality of sleep. It shows that by learning and application of massage techniques of health care staff causes health promotion and improving the patient’s quality of sleep. In addition, massage therapy is also suggested as a non-pharmacologic method that helps in the sleep improvement of these patients. Kashani, F. et al. (2011)

Alleviating Chronic Tension Headache

The study in the American Journal of Public Health in 2002 shows that massage therapy is effective in the reduction of the occurrence of headaches per week for chronic sufferers. Headaches were reduced even within one week of massage treatment. Pain from a chronic tension headache can be alleviated through a specific type of massage treatment. This is then directed to cranial and cervical muscles. It appears as an effective nonpharmacological treatment for pain associated with non-pharmacological treatment. Quinn C, et al. (2002)

Reduces Inflammation

A study from Science Translational Medicine shows that massage therapy can reduce inflammation. Results show that its application to acutely damaged skeletal muscle is clinically beneficial. It can help in inflammation reduction and promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis. Crane, J, et. al (2012)

Massage Therapy is More than Pampering Yourself

Results from the study show that massage therapy is not just for relaxation. It is effective in pain, anxiety, stress, depression and sleep management. Additionally, it can help reduction of the number of headaches to chronic sufferers.

It does not only make you feel good but it is also good for your health. It is highly recommended that a registered massage therapist must administer this kind of treatment.

Looking for a Massage Therapist in Coquitlam?

At Evergreen Rehab & Wellness, massage therapy is part of holistic care. We have the best-registered massage therapists in town. They are highly skilled and have undergone postgraduate courses to learn advanced techniques. Our RMTs in Coquitlam administer massage therapy based on patient needs.

We’ve handpicked the best massage therapist in the Coquitlam area. Thus, you can assure that you will be handled by a professional massage therapist.

We can help you to achieve a painless and healthy lifestyle. To book an appointment with our registered massage therapist in Coquitlam, please click here.

Massage therapy is helpful in addressing the following conditions: sports injuries, muscle tension, strains, spasms, arthritis, dislocation, sciatica, stroke, carpal tunnel syndrome, inflammatory conditions, post-surgery rehab, anxiety, lymphedema, post-traumatic stress disorder, tendonitis and insomnia.

Prior to your treatment, RMT will administer an interview. This is highly important to determine the real cause of your condition or injury. By doing so, RMT can create a personalised treatment plan for your condition.

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Evergreen is Everywhere for Everyone – Let’s Help You Achieve Your Health and Wellness Goals

At Evergreen Rehab & Wellness – Coquitlam, we have Registered Massage Therapists (RMT) that will help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

We don’t only have Registered Massage Therapists in Coquitlam, we also have Registered Massage Therapists in Surrey that are always ready to provide patients in these areas with custom and high-quality care.

Moreover, we also have Registered Massage Therapists in Langley that can help you.