Massage therapy isn’t just for the younger generation; seniors can benefit from it too. Whether it’s to fight arthritis or promote better sleep at night, there are a number of reasons why seniors should seek massage therapy. Below is a closer look at some of the top benefits of massage therapy for seniors. continue reading
While many people seek massage for its relaxing benefits, it can also prove useful as a post-workout remedy – whether you exercise moderately or if you do heavy-duty bodybuilding, or work out at any level along the spectrum. To learn more about massage therapy and the benefits it offers after working out, keep reading.
When you work out – particularly with strength training exercises – your muscles become inflamed. This is a direct response to the stress the muscles undertake while working out. Massage therapy has been proven to reduce inflammation associated with exercise.
“What massage seems to do is … it reduces the inflammatory response as a function of the damage you incurred while you’re exercising,” said Simon Melov, a molecular biologist at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. continue reading
It’s estimated that between 40-50% of the U.S. population will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. While breast cancer is the most common type, others may include colon/rectal, endometrial, kidney, leukemia, lung, melanoma (skin), pancreatic, prostate and more. However, a new study suggests that massage therapy may offer both physical and psychological relief for the millions of men and women who have been diagnosed with cancer. continue reading
#1) Relieves StressThis is something from which we can all benefit. According to a poll conducted by the National Public Radio, nearly half of respondents (49%) said they had experienced at least one “major stressful event” in the past year, with health problems being the most common cause of stress. Whether your stress is caused by health, finances, occupation, relationships, or just everyday worries, massage therapy can help. It’s been proven to relieve stress after just a single session.
When you walk, stand or sit in ways that are unnatural, it can lead to curvature of the spine. If left untreated, the curvature will become more pronounced, possibly resulting in pain and limited range of motion. Massage therapy will work to strengthen the muscles needed for healthy posture. continue reading
Coconut OilDerived from the extracted kernel of mature coconuts, coconut oil has become an increasingly popular oil for massage therapy. It’s highly moisturizing, offers great relaxation, and has medium absorption. All of these characteristics make it an attractive choice for massage therapy.
Keep in mind, however, that coconut oil has a melting point of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning the room in which the massage is taking place must be at least this warm. If the temperature is below 75 degrees Fahrenheit, coconut oil will revert to a solid state, making it next-to-impossible to use for massage therapy purposes. continue reading
Many people brush off muscle tension as being nothing more than the body’s response to stress, assuming it has no real impact on their health. But the truth is that muscle tension, especially chronic cases that persist for weeks or months on end, can affect the body in more ways than just one. continue reading
Does your job require you sit at a desk for all or most of the workday? It is not uncommon for those with desk jobs to experience chronic back pain, circulation problems and other issues that can arise from sitting on a computer 40 hours a week. If you are dealing with chronic pain, don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Fortunately, massage therapy is an excellent way to relieve pain, improve posture and get you back on the road to better health. continue reading
Do you suffer from water retention? Our bodies contain a network of vessels that are designed to drain fluid from nearby tissue, flushing it back into the bloodstream. Known as the lymphatic system, it plays a key role in the our bodies ability to regulate internal fluid levels. But it’s not uncommon for the lymphatic system to become overwhelmed or affected by other circumstances that decrease the efficient function of this system. The good news is that most cases of water retention are minor and pose no serious risk to a person’s health. With that said, it can still trigger some pretty unpleasant symptoms. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms of fluid retention include the following: continue reading
While most people seek massage therapy for its relaxing, stress-reducing benefits, it may also be a beneficial treatment for managing high blood pressure.
According to the American Society of Hypertension (ASH), as many as 1 out 3 adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure (known medically as hypertension). If left unchecked, high blood pressure can lead to a wide range of health problems, including kidney disease, heart attack and stroke. Excessive pressure on the arteries and organs stresses them, and subsequently leaves them vulnerable to disease. continue reading
It’s estimated that more than 100 million US adults suffer from chronic pain conditions. While everyone will experience physical pain at some point in their lives, most cases are temporary. With chronic pain, however, the debilitating pain signals last for long periods at a time, often for weeks, months or even years.
Unfortunately, far too many people treat their pain by masking it with painkillers. Whether it’s ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or prescription drugs, painkillers such as this only mask the pain for a brief period of time. Furthermore, painkillers create unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects like damage to the stomach and liver. A safer and more effective approach to treat chronic pain may come from massage therapy. continue reading
