By WIN Contributor: Phil Rowland, RMT, ART provider, Certified Personal Trainer
Most people would agree a massage makes them feel good. But many probably don’t realize exactly how good a regular massage is for their overall health. Massage can improve performance, aid recovery, prevent and eliminate injuries, reduce stress and enhance metabolism and circulation! While new health therapies continue to emerge, think about this, massage therapy in Asian cultures date back to 5,000BC!
For Health: Massage Therapy…
· Dramatically aids lymph movement, which together with blood, supplies nutrients and oxygen and rids wastes and toxins
- Increases the blood’s oxygen capacity by 10-15%
- Helps loosen contracted, shortened muscles and stimulate weak, flaccid muscles
- Speeds recovery from exercise-induced fatigue
- Increases production of gastric juices, saliva and urine
- Increases excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and sodium chloride.
- Balances the nervous system by soothing or stimulating it, depending on which effect is needed
- Improves function of the oil and sweat glands that lubricate, clean and cool the skin
For Sport: Massage Therapy…
· Can reduce or eliminate exercise-induced pain
· Can increase endurance and control fatigue and aid recovery
· Can speed muscle recovery rates as it eliminates irritation from waste
· Enables more productive training, with longer, more effective workouts
· Results in better performance with fewer injuries
For Injuries: Massage Therapy can help with…
- Headaches & migraines (decreases both frequency and severity)
- Frozen shoulder
- Sore shoulder and neck
- Back pain & sciatica
- Tennis and golfers elbow
- Sprains, strains and tears
- Over-use injuries
- Shin splints
For the Elderly: Massage Therapy…
· Promotes well nourished and healthy skin
· Improves circulation of blood and lymph
· Improves immune system functioning
· Enhances general relaxation
· Reduces muscular tension and associated discomfort
· Improves sleep
· Increases feelings of well-being
· Enhances flexibility and strength
· Reduces discomfort from arthritis
For the Office Workers:
Massage Therapy counteracts the effects sitting. If you work sitting down all day, odds are your posture has suffered. Shoulders and neck hold tension when stressed, while prolonged sitting leads to weak gluteals and a weak low back. These muscular imbalances can lead to pain and dysfunction. Getting a massage regularly can correct these imbalances, encourage proper muscle function, and reduce pain. That means less muscular pain, less exercise-induced injury, and greater range of motion all from something as simple and pleasant as massage.
Increase the Benefits with Regular Visits to WIN Registered Massage Therapy:
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting a massage frequently can do even more. Just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your WIN Massage Therapist to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.