Massage therapy has its roots in both Eastern and Western medicine and has been practiced in most cultures. Massage therapy offers an essential primary or complementary treatment option for certain medical conditions. Massage comes with many benefits that help treat a variety of diseases and conditions.
Besides helping to relax the muscles, improve the range of motion, and increase endorphins, there are a few conditions for which massage is an effective tool for reducing symptoms and promoting recovery. We have prepared top medical conditions that wellness massage therapy can treat but before we dive in deep, here are a few uses of massage therapy:
- Improving circulation, energy and alertness.
- Improving immune function.
- Lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
- Reducing stress and increasing relaxation.
- Reducing pain muscle soreness and tension.
Conditions that Benefit from Massage
Anxiety and depression
Massage therapy can help those who suffer from mental health issues. A study found that a regular massage lowered the stress hormone cortisol in patients suffering from anxiety by 53%, according to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). Research has also found that natural treatment increases serotonin and dopamine, which helps those experiencing depression.
Breast and other cancers
Research shows that breast cancer patients benefit from a reduction of stress and anxiety when treated with massage therapy. Breast and other cancers and the like are just some of the diseases a massage therapy can help. According to the AMTA:
“Pre-surgery massage relaxes muscle tissue and increases the flow of lymph. Post-surgery, women who apply lymph drainage techniques from a well-trained massage therapist to their treatment may experience less pain and swelling.”
Migraines and other headaches
Massage helps ease tension and pain, which helps patients reduce the symptoms of headaches or avoid them altogether. Migraine sufferers who receive massage therapy experience fewer episodes of head pain, less severe symptoms, and an improved quality of sleep, according to research.
Pain
Massage promotes relaxation, making it a great method for reducing a variety of pain conditions, from those caused by surgery or injury to chronic problems. Massage therapy can help those who suffer from the common problem of low back pain since it promotes blood flow to parts of the body experiencing pain and releases the body’s natural painkillers.
Repetitive strain injuries
Massage helps reduce symptoms in people suffering from repetitive strain injuries, or issues that affect the muscles and joints and cause symptoms like tenderness, throbbing pain, tingling, or loss of sensation. These issues can be caused by overusing a group of muscles, maintaining a particular posture for a long period of time, heavy lifting, and other factors.
Other conditions
Massage helps patients dealing with a variety of other health problems in addition to the ones listed above, including but not limited to:
- Arthritis
- Fatigue
- Hypertension, or high blood pressure
- Recovery from heart bypass surgery
- Sports injuries
- Stress-related conditions
Massage in Los Angeles
Massage therapy in our MendMe Massage Spa in Santa Monica, CA can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever. Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort, and connection.
Whether you are looking for a one-time massage or a custom-made treatment plan, we are here to meet your needs. If you want to make an appointment with our MendMe massage therapists, you may visit our website for our many soothing spa treatments in our tranquil spa studio to revitalize your spirit or you may contact us at (424) 293-0335.