When most people think of massage therapy, they might think of a spa setting. One where there is a dark room, quiet music playing, and a client getting a back massage.
However, over the last 20 years there has been a large overhaul for the image of massage therapy.
One reason for this is that people have become much more informed on just how many conditions massage therapy can help.
In other words, it is useful and beneficial for much more than just relaxing.
Massage Therapy Benefits
There are still many people that may not be aware of the broad spectrum of conditions that massage therapy can help.
When someone wonders if massage therapy can improve their condition, the first question you should ask yourself is “what is the cause of my pain?” With more than 700 muscles in your body you can imagine the impact on your overall well-being if one or some of them become hypertonic or stiff.
If you suspect stiff or “pulled” muscles are the cause of your pain, then massage therapy may be your answer.
Another condition you may have heard of is a condition called TMJ or temporal mandibular joint disorder. It can cause debilitating pain to the facial muscles, and also headaches.
But how many people consider massage therapy as a source of relief from the pain or injury recovery?
Slowly people are beginning to empower themselves by seeking out massage as a way to seek relief from pain and to improve their quality of life.
Finally, another condition that massage therapy may improve is constipation.
Constipation can cause a wide variety of symptoms, such as headaches, stomach pain, and hemorrhoids.
A massage therapist can use light to moderate pressure applied to the abdominal muscles, and stimulate the large intestine to encourage normal bowel movements. The therapist may also suggest that you increase your water intake, and add more dietary fiber to your diet.
By avoiding harsh laxatives you will be addressing the cause of your health problems, and empowering yourself towards a more healthy life style.
TMJ and constipation are just 2 of the lesser known conditions that could be improved with massage therapy.
And that brings us back to the question raised in the beginning of the article. Massage therapy may provide relief from pain and symptoms caused by other health issues.
By asking yourself about the cause of the pain, you may begin to realize that a local massage therapist may be able to provide you with welcome relief from a wide range of conditions not “normally” associated with massage.