Sunday, June 19, 2011

Top 35 Reasons Why You Need To Get A Massage!



Dynamic Training & Rehabilitation is a leader in alternative health care and rehabilitation. One of our goals, and is listed on our core values as a business is to educate and motivate our clients and patients. At our meeting yesterday, our team came together and compiled a list of our top 35 reasons why you should get a Massage today by a Registered Massage Therapist! 
 

Massage is just not only for relaxation, but a number of other various we will discus further in the article.

1. It will Improve Your Mood - In recent studies, regular massage treatments improved the mental health status and mood in the subjects of the experimental (massaged) group.


2. Massage Therapy manually separates muscle fibers - Compressive strokes and cross-fiber friction strokes separate muscle fibers, reducing spasms and help for a faster recovery in post-surgery, sprains, strains, knots, and aches!


3. Massage can tones weak muscles - Muscle spindle activity is increased during massage strokes (e.g. tapotement, vibration). An increase in muscle spindle activity creates muscle contractions, helping tone weak muscles. This effect is particularly beneficial in cases of prolonged bed rest, flaccidity, and atrophy (wasting away or loss of muscle).


4. Massage will improves muscular nutrition - As a result of an increase in blood-transported nutrients, massage improves muscular nutrition. This hastens muscle recovery and enables muscles to function at maximum capacity after recovery.


5. Reduces Norepinephrine Levels - Norepinephrine is a stress hormone; reduced norepinephrine levels are linked with the relaxation process. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter, and elevated levels or norepinephrine increase heart rate.


6. Improves Skin Pathologies - Unless a condition contraindicates massage, skin pathologies may improve by decreasing redness, reducing thickening/hardening of the skin, increasing healing of skin abrasions, and reducing itching. Along with medical acupuncture, massage can toughen your skin, help clear it up, and give you a nice glowing look.


7. Increase Mineral Retention in Bones - Massage increases the retention of nutrients such as nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus in bones which will help make them stronger and durable!


8. Improves Connective Tissue Healing - Occuring only with deep pressure massage, proliferation and activation of fibroblasts is noted, which leads to improved tensile strength of healed tissues.


9. Increases Circulation - Relieves pain and will help tissue become healthy and the blood flow is increased in massaged area's.


10. Decreases Pain - Massage relieves local and referred pain caused by hypersensitive trigger points, presumably by increasing circulation, thereby increasing blood flow. Massage also stimulates the release of endorphins and other pain-reducing neuro-chemicals.


11. Increases WBC Count (White Blood Cells) - The presence of white blood cells increases after massage. The increase in WBC count enables the body to more effectively protect itself against disease.


12. Stimulates Sebaceous Glands - Stimulation of the sebaceous (oil) glands causes an increase in sebum production. This added sebum improves the skin's condition and reduces skin dryness.


13. Increases Joint Range of Motion - When muscular tension is reduced, range of motion is improved. The freedom of the joints is dictated by the freedom of the muscles.


14. Improves Motor Skills - Not surprisingly, if massage was found to improve performance, balance, and posture, motor skills are also enhanced.

15. Reduces Respiration Rate - Massage slows down the rate of respiration because of activation of the relaxation response.


16. Promotes Evacuation of the Colon - By increasing peristaltic (the movement of digestion) activity in the colon through massage, bowel contents move toward the anus for elimination.

17. Improves Body Image - Massage improved body image in clients who stated having a poor body image prior to getting massages.


18.  Improves Lifestyle Habits - Following massage, clients reported improved lifestyle habits such as increased activities of daily living, fewer cups of coffee, fewer somatic symptoms, fewer doctor visits, and increased levels of exercising and walking.

19. Increases Mental Alertness - Massage increases mental alertness by relaxing the body/mind and by removing unwanted stress. Natural energy and mental alertness are increased, thus decreasing the need for stimulants such as caffeine.


20. Reduces Fatigue and Increases Vigor and Energy - Many clients experienced a sense of renewed energy after massage by taking a break from the stresses of the day.


21. Stimulates Disgestion - Massage also promotes activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates digestion.


22. Decreases Asthma Attacks - Through increased relaxation and improved pulmonary functions, the client experiences fewer asthma attacks

23. Massage can help improve your posture - Pain is often caused as a result of misalignments in posture. You are more likely to become injured when participating in sports when your posture is out of alignment. Even if you are in a car accident or fall, the resulting injuries are influence by your alignment.Massage can help relax tight muscles, and along with exercise, can strengthen weak muscles.

24. Increases Flexibility - By lengthening muscles and promoting muscular relaxation, massage has also been shown to increase muscle flexibility.


25. Improves Performance  - Many postural distortions are removed when trigger points are released and when muscle tension is reduced. Range of motion increases, gait becomes more efficient, the posture is more aligned and balanced, and improved performance is the net result.

26. Reduces Muscle Soreness and Fatigue - Massage enhances blood circulation, thus increasing the amount of oxygen and nutrients available to the muscles. Increased oxygen and nutrients reduce muscle fatigue and post-exercise soreness. Massage promotes rapid disposal of waste products, further reducing muscle fatigue and soreness

27. Increses the number and function (or Cytotoxicity) of Natural Killer Cells - Natural Killer Cells are also types of WBC (White Blood Cells). This further suggests that massage strengthens immune functions and might help individuals with immune disorders.


28. Decreases the Circumference of an area affected with Lymphedema - When the swelling subsides, circumference decreases.


29. Releases Fascial Restrictions - Softening of the fascia surrounding the muscles allows them to be stretched to their fullest resting length, increasing joint range of motion, and freeing the body of restricted movements.

30. Regular Massage Therapy treatments is the perfect adjunct to any performance, fitness, or rehabilitation program as it will further your results and help complete a well rounded program.

31. Increases lymph and blood flow while promoting detoxification of the entire body

32. It increases endorphin production and supports faster healing

33. A massage will help the flow of blood and lymph in the circulatory system and assist the body in ridding itself of toxins. Getting a good massage as you are doing a body detoxification is a great way to help cleanse and feel better while you are cleansing.

34: Massage has been shown to have positive results in the treatment of scoliosis, stroke, arthritis, Cancer, MS, repetitive strains, and viseral (organ) dysfunctions!

35. As part of your regular health mantaince plan, massage has not only been able to show positive reults in the body, it will also help the joints (cranial as well!), by increase the range of motion, and health!


Massage Therapy is not for spa's, the rich, or for resorts. There is many scientifically proven studies and reasons why Massage Therapy should be an integtrative part of your health care plan. Whether your an athlete, weekend warrior, office worker, or stay at home mom, massage therapy is the perfect adjunct to your lifestyle and health care plan.

At Dynamic Training & Rehabilitation, our therapist are Registered with the CMTO and have further education in Active Release Techniques, Acupuncture, and Joint Mobilizations.

Learn how a Dynamic Health Care plan can get you on the road to health today!

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