Massage therapy is often seen as a way to relax and de-stress. However, did you know that massage therapy can also help treat a variety of diseases? In this blog post, we will take a look at the top ten diseases that massage therapy can help with. From back pain to cancer, massage therapy has been an effective treatment for many different conditions!
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Massage therapy is a type of therapy that uses touch to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Massage therapy can be used to relieve pain, increase circulation, and reduce stress. Massage therapy has been shown to be effective in a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis, cancer, and fibromyalgia.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the top ten diseases that massage therapy can help with:
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Massage therapy can help to reduce this pain by increasing circulation and relaxation. Additionally, massage therapy can help to increase the range of motion and flexibility in the joints, which can be helpful for people with arthritis.
Cancer is a disease that can cause severe pain and fatigue. Massage therapy can help to relieve some of this pain by increasing circulation and relaxation. Additionally, massage therapy can help to improve lymphatic drainage, which can help to reduce swelling and improve immunity.
Depression is a mental illness that can cause feelings of sadness, isolation, and fatigue. Massage therapy can help to improve mood by increasing circulation and relaxation. Additionally, massage therapy can help to release endorphins, which are hormones that have mood-boosting effects.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. Massage therapy can help to reduce this pain by increasing circulation and relaxation. Additionally, massage therapy can help to increase the range of motion and flexibility in the joints, which can be helpful for people with fibromyalgia.
Headaches are a common ailment that can cause severe pain. Massage therapy can help to reduce the pain by increasing circulation and relaxation. Additionally, massage therapy can help to release of endorphins, which are hormones that have mood-boosting effects.
High blood pressure is a condition that can be caused by stress. Massage therapy can help to reduce stress and tension, which can help to lower blood pressure. Additionally, massage therapy can help to increase circulation and relaxation, which can also help to lower blood pressure.
Digestive disorders are often caused by stress. Massage therapy can help to reduce the stress and tension that is associated with digestive disorders. Additionally, massage therapy can help to stimulate the digestive system, which can help to improve digestion.
Insomnia is a condition that causes difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Massage therapy can help to improve sleep by increasing circulation and relaxation. Additionally, massage therapy can help to release endorphins, which are hormones that have mood-boosting effects.
Multiple sclerosis is a condition that causes the immune system to attack the nervous system. Massage therapy can help to improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis by reducing pain, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation. Additionally, massage therapy can help to increase range of motion and flexibility.
Pregnancy can be a time of many aches and pains, as the body goes through many changes. Massage therapy can help to alleviate some of these discomforts by reducing stress, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation. Additionally, massage therapy can help to release endorphins, which can help improve mood and reduce pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints. Massage therapy can help to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints while promoting relaxation. Additionally, massage therapy can help to increase range of motion and flexibility.
Stress is a common condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. Massage therapy can help to reduce stress by promoting relaxation. Additionally, massage therapy can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best type of massage for a particular condition will vary depending on the individual and the specific condition. However, some common types of massage that can be beneficial for various conditions include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point massage. If you are unsure which type of massage would be best for you, please consult with a qualified massage therapist.
Swedish Massage: This is the most common type of massage, and it is also one of the gentlest. It uses long, flowing strokes to relax the body and promote circulation.
Deep Tissue Massage: This type of massage is more focused and uses more pressure than Swedish massage. It is often used to release knots and tension in the muscles.
Trigger Point Massage: This type of massage is used to release trigger points, which are areas of muscle that have become tight and painful. Trigger point massage can be quite helpful for relieving pain.
There are a few conditions that massage therapists should avoid or be cautious about. These include:
-Pregnancy: Massage during pregnancy while can be relaxing should be done only based upon consultation with a doctor (OBGYN).
-Blood Clots: Massage can break up blood clots, so it is best to avoid it if you have a blood clotting disorder or are taking blood thinners.
-Infectious Diseases: If you have an infectious disease, such as hepatitis or HIV, massage can spread the infection. It is best to avoid it unless your doctor gives you specific permission.
There are many benefits of massage therapy. These include:
Relieving Pain: Massage can help to relieve pain by increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles.
Improving Sleep: Massage can improve sleep by reducing stress and tension.
Reducing Stress: Massage can reduce stress by promoting relaxation.
Improving Circulation: Massage can improve circulation by increasing blood flow.
Boosting Immunity: Massage can boost immunity by stimulating the lymphatic system.
Reflexology is a type of massage that focuses on the individual reflex points within the feet (as well as the hands and ears). These different points correspond to different areas and organs within the body, and by kneading the ball of the foot, pulling on the toes, and applying pressure to the arch of the foot, it’s believed healing outcomes can be achieved.
Reflexologists believe that when a person is experiencing sensitivity or tenderness in the feet, it’s a sign of imbalances within the body. These blocked energies can be cleared away to support better blood flow and nutrient delivery, by massaging the nerve endings in the feet, hands, and ears.
Using massage to release the soft tissue surrounding the muscles can be amazing for dealing with a range of common concerns. Easing the congestion of the tissue, encouraging elasticity, and boosting muscle length can help decrease recovery time after exercise, as well as alleviate pain and inflammation. It involves stretching the muscle out, and then applying physical pressure to the muscle in its stretched state.
The cross-fiber friction technique is a specific massage movement that works to break down muscle tissue adhesions and scar tissue surrounding injuries. In turn, it can assist the recovery of motion in the specific areas, increasing flexibility and joint lubrication by encouraging blood and lymph flow to the area.
For this technique, simply use the ball of the thumb to rub the painful or inflamed area in circular movements.
Although it’s always nice to take a breather and have someone else massage you, self-massage is another at-home option. If you’ve got a particular area that’s causing you pain, it can really help to apply pressure. This will ease the tension in the muscle ligaments.
You could use a tennis ball to roll into your rotator cuff muscles or use a foam roller to assist with lower back pain and lengthening the muscles in your legs.
Of course, there really is nothing better than treating a loved one to a tranquil and well-deserved massage purely for relaxation. Create a relaxing atmosphere by lighting some candles and having hot towels ready, and then use long strokes with essential oils to leave them feeling like a million bucks!
There you have it! These are just a few ways by which massage therapy can help improve your health and well-being. If you’re dealing with any of the issues mentioned above, be sure to give massage therapy a try! You won’t regret it!
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