Wellness

Top 5 Benefits of Massage Therapy for Runners

runner-557580_640Whether you are a recreational runner or run competitively, you should consider adding massage therapy into your regular routine. Some people assume that massage therapy is only useful for relieving stress and muscle tension, but this isn’t the case. While it can certainly be used for these purposes, it offers some surprising benefits for runners as well. continue reading »

Massage Therapy May Relieve Chronic Headaches Without Medication

massage_headache_062016_640It’s estimated that nearly half of the adult population suffers from at least one headache per year. This makes headaches among the most common types of central nervous system disorders, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While some cases of headaches are minor, others are more severe and debilitating. Regardless of the severity of your headaches, however, massage therapy may offer a safe and effective solution.

What About Medication?

Unfortunately, we live in a society that’s fixated on treating diseases and health problems with medication. While certain types of medication can prove invaluable in treating adverse health conditions,  there are times when they do more harm than good. continue reading »

Exercise – bigger brains – Think on that!

Regular exercise may shrink waistlines, but a long-term study suggests it
increases brain volume and lowers the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Researchers followed 1,583 middle-aged men and women with no personal
history of dementia or heart disease over the course of two decades. At the
start of the study, participants underwent an MRI and took a physical fitness
test on a treadmill, during which their heart rate and blood pressure were also
monitored. The procedures were repeated 20 years later, and after factoring out
people who had developed heart disease and high blood pressure, the research-
ers found that the ones who kept in shape were more likely to have larger
brains. On the other hand, poorly conditioned participants had lost gray matter.
“Our brains shrink as we age, and this atrophy is related to cognitive decline
and increased risk for dementia,” study author Nicole Spartano of Boston
University tells CBSNews.com. “This study suggests that people with poor
fitness have accelerated brain aging.”
—The WEEK
March 3, 2016

Study: Massage Therapy May Relieve Back Pain

training-828741-back-painIf you suffer from back pain and are finding that drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are becoming the norm in your daily routine, consider trying massage therapy as a drug-free alternative. According to a new study conducted by researchers at the College of Health at the University of Utah, massage therapy, when started at the first signs of back pain, can help offer relief. (source).

For the study, researchers closely monitored around 200 patients over the course of one year who had recently complained of lower back pain. Half of the patients were assigned to massage therapy, while the other half received no form of treatment. Researchers found that massage therapy did in fact yield a modest benefit to the participants’ back pain. continue reading »

Treating Restless Leg Syndrome with Massage Therapy

restlessRestless leg syndrome (RLS), or what’s also referred to as Willis-Ekbom disease (WED), is a common neurological disorder characterized by sudden and spontaneous and sometimes jerky movements in a person’s limbs, along with various other uncomfortable sensations. Symptoms usually flare up at night or at rest, particularly just before falling asleep and during sleep. According to the Florida Hospital System, as many as one in ten people in the United States may suffer from this condition. While some cases RLS go away without the need for medical treatment, many worsen and become more frequent with age. continue reading »

The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Seniors

hands-981400_640Massage therapy isn’t just for the younger generation; seniors can benefit from it too. Whether it’s to fight arthritis or promote better sleep at night, there are a number of reasons why seniors should seek massage therapy. Below is a closer look at some of the top benefits of massage therapy for seniors. continue reading »

Benefits of After-Workout Massage Therapy

abdominal-1203880_640While many people seek massage for its relaxing benefits, it can also prove useful as a post-workout remedy – whether you exercise moderately or if you do heavy-duty bodybuilding, or work out at any level along the spectrum. To learn more about massage therapy and the benefits it offers after working out, keep reading.

Reduces Inflammation

When you work out – particularly with strength training exercises – your muscles become inflamed. This is a direct response to the stress the muscles undertake while working out.  Massage therapy has been proven to reduce inflammation associated with exercise.

“What massage seems to do is … it reduces the inflammatory response as a function of the damage you incurred while you’re exercising,” said Simon Melov, a molecular biologist at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. continue reading »

Massage Therapy May Offer Relief for Cancer Patients

It’s estimated that between 40-50% of the U.S. population will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. While breast cancer is the most common type, others may include colon/rectal, endometrial, kidney, leukemia, lung, melanoma (skin), pancreatic, prostate and more. However, a new study suggests that massage therapy may offer both physical and psychological relief for the millions of men and women who have been diagnosed with cancer. continue reading »

Top 7 Benefits of Massage Therapy

153 - Top 7 Benefits of Massage Therapy#1) Relieves Stress

This is something from which we can all benefit. According to a poll conducted by the National Public Radio, nearly half of respondents (49%) said they had experienced at least one “major stressful event” in the past year, with health problems being the most common cause of stress. Whether your stress is caused by health, finances, occupation, relationships, or just everyday worries, massage therapy can help. It’s been proven to relieve stress after just a single session.

#2) Promotes Healthy Posture

When you walk, stand or sit in ways that are unnatural, it can lead to curvature of the spine. If left untreated, the curvature will become more pronounced, possibly resulting in pain and limited range of motion. Massage therapy will work to strengthen the muscles needed for healthy posture. continue reading »

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Office Workers

office_workers_400Does your job require you sit at a desk for all or most of the workday? It is not uncommon for those with desk jobs to experience chronic back pain, circulation problems and other issues that can arise from sitting on a computer 40 hours a week. If you are dealing with chronic pain, don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Fortunately, massage therapy is an excellent way to relieve pain, improve posture and get you back on the road to better health. continue reading »