The healing power of massage therapy

Research shows that combining massage with chiropractic treatments is more effective than either alone.
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Remedial massage as a healing tool has been around for thousands of years and usually utilises a variety of slow and deep strokes to unwind and release adhesions and tension in your muscles and fascia, and to open up and decompress constricted joints.

Having a massage does more than just relax your body and mind. The benefits of massage range from treating chronic diseases and injuries to alleviating the growing tensions of our modern lifestyles. Remedial massage is effective and corrective for muscular pain and stiffness as well as for rehabilitating injuries, and is a good way of preventing long term pain.

Remedial massage can also help to reduce inflammation related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis. Some of the other immediate benefits of massage include increased blood flow, improved range of motion, and structural re-balancing.

Top 10 health benefits of massage:

What are the health benefits of massage? Well there are many and here's my top 10 list:

1. Reduce pain and stiffness. Remedial massage relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles and helps to reduce spasms and cramping. 
   It can help improve motion and relieve lower back pain. 
2. Manage stress. It’s easy to get overwhelmed these days with so much to keep track of. Massage is a much needed time-out for many people. It’s a time to turn off all mobile phones and leave that computer alone for a while and may even help to decrease anxiety and depression.
3. Strengthen the immune system. Many studies have shown that regular massage helps to keep the immune system strong and resistant from disease. Remember that the human body responds strongly to touch.
4. Improve lymph circulation. Lymph is naturally moved through the body through exercise which milks the muscles and helps to rinse toxins and impurities from the body. The lymphatic system is the first responder to infections and diseases. The smoother it runs, the less likely you are to become vulnerable to disease and disorders. Massage stimulates the flow of lymph, the body's natural defense system, against toxic invaders.
5. Improved blood circulation. Blood carries life-giving oxygen throughout the body and it works in tandem with the lymphatic system to keep everything moving right along. Regular massage increases circulation, pumping more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. 
6. Reduce inflammation and swelling. Typically inflammation and swelling in the body are brought on by a trauma but sometimes they can linger in an area that’s lacking good circulation. Inflammation and swelling are reduced by increasing the circulation of blood and lymph. With remedial massage techniques, stagnant blood and lymph are moved back to the heart and fresh blood and lymph come back in to circulate the area. With less inflammation and swelling comes less pain and discomfort.
7. Help lower blood pressure. Massage can help lower blood pressure as it helps to take someone from a place of stress to a place of peace and rest. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night try getting a massage before bed.
8. Increase flexibility. Massage is great for increasing your flexibility and can help reduce recovery time as well as getting you ready for strenuous workouts. Massage gives you a better stretch than you can get on your own because the therapist is able to isolate the muscles more than you can do on your own. Regular massages can even help to prevent muscle related injuries in various sporting activities.
9. Release endorphins. Massage can also help to release endorphins - the body's natural painkiller which can be used in chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery and to relieve pain. 
10. Reduce post-surgery adhesions. Massage can also be used to reduce and realign scar tissue post surgery, after healing has occurred.

So,  massage therapy greatly improves the quality of life for many people including the elderly, the stressed and those with painful conditions. Research shows that combining massage or deep tissue work with chiropractic treatments is more effective that either alone. At Helou Chiropractic, our standard treatments provide a combination of clinical massage, joint mobilisation and chiropractic adjustments. A treatment comprising only massage is also available upon request.

To find out more visit helouchiropractic.com.au or to book an appointment call us on 9484 1521.