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How Therapeutic Massage Can Help With Stress And Injury Recovery

by Sherry Hunt

The field of therapeutic massage has quickly become one that is in high demand. Massage therapists must attend the proper schooling in order to correctly and safely provide massage related services. It is a growing business with a large number of clients seeking help for a variety of physical issues. Read on to learn how massage therapy can help people coping with a number of different physical ailments.

Who Can it Help?

There are a number of reasons why people seek the help of a licensed massage therapist. Some of the most common reasons are:

  • Sports-related injuries
  • Poor posture, resulting in neck and back issues
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Automobile accident recovery
  • Stress reduction
  • General wellness improvement

Types of Massage Practices

There are several different ways a massage therapist can apply their skills to patients' muscles. For Swedish massage, there are long strokes and deeper circular movements to help stimulate the muscles. It also involves vibrating and tapping motions on areas where the patient needs attention. With sports massage, the massage therapist has a focus on working the muscles in a way that is specific to the athlete's needs, taking special care not to cause more injury. Deep tissue massage takes a slightly more aggressive approach in order to help work out "knots" that can form in the muscles. This form of massage therapy involves identifying areas that can cause pain when touched, and then working to relieve that pain with specific motions.

How Massage Helps

As the muscles in the body become strained, pain can have profound effects on your overall health and well-being. Symptoms such as back and neck pain as well as discomfort in the legs and arms are often a result of strained or overworked muscles. Massage therapy can help the muscles get the correct stimulation they need by using a precise series of movements that help muscles contract and relax. After several massage sessions, the muscles that have undergone injury or strain begin to heal.

There are other excellent benefits to people as a result of therapeutic massage. Some of these benefits include reduced stress and blood pressure, relief from anxiety, and of course, overall pain relief. Some cancer patients who have elected to receive massage therapy have claimed it can also assist in easing the pain often associated with cancer and chemotherapy. Whether you're dealing with a stressful situation or you've recently experienced an injury, participating in massage therapy can do wonders for your body as well as your mind. Visit a massage school like New Age Spa Institute, Inc. for more information.

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