Health Benefits of Massage
Generally considered alternative and complementary medicine, massage is gaining a reputation as an effective solution for a variety of physical ailments. In fact, many medical insurance companies are now covering this "hands-on" treatment when prescribed alongside specific diagnoses. If you've been struggling to cope with a health problem, learn the benefits of massage to see if it might provide relief.
Can it Really Help?
Studies have demonstrated that massage can effectively reduce some types of pain, stress and muscle tension. While more research is needed, a growing body of evidence also indicates massage could help with the following:
- Anxiety
- Fibromyalgia
- Digestive disorders
- Headaches
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Stress-related insomnia
- Soft tissue injuries
- Temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ)
- Sports injuries
While experts aren't exactly sure why massage might help with these conditions, they suspect it has something to do with increased blood flow and reduced inflammation.
Who Shouldn't Get a Massage?
While generally mild and pleasing, massage may not be appropriate for people with the following:
- Healing wounds or burns
- Fractures
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Bleeding disorders
- Severe thrombocytopenia
- Severe osteoporosis
Understanding the Limitations
Despite its intriguing benefits, massage shouldn't be used as a replacement for regular medical care. Before beginning a massage regimen to treat a medical problem, speak to your physician about the potential pros and cons, especially if you are pregnant, have caner or some type of unexplained pain.
