By Amanda Gallant, Registered Massage Therapist
As defined by the PEIMTA (Prince Edward Island Massage Therapy Association), the practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate, or augment physical functions to relieve pain or to promote health.
Benefits of massage therapy include:
● Reduces muscle tension
● Improves recovery of soft tissue injuries
● Increases joint mobility and flexibility
● Reduces stress-inducing hormones
● Reduces inflammation
Massage therapy increases blood circulation to the affected or injured muscles, which increases nutrients and oxygen to the compromised/damaged tissues. In turn, this increased activity to the affected areas reduces stiffness and swelling in the muscles and joints as well as increases flexibility to help reduce pain. Massage therapy is known to also release endorphins which boost our “happy hormones” Dopamine and Serotonin levels in the body. These hormones assist the body in many ways; examples include:
● Motivation
● Pain processing
● Mood
● The sleep/wake cycle
● Blood flow
● Metabolism and appetite
While Massage therapy does not replace conventional medical care, it can often provide lasting relief without the use of drugs or surgery.
So, brush aside any thoughts that massage therapy is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. To the contrary, massage therapy can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or soft tissue injury.
To book a massage with one of our massage therapists at reactive health, you can book online here or to book wit Amanda reach us in Charlottetown at:
(902) 370-3146
charlottetown@reactivehealth.com