Experts believe that 80 – 90 percent of ailments that bring people to family practice physicians are stress-related.  Many of today’s health problems can benefit from massage therapy and bodywork because the manipulation of soft tissues affects so many of our bodily systems.  Massage therapy treatments have a therapeutic affect by acting directly on the muscular, nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems.  Massage Therapy is very effective in the control of chronic or acute pain, stress-reduction, and in creating a sense of relaxation and well-being.  Massage and bodywork offers a drug-free, non-invasive, and humanistic approach based on the bodies natural ability to heal itself.

Physical benefits of massage:

• Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
• Stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defense against toxic invaders.  For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.
• Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles.
• Reducing spasms and cramping.
• Increasing joint flexibility.
• Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
• Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.  For this reason, massage is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
• Reducing post-surgery adhesions and edema as well as reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred.
• Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with low back pain.
• Relieving pain for migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication.
• Providing exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reducing shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.

Mental and Emotional Benefits of Massage Therapy:

• Reduces mental stress
• Improves concentration
• Promotes better sleep
• Calms bad temper
• Induces mental relaxation
• Provides a feeling of well-being
• Enhances self-image
• Reduces anxiety