Benefits to Massage Treatments

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Pain can be caused by many different tissues, some of which include muscle, joint, ligament, tendon and fascia. Fascia is dense connective tissue that when adhered can cause pain and decreased range of motion. Massage can help to decrease pain in trigger points "knots", break up fascial restrictions and scar tissue built up within tissues. Pain caused by a ligament sprain or tendonitis can be decreased with specific massage techniques that target the damaged tissue to help rebuild it. 

Range of motion refers to the mobility of a joint. If you're feeling restricted in movement due to pain or contracture (muscles with limited flexibility and length) massage can assist with that. Long deep strokes can help to improve length of muscles especially when followed by stretching and home care. 

Whether you have superficial visible scars, or scar tissue deep within a tendon or ligament, Massage Therapy can be used to decrease the scarring. When scarring is decreased, tissue health and mobility can improve as well as decreasing pain. A tight scar can decrease ROM. 

Using joint mobilizations (moving the joints in certain directions with a specific amount of force) can help to increase synovial fluid, (the fluid that lubricates the joint) increase ROM, stretch a stiff joint capsule, decrease pain and improve joint health. Depending on your goal depends on the level of joint mob used during a treatment. 

Massage Therapy is clinically proven to decrease anxiety and depression. Breathe in relaxation, and breathe out stress. Massage decreases stress hormones, and increases hormones that improve mood.  

Due to the possible circulatory impacts of Massage, improving circulation increases overall tissue health. In order to heal damaged tissues there needs to be fresh nutrients and oxygen in the area. Nutrients and oxygen is transported through the blood. Edema is essentially swelling. Lymphatic drainage techniques can decrease Edema therefore reducing pain. Because of the possible impacts of circulation it is important if your circulatory system is compromised, to tell your Massage Therapist. This includes any health conditions including blood pressure, your heart or circulation.