A massage, performed by a registered massage therapist (RMT), will reduce stress and pain leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed. At one point, getting a massage was considered a luxury but as more people realize the benefits they provide, regular massage appointments have been growing in demand and popularity. And, now that massage therapy is considered a mainstream treatment option, many insurance companies provide coverage for treatment sessions.

Massage therapy involves hands-on specialized techniques that work to increase circulation, relieve tension, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and promote relaxation. Whether chronic or acute, if someone is tense or has been injured and suffers from extensive muscle and/or nerve tissue damage, massage therapy can help. It can also be a preventative measure for future problems.

Muscle Relaxation & Flexibility

Massage therapy targets the source of the body’s pain by easing tense muscles, increasing flexibility, and providing relaxation to the affected muscles and body as a whole. In turn, this increased activity reduces stiffness and edema (swelling) in the muscles and joints, as well as increases flexibility to help reduce pain.

Improved Circulation

Massage therapy promotes circulation to the affected or injured muscles, which can increase nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissues. Improved circulation is part of a snowball effect that occurs in the body as a result of receiving massage therapy on a consistent basis. Proper circulation brings damaged, stiff, and tense muscles the rich blood supply needed to promote healing.

Lower Blood Pressure

Regular massage therapy sessions can reduce cortisol levels and trigger sources for anxiety, hostility, tension, and depression and, in turn, reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and/or kidney failure, as well as many other health related issues. In fact, it has been found that people who had at least three 10-minute back massages a week have lowered their blood pressure more than people who spent the same amount of time just relaxing.

Better Posture

Massage therapy can help get the body back into proper alignment. Chronic back pain, as a result of incorrect or poor posture, is the number one reason for missed work days and second most common cause of disability. Improving one’s posture may just be be one of the most beneficial and relaxing aspects of massage therapy. Massage helps the body to relax and naturally loosen the muscles made tense, this allows the body to position itself in its organic and pain-free posture. The joints also have greater freedom, flexibility, range of motion, and pressure points are relieved.

Strengthened Immune System

We’ve seen time and time again that individuals who experience high levels of stress are more vulnerable to illness and injury. Studies have indicated that regular massage therapy can reduce stress and boost the immune system’s ability to fight off illness by flushing toxins, and increasing blood flow. Massage also increases the activity of white blood cells that help our body fight diseases and may help with reduction of cortisol.

We have a dedicated and knowledgeable team ready to provide you with all the tools you need to take control of your health. Whether you are in need of a massage from one of our massage therapists, or a tailored exercise program from one of our physiotherapists, we are here to help.

If you would like to speak with any of our PROTx Services teams about massage and/or physiotherapy, book an appointment at one of our locations today.