Massage Therapy for Health Purposes: 3 Things You Might Not Know

Studies continue to prove the physical and emotional benefits of massage therapy session. As the number of proven health benefits grows these turn massage as envy for a more balanced lifestyle.

Below are 3 things you might not know about massage therapy for health purposes:

Mental Health

• A 2010 of 17 clinical trials concluded that massage therapy may help to reduce depression.
• Brief, twice-weekly and massage sessions for 12 weeks were associated with a decrease in depression, anxiety, and back and leg pain in pregnant women suffering from depression, a 2012 NCCAM-funded randomized controlled trial showed. Also, the women’s babies weighed more than babies born to women who didn’t receive the therapy.
• However, a 2013 research review concluded that there is not enough evidence to determine if massage helps pregnant mothers with depression.
• A 2010 review concluded that massage may help older people relax.
• For generalized anxiety disorder, massage therapy was no better at reducing symptoms than providing a relaxing environment and deep breathing lessons, according to a small, 2010 NCCAM-supported clinical trial. Source: linkedin

 

Cancer
Numerous systematic reviews and clinical studies have suggested that at least for the short term, massage therapy for cancer patients may reduce pain, promote relaxation, and boost mood. However, the National Cancer Institute urges massage therapists to take specific precautions with cancer patients and avoid massaging:

• Open wounds, bruises, or areas with skin breakdown
• Directly over the tumor site
• Areas with a blood clot in a vein
• Sensitive areas following radiation therapy. Source: ElementsMassage

 

Pain

• A 2008 systematic review and 2011 NCCIH-funded clinical trial concluded that massage may be useful for chronic low-back pain.
• Massage may help with chronic neck pain, a 2009 NCCIH-funded clinical trial reported.
• Massage may help with pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee, according to a 2012 NCCIH-funded study.
• Studies suggest that for women in labor, massage provided some pain relief and increased their satisfaction with other forms of pain relief, but the evidence is not strong, a 2012 review concluded. Source: Nccih.nih.gov

 

Contact:
VancityMassageTherapy
1249 Burrard Street, V6Z 1Z5
Phone: 778-388-8081
Email: vancitymassagetherapy@gmail.com

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