Massage therapeutics is not about the candles, aromatherapy, and the spa. Although those items can be beneficial for relaxation, the massage part of the therapy is just that. An intense manual manipulation of the body’s tissues. Made to work out/relax tight, knotted, spasmed, and inflamed muscles, ligaments, and tendons back to a routine and relaxed function. This can be caused by injury, stress, awkward motion/s, etc. Research done by the American Massage Therapy Association shows that 50% of individuals asked for a therapeutic massage for musculoskeletal/stress issues.

More physicians, specialists, and surgeons are recognizing the health benefits of massage therapeutics and sending their patients to certified/licensed massage therapists for treatment. There is now a high demand for massage therapists, with career possibilities being among the strongest in the health care industry. Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of muscles and soft tissues, including:

• Connective tissues
• Ligaments
• Tendons

This is all done to improve an individual’s health and overall well-being. Licensed certified massage therapists are highly trained and highly versed in anatomy and physiology. Many often work with chiropractors preparing patients for the chiropractic adjustment/s by loosening up the muscles/tissues, then after with a light massage to ease the soreness of the adjustment and, if necessary with continued visits with a mild to intense massage session to keep the areas loose and mobile.

Massage therapeutics effectively treat several medical conditions, sports injuries, automobile accident injuries, and personal injuries and help prevent stress-related health problems. Research shows that massage therapeutics can significantly improve or even heal these medical conditions.

Fitness

Top professional and weekend warrior athletes can benefit from massage therapeutics. Massage has been shown to help:

• Reduce muscle tension
• Improve exercise performance
• Prevent injuries

Low Back Pain

The guidelines for treating chronic back pain. The suggested guidelines state that alternative treatments/therapies like massage, chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture should be utilized before prescription medication, which is now the last resort, is implemented.

Headaches

Head and neck massage reduces chronic tension headaches and the stress that often comes with headaches.

Compromised Immune System Function

Myofascial massage has improved the nervous system, which is crucial to a healthy immune system. Massage, which increases blood circulation, helps increase the activity of T cells, which recognize and destroy cells infected with viruses. Stress reduction is a universally recognized benefit of massage therapeutics and can strengthen the immune system.

Blood Pressure

Improved blood flow with massage therapeutics can also bring blood pressure down and elevates heart health.

Fibromyalgia

Currently, there is no cure for fibromyalgia, but studies show a definite connection between those receiving myofascial massage therapeutics and improved quality of life. Reduced pain, anxiety, and quality sleep were experienced by individuals getting regular massage therapy.

Cancer Pain

A common symptom for individuals battling cancer is pain, which can be mild to severe. In conjunction with other pain management techniques recommended by doctors, massage therapeutics have been shown to reduce pain and anxiety symptoms.

PTSD

Those with post-traumatic stress disorder can benefit from massage therapy. Massage can help reduce:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• Pain associated with trauma/images/memories

Massage is often recommended as a companion for PTSD psychotherapy. Therapists are well established at many medical clinics and hospitals. With the opioid epidemic, and the need for safe, natural, and effective pain therapy, then massage therapists can help out.

Massage Therapy and Chiropractic