Great Information

Massage as Medicine                 
Massage provides many benefits, including improved concentration, energy, and selfesteem, as well as reduced stress. It’s helpful with more acute health conditions, also. If you or a loved one are already dealing with a health condition, massage is an even more important part of your healthcare planning. Research shows: Alzheimer’s patients exhibit reduced irritability, pacing, and restlessness after neck and shoulder massage.

• Deep-tissue massage is effective in treating arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. Fibromyalgia patients receiving massage have fewer sleep problems and less anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and stiffness.

• Massage during labor appears to help block pain, reduce stress and anxiety, and relax muscles. Some medical professionals say massage shortens labor and hospital stays.

• Massage can reduce sports related soreness and improve circulation.

• Massage is beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, burns, high blood pressure, and premenstrual syndrome.

• Massage therapy is effective in reducing post-surgical pain and reducing recovery times.

• Oncology patients show less anxiety, depression, fatigue, nausea, and pain following massage therapy.

• Preterm babies receiving massage therapygain more weight and have shorter hospital stays.
                      
Nora Brunner is the public relations specialist for Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Contact her at nora@abmp.com.