By Larisa Goldin, MBA, LMP

Most of us have stress in our lives, whether due to work, family or general environment. For some the stress may cause sleeplessness, anxiety, hypertension or depression. For many the stress leads to muscle soreness somewhere in the body – the shoulders, neck, legs, or back.

Whatever form the stress manifests in, can become an incessant low or medium-grade condition that puts a damper on our every day lives and sense of well-being. Some individuals use exercise to relieve stress but many do nothing. They just live with the aches and pain, blocking out the discomfort they feel. The problem with this approach is that with time our aches and pain only increase, depriving us of health and vitality.

Massage therapy can be used to treat most common conditions related to stress and muscle tension. Massage has both psychological and physiological effects. It can be used to treat specific ailments or injuries and is also used for general relaxation and emotional calm. Massage is beneficial for those experiencing headaches, arthritis, insomnia, asthma, digestive disorders, constipation, carpal tunnel syndrome, sinusitis, and minor aches and pains. Those taking prescriptions for the above and related conditions will find that massage can be a great compliment to or even an alternative for the medication. The long-term benefit of receiving regular massage is an experience of greater health.
 

Below are the known effects of massage on the body:

• Relieves muscle tension and stiffness
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Lowers blood pressure
• Decreases stress and anxiety
• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves joint flexibility and range of motion
• Speeds recovery from pulled muscles or sprained ligaments
• Treats tension headaches and effects of eye-strain
• Improves blood circulation and movement of lymph fluids
• Improves posture
• Relieves repetitive motion injuries
• Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
• Helps removal of metabolic wastes