What if an hour’s massage did more for you than just take the pressures of the day away? What if a remedial massage improved sleep, digestion or migraines? Or a sports massage helped you recover from a calf strain in half the time?

Evidence is showing that the more massage a person receives, the better they will feel for longer. Massage is a healing treatment that has been around for thousands of years, all over the world. Touch is a natural human reaction to pain or stress… When you bump your head, or stub your toe, you automatically rub it.

Many believe massage to be just for “pampering” or a “luxury”. However massage can be a very powerful ally for your health and here’s why:

 A few of the many benefits of Massage:

–          Alleviates joint pain and improves range of movement by using a wide range of different techniques personalised to the client, to relax and release the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

–          Stimulates lymphatic flow through light pressured strokes towards the heart. Lymphatic flow is increased by up to 20 times which will improve the body’s natural defence system against toxins and therefore enhances immunity.

–          Helps athletes of any level prepare for and recover from strenuous workouts by warming and loosening the muscles, exercising weak, tight or atrophied muscles, flushing out toxins and stretching the affected area, so that they will be able to perform better.

–          Improves the condition of the skin by increasing the circulation of the blood and lymph systems. This flushes through fresh blood and oxygen to the tissues and promotes regeneration of the skin cells, which brings fresh cells to the surface, this then encourages a healthier glowing skin tone. By helping with tissue regeneration, massage can also help improve the look of scar tissue.

–          Improves sleep and boosts energy levels. People who are sleep deprived find they lack in energy and can struggle to carry out simple tasks. There are many reasons people can’t sleep, stress is a huge factor that effects sleep patterns. Massage can put a person in to a deep state of relaxation and rest, this can affect the body similarly to sleep. It also decreases the stress hormone levels in the body which can leave the person calmer, promoting a better night sleep after a massage treatment.

–          Reduces spasms and cramping by increasing circulation which removes toxins and cellular waste from the muscles. Massage treatment will also relax the muscles and ease tension, which will further more aid and ease cramps.

–          Through the relaxing effects of massage, it can help to relieve cases of depression and anxiety by lessening the levels of the stress hormone, Cortisol, that are released. Massage also increases Serotonin levels, the “Happy Hormone”, which improves mood, energy levels and positivity over time.

–          Relieves headaches and migraine pain through relaxing the muscles around the shoulders, neck and head, this tension release over time can help further contribute to a reduced need for medication. Massage helps release endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller, which will help to contribute to easing pain, naturally.

Can you relate to any of these ailments? Have you ever considered Massage Therapy to help improve your condition? Now may be the time… At Life Ready Physio there are Massage Therapists at the CBD and Scarborough Clinics who would be more than happy to discuss your needs, create a personalised treatment plan and help you get on top of your problems.