With so many employers offering massage therapy benefits to their workers, it’s no surprise the practice remains popular among a wide range of people.
Massage therapy is credited with relaxation and rehabilitation of the muscles. It is particularly useful for those experiencing a variety of illnesses such as chronic back pain – or those who may be recovering from vehicle or sports accidents. An experienced RMT will use a combination of techniques including, kneading, compressing, rolling and stretching to tackle common problems.
To achieve the best results, it’s always recommended that you hire the services of a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). But once you’ve found one, how does massage therapy work? And is one formula more effective than another?
Massages typically fall into two categories. Below is a quick look at how each of them works!
Relaxation
A deep-tissue Swedish massage is the most common type of relaxation massage available. Relaxation occurs through the manipulation of muscle tissue. When an RMT strategically rubs the affected tissue, the movement reduces about 18 percent of the hormone arginine vasopressin. This is a hormone that raises blood pressure and restricts blood circulation. The ‘relaxation response’ is then triggered – ultimately setting in place an additional reduction of the stress hormone cortisol. The body is left feeling re-nourished and rejuvenated after an hour-long session.
Rehabilitation
Many patients undergo massage therapy for rehabilitative purposes. This type of therapy is particularly useful to treat pain and other symptoms after car accidents or sports injuries. By applying pressure on sore muscles, RMTs are able to encourage the production of mitochondria. This helps the body process food into energy, allowing you to grow stronger and heal properly. Doctors also say regular rehabilitative massages help reduce the protein complex NFkB. This is the protein largely responsible for inflammatory pain.
Increased Frequency Means Better Results
To maximize the benefits of massage therapy, it’s important to incorporate regular sessions into your health routine. Although many doctors are still unsure about frequency, it is generally believed that massages should be received about 5-6 times per year.
Remember, therapy doesn’t have to take place at a pricey spa. Instead, choose a reputable physiotherapy clinic like Dynamic Physiotherapy. By going somewhere with a great reputation and knowledgeable staff, you’ll ensure that your well-being remains the top priority.
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