Massage therapy has a long history in cultures around the world. In fact, references to massage appear in writings from ancient China, Japan, India, Arabic nations, Egypt, Greece (Hippocrates defined medicine as “the art of rubbing”), and Rome.
Massage became widely used in Europe during the Renaissance. In the 1850s, two American physicians who had studied in Sweden introduced massage therapy in the United States, where it became popular and was promoted for a variety of health purposes.
Today people use many different types of massage therapy for a variety of health-related purposes. In the United States, massage therapy is often considered part of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), although it does have some conventional uses.
The term “massage therapy” encompasses many different techniques. In general, therapists press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. They most often use their hands and fingers, but may use their forearms, elbows or feet.
The Benefits Of Massage
People use massage for a variety of health-related purposes, including to relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, and aid general wellness. Massage is useful for all of the conditions listed below and more:
- Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion;
- Ease medication dependence;
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system;
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles;
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts;
- Increase joint flexibility;
- Lessen depression and anxiety;
- Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks;
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation;
- Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling;
- Reduce spasms and cramping;
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles;
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller; and
- Relieve migraine pain.
Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen. Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can help manage stress. This translates into:
- Decreased anxiety;
- Enhanced sleep quality;
- Greater energy;
- Improved concentration;
- Increased circulation; and
- Reduced fatigue.
Furthermore, the emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units.
At avecinia wellness center, our approach to incorporating massage therapy into your health care and wellness is unique in Fresno. Our highly trained therapists, Bethany Clague and Michael Greene work with our providers, Dr. Unaiza Hayat and Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C to coordinate care in instances where massage therapy is deemed useful. By incorporating massage therapy and coordinating care, you can be assured that you receive the best, specific care to match your needs. Make your appointment today to see either Beth or Mike. In September, a basic, 25 minute massage is only $30 (save $10).
(Written by Michael Greene)
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