Ease those aches, pains, sprains and strains with massage therapy.

There are many side effects of our busy day to day lives that can lead to niggling aches and pains incurred through sporting activities, during pregnancy, long periods sitting at a desk or even driving to and from work each day.

Massage is believed to improve blood and lymph circulation which is due partly to the chemical release of the relaxation response and partly to the physical manipulation of the soft tissue whereby enhancing circulation and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells.

In the hands of a skilled practitioner pain relief for injuries can normally be expected after only 2 or 3 sessions. Relaxation massage of course can be expected to have more immediate results and benefits.

Major types of therapeutic massage are:

Sports Massage

Can be used either to help prevent injuries and to prepare the body for athletic activity or be used on a particular specific muscle group for a speedier recovery from a muscle injury. Valuable feedback can also be gained on an athlete's condition and their training program.

Pregnancy Massage

The prenatal massage has been shown to improve the health and labor outcomes of both mother and child. By relaxing tense muscles this not only works to relieve pain but can also reduce stress and anxiety associated with labor. The most common type of pain during pregnancy is lower back pain.

Remedial Massage

Is used to treat sprains, strains, bruising , broken bones, or any injury where the skin is still intact and creates the conditions for the body after injury to return to it’s normal health. Improvement can generally be seen quickly in the hands of a skillful practitioner.

Relaxation Massage

Used for relieving stress and tension of the muscles. This type of massage is not supposed to rid the body of aches and pains but more to pamper and spoil and basically chill out. It does have therapeutic benefits such as improving circulation.

The now commonly encountered and daily work related stress can develop physical symptoms of back pain and neck pain which can come from extended periods of time sitting at a desk or from physical labour. Many people wait before they turn to massage to help relieve these symptoms however regular massage can increase physical and mental health and avoid more serious long term pain and suffering.

The key for any massage to be successful is to either be preventing or relieving stress and pain. The longer the situation is left unattended the greater the likelihood of a more long term pain or injury can result. So it is best to act quickly when a person believes that all is not well with our physical or mental being for long term benefit and well being.

Here is another related article discussing some other types of therapeutic treatment options. Hope you enjoy it too.