Great reasons to consider massage therapy

Studies have shown that massage therapy has many benefits.

These benefits include:

• Alleviating and reducing pain.
• Increasing range of motion in individuals with lower back pain.
• Improving the immune function.
• Reducing stress.
• Lowering blood pressure and anxiety.
• Reducing the number of headache days.
• Facilitates growth.
• Increases job performance.
• Improves grip strength and self-esteem.
• Improves clinical measures in pediatric eczema.

Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress; and, to promote health and wellness.

Massage may include such techniques as, stroking, kneading, gliding, percussion, friction, vibration, compression, passive or active stretching within the normal range of movement; effleurage (either firm or light soothing, stroking movement, using either the fingertips or palms); petrissage (lifting or picking up muscles and rolling the folds of skin); or tapotement (striking with the side of the hand, usually with partly flexed fingers or short rapid movements of sides of the hand).

The most popular types of massage include:

• Classical massage.
• Remedial massage.
• Sports massage.
• Deep connective tissue massage.
• Trigger point therapy.
• Swedish massage.

The purpose of the practice of massage is to enhance the general health and well-being of the recipient.

q Information courtesy of Zelda Fourie, qualified Therapeutic Massage Therapist and member of the SA Natural Health Practitioners Board (SANHPB).