What is therapeutic massage?
Massage is a hands-on therapy in which a physician manipulates the muscles, tendons, and fascia to improve their health and function. There are nearly 100 different types of massage.
The types of touch used in massage include stroking, rubbing, kneading, pressing, stretching, circling, vibrating, and tapping. Some massage therapies are gentle and treat mostly the surface of the skin and muscles. Others are more aggressive, reaching deep into the fascia, muscles, and other tissues.
Most massage therapists use their hands to manipulate body tissues. However, some also use their forearms, elbows, and feet.
Why is massage therapy beneficial?
Therapeutic massage has a long history in wellness traditions throughout the world. Its origins can be traced back 4,000 years to China. However, the benefits of massage have only recently begun to be recognized by Western medicine.
Therapeutic massage is often used in chiropractic medicine to stimulate and support the muscles and other soft tissues that surround the spine. Massage has been shown to:
- Improve circulation
- Increase flow of blood and healthy fluids through body tissues
- Oxygenate body tissues
- Aid in elimination of wastes and toxins
- Alleviate stress
- Alleviate pain
- Increase range of motion of the joints
- Improve muscle tone and flexibility
- Speed recovery from illness and injury
What conditions can be treated with therapeutic massage?
Dr. Brock considers hands-on massage an essential part of his therapeutic resources. Soft-tissue massage complements chiropractic manipulation to treat a variety of conditions such as:
- Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and insomnia
- Pain
- Allergies
- Depression
- Osteoarthritis
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and other jaw disorders
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Constipation and other digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
It also treats more generalized symptoms, such as:
- Headaches
- Sinusitis
- Myofascial pain
- Sluggish circulation
- Chronic lower back pain
Am I a candidate for therapeutic massage?
Almost anyone can benefit from therapeutic massage, whether they suffer from ailments or not. Massage increases the health of the body overall by alleviating stress and increasing the circulation of bodily fluids. It’s a pleasant and healing treatment that can become part of your regular self-care routine.
If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of therapeutic massage for yourself, whether as therapy or self-care, Dr. Brock is happy to meet with you for a consultation and evaluation. You can even book an appointment online at your convenience.
