at leading scientific institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
leading hospitals, research centers, and universities. Results indicate that
therapeutic massage may have many positive health benefits.
Most people associate therapeutic massage with its relaxing and calming
influence, or with the pain relief brought about by the loosening of tight,
constricted muscles. But there are more subtle affects associated with the
tranquil state induced, such as reducing blood pressure and heart rate, increasing
blood and lymph circulation, increasing calm as well as alertness, and engendering
a general increased feeling of well-being. These are influences which can make
everyone’s life a little healthier and happier.
For many individuals whose lives and work revolve around a desk, therapeutic
massage can be very effective in helping “computer-shoulders”. This “pain-in-
the-neck” can decrease range of motion, cause significant discomfort, and can
decrease productivity. Regular massage can significantly decrease the discomfort
and stiffness associated with this condition.
For athletes or those with more physically challenging jobs, therapeutic massage
can decrease soreness and relax muscles, thus improving one’s ability to move
and stretch without discomfort.
Many other medical conditions may also respond favorably to therapeutic
massage. In some cases it can relieve headaches and insomnia, it can help with
control of other types of pain, and it can be useful as part of an integrated approach
to addressing a number of more serious medical conditions, particularly those
related to muscle problems.
Clearly, therapeutic massage can be broadly useful way to improving how you feel,
work, and deal with the world.
