WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF REMEDIAL MASSAGE?

Short-term effects of massage are:

• to increase the blood flow, both is the area being massaged and generally
• to increase the lymphatic flow to and from the area treated, reducing pain, swelling and inflammation and speeding up the body’s own healing process
• to relieve stress and tension, factors which are known to hinder healing or slow it down, and cause problems of their own
• to reduce muscle tension, thereby improving the blood supply to the area
• to increase muscle tone

Long-term effects of massage are:

• improved general circulation
• balance of muscles and joints, leading to a better state of health
• break down of scar or fibrous tissue, restoring elasticity to the joints
• greater mobility within the joints of the body
• overall relief of stress
• general immunity to further injuries of the same area

Benefits of massage on the muscular system:

• increases the blood supply and nutrition to the muscles
• helps muscle recover more quickly from exertion and fatigue
• relaxes muscles, effectively reducing spasm, tension and cramping
• reduces and breaks down adhesions (knots) and fibrosis
• stretches connective tissue
• helps to re-establish proper muscular tone
• reduces muscle and soft tissue pain
• supports increased work capacity and encourages metabolism
• helps to prevent muscular atrophy (wasting from injury and paralysis)

Benefits of massage on skeletal systems:

• improves the circulation and nutrition of the joints and helps increase range of joint movement
• reduces joint strain and compression through releasing tight muscles and tendons
• increases the ease and efficiency of movements
• helps to increase the retention of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur in the bones and this aids in fracture healing
• increases the nutrition of the tissues via an increased exchange of fluids and materials
• via the mechanical actions on the soft tissues, produces a dilation of the blood vessels which helps improve circulation
• helps to reduce the lack of blood and by direct pressure stimulation reduces pain due to the irritation of nerves that control circulatory system
• enhances the elimination of waste products of metabolism
• helps to reduce any swelling and contusions
• increases number of red blood cells in the circulation
• has the overall effects of lowering blood pressure and reduces pulse rate
• facilitates tissue healing through the enhancement of circulation
• increases tissue fluid and assists lymphatic circulation thus reducing swelling and enhancing the immune and filtering activities of this system
• increases both venous and lymphatic flow

Benefits of massage to the nervous system:

• has a sedative, stimulating or even exhausting effect on the nervous system depending on the type and length of treatment given
• stimulates the touch, pressure and proprioceptive receptors of the skin and underlying tissue
• helps to balance the autonomic nervous system
• relaxes the muscles and helps to re-establish proper tonus through its effect on the neuromuscular reflex pathways
• is known to affect the neurotransmitters of the brain and increase endorphin secretion in particular (natural painkillers)
• can help reduce nerve entrapment through the release of soft tissue or muscular binding
• can reduce nerve root compression caused by muscular tension

Benefits of massage to digestive and excretory systems:

• aids the normal movement throughout alimentary canal assisting with many dysfunction’s through its stress releasing effects
• increases the excretion (via kidneys) of fluids and waste productions of protein metabolism, inorganic phosphorous and salt in normal individuals
• can facilitate elimination through the large intestines by mechanically stimulating peristalsis and improving tone
• stimulates peristalsis and can reduce cramping or spasm in the digestive tract

Benefits of massage to the skin:

• helps to reduce tension to the skin and adjoining tissues as well as increasing its circulation and improve its nutrition
• depending on the medium used to apply it can help to re-moisturize, and soften dry skin

Benefits of massage to respiratory system:

• deepens and normalizes the breathing pattern through relaxation, and release of tension in the breathing structures, both the rib cage and the muscles of respiration
• can help to relieve congestion in the lungs through percussive and compressive movements
• increases the action of the heart, stimulating the blood flow to and from the lungs, helping with the elimination of waste and the absorption of oxygen