Benefits of Sports Massage Therapy
Sports massage therapy is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The therapy focuses on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements of the client’s choice sport. Athletes and trainers have discovered that specially designed sports massage promotes flexibility, reduces fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries and prepares their body and mind for optimal performance.
One of the key benefits of Sports massage therapy compared to other modalities is its ability to target muscle-tendon junctions. A 2010 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that even a 30-second massage improved hip-flexor range of motion. According to Health and Fitness Magazine, several new studies conclude that the massage encourages venous blood flow back to the heart enhances blood flow, which delivers fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissue and promotes the removal of waste products and toxins. Thanks to the relaxed state you’re in during and after the massage, your heart rate lowers.
Benefits of Reflexology Massage
Foot Reflexology massage (Click on Image at right for a larger view) can be a deeply relaxing and therapeutic modality for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, ankle injuries or even everyday work and play. Reflexology Massage will incorporate Swedish and sports massage techniques to the foot, calf and upper leg. This will not only help relieve toe pain, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis and common forms of arthritis but can also decrease stress and anxiety in the entire body. In addition, a variety of stretches can be beneficial. With pain and sensitivity in the foot, heel and calf areas, be sure to communicate your pain levels with your massage therapist during your treatment.
Foot Reflexology for Diabetes
Diabetes restricts blood flow to the feet, which can cause problems including numbness, tingling, calluses, and foot ulcers. Many diabetics are unable to find relief from these symptoms. Reflexology can help by improving circulation and reducing the risk of neuropathy. Some patients are so relaxed during a session that that their blood sugar drops.
Benefits of Cranial Sacral Therapy
Cranial sacral therapy (also known as craniosacral therapy) is a gentle, noninvasive form of bodywork that addresses the bones of the head, spinal column and sacrum. The goal is to release compression in those areas which alleviates stress and pain.
Cranial sacral therapy seeks to restore the natural position of the bones and can decrease stress from chronic injuries as well as provide relief from migraine headaches, neck and back pain, temporomandibular joint disorder (the inflammation of the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull) and more.
According to the National Headache Foundation, approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. Often, migraines are triggered or exacerbated by stress and poor sleep. In a study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, researchers found that participants who received bodywork like Cranial Sacral Therapy had better quality sleep and fewer migraines than participants who didn’t. Effects even lasted up to three weeks after therapy ended.
What is Hot Stone Massage Therapy?
Hot stone massage therapy melts away tension, eases muscle stiffness and increases circulation and metabolism. Each 1 ½ -hour hot stone massage therapy session promotes deeper muscle relaxation through the placement of smooth, water-heated stones at key points on the body.
Everyone who has had a sore muscle has likely been told to “use a heating pad” to sooth the muscles and increase blood flow to flush the muscles with fresh blood bringing needed oxygen. The hot stones work on the same premise with a more localized approach incorporating the gentle massage to access deeper muscle layers and release trigger points. The hot stones have a sedative effect that can reduce chronic pain and stress as well as promote deep relaxation.
Benefits of Geriatric Massage Therapy
Geriatric massage therapy is designed to address the specific needs of the elderly population. This type of massage for the elderly uses gentle and light application of massage techniques and a light oil or lotion to permit the muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. These techniques can help increase joint mobility, improve posture, combat depression, improve blood circulation; balance and flexibility, and reduce the pain of arthritis.
Geriatric massage can be especially helpful for maintaining and improving overall health as we age. It also has been shown to relieve anxiety and provide comfort, especially to touch-deprived elderly clients.