Massage and Medicine

Massage as a medical treatment is gaining more acceptance in the medical industry. With some insurance plans even covering massage therapy treatment, patients are starting to use massage for more than just a sore back or stiff neck.

Therapeutic massage can affect many systems in the body, including:

Muscular: Increases flexibility, enhances posture and balance, and aids in pain management
Endocrine: Impacts serotonin, cortisol, oxytocin and growth hormones
Nervous: May help aid in the ability to speak, see, read and write for some with disabilities
Circulatory: Increases blood flow, oxygen, nutrients and red blood cells
Lymphatic: Reduces swelling, inflammation and scar tissue formation.
Urinary: Reduces fluid retention, stimulates the digestive system and promotes better elimination of waste
Skeletal: Improves posture, facilitates body alignment, improves stiff joints and increases range of motion
Respiratory: Improves lung capacity and promotes the expansion of diaphragm muscles
Reproduction: Reduces menstrual cramps and assists in prostrate treatments
Integumentary: Improves overall skin health and opens pores to aid in waste elimination
Gastrointestinal: Reduces gas, bloating and cramps; relieves constipation; and stimulates kidney activity