5 Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Once thought of as a luxury service, massage therapy has become an increasingly important component in one’s overall health and wellness routine.

According to a survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), 44 percent of people site medical reasons as being the number one motivator to get a massage, while only 31 percent of individuals believe massage therapy is just a form of pampering.

Regularly scheduled massages help consumers save on healthcare costs and over-the-counter remedies for stress-related symptoms and illnesses. Elements' mission is to help consumers develop a massage regimen to treat their unique health issues and ailments.

Five ways surprising ways that therapeutic massage can benefit one’s health:

1. Aid in weight loss - Massage improves circulation and the supply of nutrients to the muscles.  After muscles are exercised, vital nutrients must be supplied to them so that they can recover and rebuild themselves. Massage maximizes the supply of these nutrients and oxygen through increased blood flow, which helps the muscles grow and burn more calories.
2. Prevent and treat injury and enhancing athletic performance - Sports massage is designed mostly for pre- or post-sports event work; the techniques the therapist uses to apply pressure to the body move at a faster pace when compared to Swedish massage. Aided stretching is also a common sport massage technique, and it’s used to help get the lactic acid buildup in the muscles to dissipate.
3. Improve quality of life for seniors - Massage can provide relief from various types of muscle tension and overall discomfort for seniors who are still very active as well as those who are living with limiting conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
4. Decrease swelling and ease physical and emotional stresses associated with pregnancy - Prenatal massage included specific modifications used to help protect the baby, relieve symptoms like edema (swelling) and low back pain that are common during pregnancy.
5. Boost immunity - Massage helps with the flow of the lymphatic system which helps to decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase lymphocytes which play a large role in defending the body from disease.

Elements of Campbell, located at 1604 West Campbell Avenue (1/2 mile from Westgate Mall), is open seven days a week, welcomes walk-ins and offers a membership program that allows clients to receive regular, discounted massage therapy services throughout each month.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit http://elementsmassage.com/campbell or call 408-540-7225.