Massage: A relaxing method to relieve stress and pain (From Watford Observer)

Massage: A relaxing method to relieve stress and pain

12:20pm Monday 29th June 2009

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Massage: A relaxing method to relieve stress and pain A soothing massage can help you unwind, but that's not all. Explore the health benefits of massage therapy, plus what to expect.

You might think of a massage only as a luxury in exotic spas and upscale health clubs. But did you know that massage therapy, when combined with traditional medical treatments, is used to reduce stress and pain and promote healing in people with certain health conditions?

What is massage therapy?

During a massage, a therapist manipulates your body's soft tissues — your muscles, skin and tendons — using his or her fingertips, hands and fists. Massage can be performed by several types of health care professionals, such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist or massage therapist. Several versions of massage exist, and they're performed in a variety of settings.

Why it's done Massage can relieve tension in your muscles, and most people use it for relaxation, relief of stress and anxiety, or to reduce muscle soreness. Massage can also cause your body to release natural painkillers, and it may boost your immune system.

While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found it helpful for:  Anxiety. Massage reduced anxiety in depressed children and anorexic women. It also reduced anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking.

 Pain. Pain was decreased in people with fibromyalgia, migraines and recent surgery. Back pain also might be relieved by massage.

 Labor pain. Massage during labor appears to lessen stress and anxiety, relax muscles and reduce pain.

 Infant growth. Massage encouraged weight gain in premature babies and reduced the number of days they stayed in the hospital.

 Sports-related soreness. Some athletes receive massages after exercise, especially to the muscles they use most in their sport or activity. A massage might help increase blood flow to your muscles and may reduce muscle soreness after you exercise.

 Alcohol withdrawal. Massage during withdrawal from alcohol has shown benefits when combined with traditional medical treatment by increasing feelings of support, safety and engagement in the therapy.

 Cancer treatment. People with cancer who received regularly scheduled massage therapy during treatment reported less anxiety, pain and fatigue.

 Self-esteem. Because massage involves direct contact with another person through touch, it can make you feel cared for. That special attention can improve self-image in people with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses. And using touch to convey caring can help children with severe physical disabilities.

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