Massage – Many of us know how good a remedial massage can make us feel, a sense of
well-being and relaxation is commonly felt immediately after a treatment. But
what are the other benefits and how does massage actually help relieve our
symptoms? This is a question often asked.
Massage & Spa A massage helps a person on many levels. Physically, its benefits include:
Improvement of general circulation – all cells in our bodies need a fresh
supply of blood that are vitally needed for growth, repair and nutrition. The
cells also need to eliminate waste products that arise from the production of
energy and debris from any tissue damage or inflammation. The deep
stroking techniques of massage stimulate blood circulation and therefore
increases both the supply and removal of substances on a cellular level.
Increased lymphatic flow- Lymphatic vessels absorb excess tissue fluid and
return it to the venous system via the lymph nodes, which filter out any
toxins. The demands of this system are at their greatest after tissue injury
following hard exercise or other medical conditions. Massage stimulates this
system, as there is no intrinsic pressure to move fluids through them. The
motive force comes from muscle contraction that can be limited when injury
is involved.
Scar tissue – When muscle tissue is damaged, some slight internal bleeding
will occur which will develop into scar tissue, this is vital to healing of the
tissue, however, it is common for an excess amount of bleeding to occur
which can lead to an excessive amount of scar tissue forming. Chronic
inflammation can cause scar tissue to be continually formed as a condition
persists. “Frictioning” a massage technique used, in the post-acute of chronic
stages of an injury can prevent an excess of scar tissue forming by stopping
these cells from binding together. Where scar tissue has formed, friction can
break it down into smaller particles which are absorbed into the lymph
vessels and excreted.
Adhesions-It is the adhesions and fibrous tissue that are created by excess
scar tissue that cause the problem of limited movement and muscle function.
Poor posture can also contribute to the formation of adhesions by forcing
certain muscles into a shortened position causing muscle fibres to become
entangled. This in turn will over-stretch opposing muscles creating micro tears in the muscle resulting in scar tissue formation. For a muscle to function
normally the fibres need to glide smoothly alongside one another. In the early
stages of tissue damage scar tissue is quite sticky and can adhere fibres
together, reducing mobility of that muscle. Transverse strokes and friction
techniques can break down these adhesions be literally tearing the adhesive
bonds apart. This may cause some initial discomfort but once these fibres are
separated they are able to function normally again. Where a large fibrous
knot has formed there may be little or no circulation running through it
stopping the natural healing process. Massage can loosen the “knot” and
allow blood to flow through it, which will stimulate healing of the tissue.
Tissue flexibility-Massage can stretch muscles in a way that is not possible
with functional exercise. Deep, longitudinal strokes can stretch tissues by
drawing them apart horizontally and vertically. Even though stretching is not
usually a specific aim in a treatment, it can usually be found that there is a
greater range of movement following your massage treatment.
On a mental and emotional level, massage effects the nervous system by
stimulating nerve receptors and meccano-receptors located in the tissues that
respond to touch, pressure and warmth. These can have a relaxing effect,
which leads to further relaxation of tissues and a reduction in pain. By
releasing tension, massage can balance and stimulate the autonomic nervous
system which can have an effect on minor and quite major medical
conditions such as;
High blood pressure
Migraines/Headaches
Insomnia
Depression
Digestive problems
Make time for yourself or encourage family and friends to discover the
benefits of massage by making an appointment. Your first 1 hour
treatment includes; case history, assessment & treatment program
designed for you condition. If you are looking for remedial massage in Sydney or whether you are in the Castle Hill surrounds.
Call us now at (02) 9899 2813
Written by – Dr. Cherine Weiland (Chiropractor) , BSc., (Anatomy), M. Chiropractic
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