Getting massage therapy in Westchester, NY has often been associated with luxury treatment that many people offer themselves while only on vacation and/or staying at a hotel. However, with the benefits of massage becoming more prevalent to mainstream society, many people now go beyond this once a year treatment using it as more of therapeutic practice.
Your body is bombarded daily with an onslaught of physical and mental challenges that, if not addressed, can take its toll by presenting a number of adverse health responses. Muscle and joint pain along with fatigue, insomnia, depression and overall malaise can all respond positively to a weekly massage session.
In a Wall Street Journal article (3/13/12) it was stated that,
“Research over the past couple of years has found that massage therapy boosts immune function in women with breast cancer, improves symptoms in children with asthma, and increases grip strength in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Giving massages to the littlest patients, premature babies, helped in the crucial task of gaining weight.”
It goes on to cite how research has pinpointed some key, internal benefits of massage as well,
“…one study, for example, found that a single, 45-minute massage led to a small reduction in the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the blood, a decrease in cytokine proteins related to inflammation and allergic reactions, and a boost in white blood cells that fight infection.”
There are many modalities of massage however common types are:
Swedish Massage – This is gentle, light work that focuses on circulatory enhancement and overall relaxation. Although the muscles are kneaded it is done without excessive pressure.
Deep Tissue Massage – Deep tissue massage involves deep, slow work that focuses on specific muscle manipulation going well into the belly of the tissue. In addition to using the hands, a massage therapist may use their elbow, fist and in some cases even tools to break up fatigued, overworked muscles. Note: Deep tissue massage could make you feel achy the next day as if you had an intense gym workout. Also, if you bruise easily this massage may not be for you.
Sports Massage – For those that are physically active on a regular schedule or tend to belong to the “weekend warrior” group, sports massage will address specific issues regarding how you tax your body. It is excellent for treating and/or preventing injuries but may only focus on certain areas rather than cover your entire body.
Trigger Point Massage – Manipulating certain points on the body can have a profound effect on acute or chronic pain. Similar to acupuncture, acupressure and Shaitsu, trigger point massage involves gentle to deep pressure on areas that may or may not be directly in pain. These points are often incorporated with deep tissue work.
In addition to some of the above mentioned benefits of massage therapy, The Mayo Clinic offers a list of their own advantages associated with massage taken from various accumulated studies:
- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia related to stress
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Paresthesias and nerve pain
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries
- Temporomandibular joint pain (jaw clicking)
Incorporate massage therapy into your wellness program and enjoy the physical as well as mood enhancing results that could improve your overall quality of life.
At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design a massage treatment that works for you. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how massage therapy can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980 or email us at info@intmedsolutions.com.