Massage Therapy is the practice of applying pressure, motion, tension or vibration—manually or with aids—to the tender tissues of the body. Some of these tissues include muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, connective tissues, organs of the gastrointestinal systems, and reproductive systems. Massage therapy is typically performed by a licensed Massage Therapist, but it often used as a form of therapy by other healthcare practitioners, such as chiropractors, osteopaths, and physical therapists.
Given today’s fast fast-paced and stressful society, it is no wonder that massage therapy has become an important part of general healthcare for many people. Therapeutic massage has long been recognized as a highly effective method of treating chronic illnesses and ailments as well as an excellent contributor to overall well-being.
Scientific research increasingly confirms the many benefits of massage; as a result, more healthcare professionals are advising patients to include therapeutic massage in their healthcare treatment plans.
The good news about massage therapy doesn’t just stop with musculoskeletal benefits—relieving your body from tension and stress—but massage may actually be able to help your body combat disease.
In fact, the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies recently published a study that evaluates the effects between massage therapy and improved immune function.
The results indicated a consistent and significant trend of increased activity of both T and B lymphocytes (white blood cells that aid in increasing immune functions) and IgG (antibody protein that fights infection). The results also suggested that the benefits of massage therapy may be due to its ability to reduce stress, thereby enhancing immune responses, since stress increases the production of catecholamines (compound that reduces the immune system).
Since T and B cell functions enable the immune system to be more prepared to fight disease and have an increased capacity to fight a challenge posed by an infectious agent, knowing that massage therapy can actually increase their levels is extremely important.
The conclusion? Massage therapy is not only a highly regarded method of healthcare that can produce positive physical results, but it can also strengthen your immune system. So what are you waiting for? Call and make an appointment for a therapeutic massage today. You will not only look better, but will also feel and stay better, too.
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