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The Power of Massage Therapy

By   ·  2 minute read

Most people have ideas about what massage is, but besides the obvious, massage is an amazing therapy with great benefits for your body. Massage can be a powerful way to bring you balance and healing. Certified Viaro massage therapist Meagan Conrad shares ways massage can be used for overall wellness, or for many specific health concerns. 

Massage Works Deeper Than Your Muscle Tissue. Massage relaxes muscle tissue and reduces tension but also has an impact on your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is vital.  It removes waste and helps with immunity, fighting off illness. Your lymphatic system removes excess fluid, pathogens and toxins, dead blood cells, and cells implicated in cancer. Massage also helps lymphatic circulation which distributes immune cells throughout your body. This protects and filters harmful substances which prevents toxic waste accumulation. When your body has adequate lymph flow, all systems are optimized—your cardiovascular system, immune system, nervous system, digestive system, endocrine system, and more.  

Massage Can Help with Specific Conditions. Knowing that massage affects so many systems in your body, you may not be surprised that it can help with many specific conditions: 

  • Sports injuries 
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression 
  • Digestive disorders 
  • Headache 
  • Insomnia 
  • Scar tissue/post-operative care 
  • Soft tissue strains and injuries 
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain 

 

Massage for Wellness and Lifestyle. It is rewarding to see our members making healthy lifestyle choices, including a regular workout routine. It becomes more important to do all you can to prevent injuries to sustain your routine. You may be thinking, how can massage help with my workouts? Massage can: 

  • Reduce muscle tension 
  • Improve flexibility 
  • Increase blood flow 
  • Reduce inflammation 
  • Reduce pain 
  • Reduce stress levels  

 

With less tension and more flexibility, the chances of a pull or tear in the muscle tissue decreases. Increased blood flow helps nutrients and oxygen get to the muscle with efficiency, improving the overall health of the muscle.  Massage also pushes inflammation from the joints, reducing pressure and pain. With less stress, you are more likely to feel your best and want to put the effort into your jobs, personal lives, and activities. 

TIP: Do a little research before booking a massage therapy appointment. Many massage therapists specialize in several types of massage. Knowing this can help you reach your massage therapy goals. Communicate these goals with your massage therapist so they can work with you to create a plan that fits you the best. 

Tips and Tricks to Self-Massage. Making a massage appointment is not an option for everyone. There are many online videos that are helpful guides to decrease tension and increase circulation. Consider trying these simple techniques: 

  • Foam Roll 
  • Dry Brushing 
  • Stretching or Yoga 
  • Legs up the Wall 
  • Sauna 

 

Massage at Viaro. Meagan Conrad specializes in prenatal and postpartum massage. Kim Krause specializes in those who have pain from repetitive jobs, like desk work or laborers. Both are also specialists in massage for overall wellness and preventive care. For questions and comments, please contact wellness@viarohealth.com 

For an appointment, call 608-668-2103 or visit viarohealth.com/for-individuals/therapeutics/ 

Meagan Conrad 

Massage Therapist, ViaroTherapeutics