The Peters Township Source

In the past nine years, massage has become more and more popular as greater numbers of people try the technique for the first time. Aged 20 and up, older first timers top 90!

Most people, if approached about massage, have tended to declare that they don’t need this kind of therapy. Yet, having tried a massage, they uniformly decide that they do “need” it. The fact is that people tolerate their aches and pains as part of the aging process. It is only when they discover massaging that they realize there is a way to reduce the level and intensity of such symptoms.

The benefits of massage can be both physiological and psychological. For example, improved circulation and lymph flow help the body to better repair damaged tissue, as well as ridding itself of metabolic waste products, impurities and other “toxins.” Large quantities of water should be consumed following a massage in order to help cleanse the system.

Other benefits of massage include improved elasticity in the muscles, skin and other soft tissue. Massage helps ease the aches and pains from everyday activities. Although every individual responds differently, in general, people find that a massage helps to alleviate soreness from illness, injury or over-exertion.

The power of human touch also acts to increase energy flow throughout the body and lower stress levels, leaving the recipient with a calm, relaxed mind and a sense of well-being.

There are many types of massages employing a variety of techniques. Swedish massage typically adopts a lighter technique, in which a variety of strokes is used to soothe and relax. The most well-known style, Swedish massage is commonly given to people looking for stress relief.

Athletes and active people benefit from sports massage in three different ways. Before activity, sports massage techniques can help warm and loosen tight muscles, allowing for better movement and lower risk of injury. During training, massage helps relieve soreness and tightness caused by strengthening regimens. After a sports event, different techniques help the body recover from exertion and rid the muscles of built-up metabolic waste products.

Therapeutic, or deep tissue massage, is often employed to address specific problems in soft tissue. These areas are commonly called “knots,” but actually are locations where muscles and surrounding tissue have tightened due to injury, poor posture, repetitive motion or lack of movement. Improved circulation and stretching help these areas become healthy and less painful.