As people strive to heal the current crisis in healthcare, we are making proactive choices about how we manage our health. Massage therapy is central to “wellness care” and is becoming the new standard in integrative medicine.
Massage is essential for the balance of the body and mind.
We use our bodies to carry heavy loads, moving fast from one place to another, sitting or standing for extended periods of time in one position. The muscles executing the same movements over and over until they have become permanently shortened. There are occasions when we force our bodies to perform all of the above without proper rest due to time constraints and stress.
The emotional and physical trauma of everyday life initiates a slow wearing down of the delicate balance between the Central (brain and spinal cord) and Autonomic (heart, and digestive) Nervous Systems. There is now an imbalance with a loss of function, and much of our energy becomes consumed by pain and tension.
The fascia then compensates for the muscle restrictions and pulls the skeletal frame out of the healthy posture. At this point, we no longer have the freedom of movement we once experienced, and we view our body as a foe and not our ally.
Massage is unique in that it gives us a chance to access our healing ability and allow our mind to view the body in a more compassionate unified way.
The physiological benefits of massage include:
- Decreased local pain
- Improved local circulation
- Separation of scar tissue and adhesions
- Increased flexibility and muscle function
- Loosening of joint ligaments
- Improved relaxation and sleep
- Increased energy
TREATMENT MASSAGE
Myofascial Release (MFR)
The fascia is manipulated directly or indirectly allowing the connective or tissue fibers to reorganize themselves in a more functional, flexible way. Gentle stretching and light pressure are applied for approximately 2 to 5 minutes. The amount of time it takes to engage elastin fibers and allow the collagen fibers to release.
Structural Relief Therapy (SRT)
SRT changes the body by stopping involuntary muscle contracture which reduces pain and increases the range of motion. Involuntary muscle contraction recruits other muscles into compensating to lessen the possibility of injury by trying to bring the joint back to a neutral position. This neurological signal creates a domino effect by inhibiting the joint movement, which limits the range of motion, resulting in less movement, which causes pain and discomfort.
Much like having a rock in your shoe, and changing your walk to avoid putting pressure on the part of the foot that is striking the rock. Compensation may result in further problems when joints do not glide correctly. SRT stops the involuntary muscle contraction, the joint moves freely which decreases pain.