Massage Therapy goes Mainstream
provided by Bracey Pharmacy, Ashland

It used to be that massage therapy was solely for athletes and the rich elite. Today, however, just about anyone can go to a massage therapist for stress relief, pain management and holistic healing.

First, you’ll want to know why you are going.
Massage therapy helps a variety of conditions from injuries to anxiety. Even premature infants have shown positive results from massage.

Smokers who had regular massages while they were quitting experienced fewer withdrawal symptoms and better handled the stresses of quitting.

Premature infants who had regular massage gained weight more quickly and were able to leave the hospital earlier than those who did not receive massage.
Breast cancer and HIV patients in massage studies showed an increased number of natural “killer cells” believed to defend your body from cancer and viral cells.

Chronic pain sufferers, such as those with fibromyalgia and migraines have found relief with massage.
And massage doesn’t always have to come from a professional. Daily massage from parents has helped diabetic children stick to their regimen, making it more effective.

Here’s the rub. Improperly performed massage can do more harm than good. So, always be sure your massage therapist is licensed and practices the style of massage appropriate for your condition. Not all massage styles are the same, so you’ll want to shop around.

Talk to your doctor before starting a regular course of massage therapy. He or she can help answer your questions and may be able to recommend a therapist who’s right for you.

Source: MayoClinic.com

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