Massage therapy is given for the well being of the body and mind. This may include stress reduction, relief from muscular tension, spasm or pain, or for increasing circulation or energy flow. Massage helps to facilitate and aid the healing process of many different conditions. It has been proved that regular massage therapy can help to lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety and help treat pathologies such as sciatica, carpal tunnel, lower back pain, tension headaches and many other physical discomforts.
Other modalities of massage that may require additional training of the therapist are sports massage and prenatal massage therapy. Manual therapy pre- and post-sporting events and during training help many athletes recover from intense sporting activities, while pre- and peri-natal massage promote a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy for the mom-to-be.
Massage helps to relax the body and mind so that the body can better function on its own. Massage therapy is recognized as effective in reducing or managing pain, improving circulation and respiratory function, stimulating lymphatic flow, calming the nervous system, decreasing stress level, and improving immune system function.
Massage practitioners do not diagnose illness, disease or any physical or mental disorder, nor do they prescribe medical treatment, pharmaceuticals or perform spinal thrust manipulations. Massage is not a substitute for medical examination or diagnosis.