Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to gain a therapeutic response. Soft tissues include muscles, skin and connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and membranes. It is accomplished through specific manipulations with the hands of the therapists. Using various techniques and modalities, massage therapy will stretch and loosen the body tissues and muscles improving blood supply and lymphatic fluid flow, having a beneficial effect on the nervous system and create an overall feeling of well being. Injury, pathology and stress cause increased muscle tone, soreness, spasms and cramps.
Massage produces neuro-physiological muscle relaxation and relief of spasms.
As increased muscle tension restricts movements of fluid throughout the body, massage is a natural, effective way to decrease muscle tension and improve the body's circulation. Massage can decrease pain. Chronic pain or trauma causes activation of Trigger Points producing referred pain and decreased muscular flexibility. These points can be released using a variety of massage techniques. Tissue damage, inflammation, repeated stress or immobilization causes formation of fibrositic connective tissue and adhesions.