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Massage Therapy in Bradenton

Written By Natural Healing Arts Medical on October 9, 2017

If you think that massage therapy is just a nice relaxing back rub, well think again. Used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with physical therapy, chiropractic care, or other healing method, massage therapy can provide real and sustained relief to millions of people suffering from episodic or chronic pain.

More and more frequently, members of the medical community are viewing massage therapy as a credible pain treatment and recommending it to their patients. Research shows that the health benefits include increased blood flow and improved circulation, decreased tension, and an elevation of endorphin levels.  Massage therapy also helps reduce the incidents of depression and anxiety, which are often symptoms of chronic pain.

Using Massage Therapy in Conjunction With Chiropractic Care

Many chiropractic practitioners prescribe massage therapy to their patients as an additional source of relief for sustained improvement of pain symptoms. Other chiropractors incorporate isolated massage, commonly referred to as trigger point massage, as part of their adjustment process. By applying pressure to sensitive areas, tight muscles can relax enough to allow more thorough and successful adjustment to the spine or joint area.

There are different types of massage therapy that can be applied to reduce and eliminate pain – deep tissue and trigger point massage, myofascial release therapy, lymphatic massage, Craniosacral Therapy (CST), Rolfing, and reflexology. While each style is designed to provide general health benefits, a particular form of massage therapy can be used as treatment for a specific injury or condition as recommended by your therapist.

Research sponsored by the NIH (National Institute of Health) indicates that scientific data show either preliminary or conflicting results as to the long-term health benefits of massage therapy. However, evidence does point to reports from patients that they have seen improvement from conditions such as chronic pain, mental health, Fibromyalgia, and depression as a result of regular massage therapy. 

If you are considering massage therapy as a stand-alone or adjunct treatment for pain, talk with your health care or chiropractic provider to determine what type of therapy would be best for you, and get referrals for trained and licensed providers in your area. Some healthcare plans or wellness benefits will cover the cost of massage therapy, so be sure to discuss this with your selected provider.


Posted In: Massage Therapy