Sollievo - Massage and Bodywork

Massage is an ancient healing art, documented as far back as 3,000 years ago, used in the medicines of such culturally significant societies as the Hindus, Persians, Egyptians, and Romans. In 5 B.C. Hippocrates wrote that “the physician must be experienced in many things but assuredly in ‘rubbing’…for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too rigid.” It would seem that over time, the pace of modern culture has made us lose sight of the therapeutic benefits of human touch.

This is clearly changing. Over the past several decades, massage therapy has been increasingly integrated into modern healthcare as a leading form of alternative medicine. In today’s society, where a stressful lifestyle is the norm, massage therapy is taking its place as an indispensable component in the prevention of illness and disease. It is frequently an important part of rehabilitation and recovery programs and is becoming a fixture in the treatment of a great many chronic conditions.

Benefits

Because massage impacts the whole body, the effects are numerous and vary according to treatment, practitioner, and client. In the most general sense, massage alleviates tension, reduces stress, decreases fatigue, and increases circulation in the body. As with any form of complementary medicine, its effects are cumulative. Some of the benefits include:

Athletic health: Athletes who use massage to prepare for or recover from intense training and strenuous workouts reap the benefits of increased flexibility and decreased soreness. Massage can not only enhance performance, and sooth over-used muscles; it also can reduce the likelihood of injury by keeping the body’s tissue in healthy condition.

Injury recovery: The process of healing from an injury frequently benefits from massage. Soft tissue work compliments physical therapy and chiropractic, adding the attention to muscles and connective tissue that is sometimes needed for full recovery. Even when the original injury is healed, the body may have compensated for that injury in ways that leave lingering tension patterns. Massage can effectively address these issues, as well as reduce post-surgical adhesions and swelling.

Musculoskeletal health: Massage helps muscles stay healthy by increasing blood circulation throughout the musculoskeletal system, thus hydrating the tissue and supplying it with vital nutrients and oxygen. It can also be used to restore range of motion and maintain flexibility in both muscles and joints. Massage is included in the treatments of many musculoskeletal conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, tendonitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.    

Chronic pain management: Massage provides relief for the chronic pain many people experience due to stress and the unsupportive positions our bodies are in throughout the day. Driving, sitting at the computer, standing all day, and frequent lifting may all cause tension, which can accumulate and lead to chronic discomfort. Massage is very helpful for the areas that tend to hold our tension including: low back, shoulders, neck, jaw, head, forearms, and legs.       

Long-term condition management: People living with such conditions as cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia often find reprieve in massage. Skilled human touch can bring relief from symptoms and much needed solace from the stress of living with illness.      

Immune system health: It is known that massage stimulates the lymphatic system – a major part of our immune faculties. By contributing to lymph flow, massage supports the body’s natural defense system. Additionally, massage triggers the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killers and which also work to stave off disease.   

Emotional health: Massage can be a great ally to emotional health. Not only is it calming and soothing, but it positively impacts the lives of many people suffering from depression and anxiety. Massage has also assisted many people in recovery from trauma, substance abuse, and eating disorders.   

Relaxation: Besides the strictly therapeutic affects of massage, the simple act of relaxation that occurs during massage can be very healing. Indeed, just taking a break from the speed and pressure of everyday life, letting go of worries in a peaceful and beautiful environment, and taking time out just for you is the best therapy there is. 

If you are interested in Massage therapy and have not provided information on your health history, please fill our health history form.