Massage therapy is often thought of as a luxury. Advertisements show people lying naked under fluffy sheets with candles burning and soft music playing. This type of massage is great for relaxation. However, there are more benefits that certain massage treatments can do for your condition.

Massage therapy is now being used by the medical community as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a variety of conditions. Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) work in conjunction with physical therapists, chiropractors, naturopaths, and physicians. Some insurance companies now reimburse for massage therapy.

The latest research compiled by the American Massage Association of America reports many benefits of massage such as significant reduction of work-related stress including fatigue, muscle, and joint pain. Military veterans suffering from depression and physical pain also showed improvement with regular treatments.

While even massage focused on relaxation can help boost your immune function and improve circulation, the right LMT with more advanced training can help with the following:

Musculoskeletal Conditions:

• Chronic Injuries

• Arthritis/Tendinitis

• Overuse Syndromes

• Postural Dysfunction

Medical Pathologies:

• Cancer

• HIV

• Fibromyalgia

• Lymphedema

Mental Health:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Panic Attacks

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

You may find ‘medical’ or ‘sports’ therapy massage to be different from ‘spa’ massage. For medical treatments, session duration and intensity are adjusted, and clothing is usually worn. For sports related injuries, you may be in seated or side lying positions, and you may be active during some of the techniques.

A good massage therapist works collaboratively with other medical professionals and will refer out when a condition is beyond their scope of practice. When searching for a LMT, ask about their education, training, and resources. The right LMT that is familiar with your condition may just be the missing ingredient to relieve you of your symptoms.

This blog is not intended to diagnosis, treat or cure any medical conditions.