What is Massage Therapy?

05/25/2023

Massage therapy is a hands-on therapeutic practice that involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues. It is a holistic approach to promoting health and well-being, focusing on relieving tension, reducing pain, enhancing relaxation, and improving overall physical and mental well-being.

The science behind applying pressure to a trigger point a.k.a knot, is truly fascinating. Our body naturally produces this fluid called Hyaluronic acid. It’s a clear, gooey substance residing everywhere in the body. The largest amounts of it are found in your skin, connective tissue and eyes, and Its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist.

When pressure is applied to a knot it may cause slight discomfort, but at the same time it creates a vacuum action for when pressure is lifted, the muscle tissue will suck in the hyaluronic acid and moisten/heal the muscle fibers – Thus elevating pain and discomfort.

How can Massage Therapy help me and why does it work?

Massage therapy can offer a wide range of benefits and help you in several ways. Discussing your physical health concerns with your RMT is crucial to taking the first steps to healing. Here are some ways in which massage therapy can be beneficial:

Pain Relief and Muscle Tension Release:

Massage therapy is effective in alleviating muscle tension, reducing pain, and improving overall mobility. It can help relieve chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and muscular imbalances. By applying various massage techniques, Massage Therapists can target specific areas of tension or discomfort to promote relaxation and pain relief.

Improved Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage:

Massage therapy stimulates blood flow and improves circulation throughout the body. This increased circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while aiding in the removal of waste products and toxins. Improved lymphatic drainage can also help reduce swelling and promote the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Enhanced Flexibility and Range of Motion:

Regular massage therapy sessions can help improve flexibility and range of motion by stretching and lengthening muscles and connective tissues. This is particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals recovering from injuries who need to restore or improve their physical capabilities.

Support for Overall Well-being:

Massage therapy can contribute to your overall well-being by providing a time for self-care and nurturing. It allows you to take a break from the demands of daily life and focus on your physical and mental health. Regular massage sessions can help you maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

What to expect in a Massage Treatment?

Each treatment will begin with a conversation about your specific goals and reasons for seeking Massage Therapy, as well as a detailed history of injury, surgery and conditions. An assessment prior to treating will help to identify what structures may be contributing to your pain/limited range of motion and help guide the treatment. Finally, the day’s treatment plan will be discussed with you and explained how the treatment can help to meet your goals. Your RMT will always ask for your consent to the treatment before beginning.

Massage Therapy has such a broad application of benefits and each treatment can be tailored to help meet your specific health goals. At LiquidGym, your Registered Massage Therapist and Healthcare team will work together to help you reach optimal health and achieve your goals.

Massage Therapy has such a broad application of benefits and each treatment can be tailored to help meet your specific health goals. Some examples are shown below.