We use our Muscular System continuously throughout the day to perform any and all movements. This system is used just as much as all of the other systems in our body, yet we seem to dismiss the signs it gives us indicating it's in need of repair. If we suspect a problem with our heart, or experience digestive, breathing or skin issues, we take swift action to seek medical treatment. We schedule regular physicals to ensure we remain healthy. The aches, tension and fatigue we feel in our muscles may not be life threatening, but they are the signs telling us our muscles are in a state of dysfunction. Chronic muscular dysfunction can seriously impact our quality of life leading to stress, depression, unnecessary or preventable surgeries and loss of income.
Problems with our muscles and the way we move can result from long term (sports, desk job, manual labor job) and short term (shoveling, raking leaves) repetitive motion, or a sudden traumatic injury.Some muscles become chronically tight, while others weaken causing pain, fatigue and joint dysfunction. Stress is another cause of tension and pain. Our muscles react in a primitive, reflexive way when our brain perceives a situation as threatening (fight or flight response). This protective mechanism referred to as muscle guarding can last long after the perceived threat, or stressful situation has passed. Muscular tension is never released, another stressful situation occurs, and the cycle repeats itself.
It's clear just how much abuse our muscles endure for a variety of reasons and massage is the key to restoring them to a healthier state. This highly effective and natural form of therapy helps manage specific conditions and relieves stress. Start incorporating massage into your healthcare routine and feel the difference in your overall sense of well-being!
Here are the scientific facts:
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:
- Decreased anxiety.
- Enhanced sleep quality.
- Greater energy.
- Improved concentration.
- Increased circulation.
- Reduced fatigue.
Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:
- Alleviate low-back, neck and shoulder pain and improve range of motion.
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Increase joint flexibility and mobility.
- Alleviate muscle spasms and cramping.
- Relax tired, overused muscles and soften rigid connective tissue.
- Reduce post surgery adhesions.
- Reduce depression and anxiety.
- Release endorphins—the body's natural painkiller.
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
