Optimal Health
Therapeutic Bodywork
San Antonio, TX
ph: 210 383-3687
info
Optimal Health News
Below are some articles directly quoted from experts and clinical studies that indicate the benefits of massage.
Job stress reduction therapies, Field, T., Quintino, O., Henteleff, T., Wells-Keife, L. & Delvecchio-Feinberg, G. (1997). . Alternative Therapies, 3, 54-56
The immediate effects of brief massage therapy, music relaxation with visual imagery, muscle relaxation, and social support group sessions were assessed in 100 hospital employees at a major public hospital. The effects of the therapies were assessed using a within-subjects pre-post test design and by comparisons across groups. Groups reported decreases in anxiety, depression, fatigue, and confusion, as well as increased vigor following the session.
Premenstrual syndrome symptoms are relieved by massage therapy, Hernandez-Reif, M, Martinez, A., Field, T., Quintino, O., Hart, S., & Burman, I. (2000). Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 21, 9-15.
Twenty-four women meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder were randomly assigned to a massage therapy or a relaxation therapy group. The massage group showed decrease in anxiety, depressed mood and pain immediately after the first and last massage sessions. The longer term effects of massage therapy included a reduction in pain and water retention and overall menstrual distress.
Lower back pain is reduced and range of motion increased after massage therapy, Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., & Theakston, H. (2001). . International Journal of Neuroscience, 106, 131-145.
A randomized between-group design evaluated massage therapy versus relaxation for chronic low back pain. By the end of the study, the massage therapy group, as compared to the relaxation group, reported experiencing less pain, depression, anxiety and improved sleep. They also showed improved trunk and pain flexion performance, and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher.
SPORTS MASSAGE AIDS IN ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE AND MUSCLE RECOVERY POST COMPETITION
Helping the athlete obtain optimal performance has been the objective of massage since the days of the first Greco-Roman athletic games. "Athletic massage enables athletes to attain their highest potential by accelerating the body's natural restorative processes, enabling the athlete to participate more often in rigorous physical training and conditioning." (Mark F. Beck, Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage, 4th edition, p 642).
Sports massage has three basic objectives: Conditioning and preparation for competition, restorative post competition, and rehabilitation of injured soft tissues.
Collegiate, professional and world class athletes have given tribute to their edge in competition to their massage therapist and the effectiveness of their therapy.Lower back pain and sleep disturbance are reduced following massage therapy, Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., & Fraser, M. (2007). . Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapy, 11, 141-145.
A randomized between-groups design was used to evaluate massage therapy versus relaxation therapy effects on chronic low back pain. Treatment effects were evaluated for reducing pain, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances, for improving trunk range of motion (ROM) and for reducing job absenteeism and increasing job productivity. Thirty adults with low back pain with a duration of at least 6 months participated in the study. On the first and last day of the 5-week study participants completed questionnaires and were assessed for ROM. By the end of the study, the massage therapy group, as compared to the relaxation group, reported experiencing less pain, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance. They also showed improved trunk and pain flexion performance.
Noted comments from multiple sources regarding health benefits of massage therapy
BodyBuilding.com wrote: "I do not mean to suggest that three weeks will cure any ailment. I am, however, suggesting that an investment in regular massage therapy will ensure that all bodily systems function at an optimal level. And, for those of us dedicated to our training sessions in the gym, regular massage therapy will enhance performance, maximize gains, and reduce your risk for injury."
American Chiropractic and Rehabilitation wrote: "Researchers at the Touch Institute at the University of Miami say the benefits of massage are doubly powerful if taken in regular “doses”. The effects are cumulative, like compounding interest on investments!"
.competitor network, Triathlete wrote: "Massage therapy has numerous benefits for athletes. Massage can speed up recovery after a large day of training, a race or a big block of training...it can also give the athlete a chance to reconnect his mind and body and decompress... and it is also a very effective means of flushing metabolic waste."
.competitor network Triathlete wrote: "regular massage can help manage and prevent injury by bringing awareness to areas of the body that are not functioning or responding as efficiently as possible."
Some conclusions regarding the benefits of massage therapy
Massage therapy has over recent decades been the subject of clinical and university studies. The results of these studies frequently mirror the testimonies of individuals who regularly receive massage therapy. Some of the benefits of regularly receiving massage therapy include reduction of pain, improved immune function, relaxation of tense skeletal musculature, improved range of motion of the extremities, reduction of harmful stress hormones just to name a few.
For more information on how massage may be able to help you
If you would like to know how massage could benefit you call Ed at (210) 383-3687 or reply to the "contact us" tab of this website.
Massage is one of the least invasive forms of treatment available. Ed has ten years experience and is a state licensed massage therapist and a certified medical massage therapist for the cervical and thoraco-lumbar regions. So why not call today?
(210) 383-3687 for your appointment
FRESH OFF THE PRESS!
Optimal Health Therapeutic Bodywork has a new look. The fresh and vibrant colors of blue and gold in a wondrous natural swirl makes for a great look for Optimal Health. The new business card, postcards, discount coupon/tickets, and gift certificates will have the same fresh and attractive appearance.
Time to give a special gift to a friend, family member or your beloved? Think massage. The appealing design for the Optimal Health gift certificate will translate into warm smiles when you give this thoughtful "I love you" away. Ask about the gift certificate package program. Show you care with a gift certificate for massage at Optimal Health Therapeutic Bodywork.
Call (210) 383-3687 to arrange to pick up your certificate (s).
Here is what some of the Optimal Health clients are saying:
"This was a great experience. I would absolutely recommend it to my friends and family." M.G.
"I was so tense. I am so relaxed. I can't remember feeling this good." J.W.
"I never thought it could get any better, but each time I get a massage is truly amazing. It gets better each time! Thank you, thank you, thank you." M.S.
"Love the massage every time."
M.S. of Montclair
"Your massages are so amazing, that I won't even go to another therapist. I know I will pay too much only to be disappointed."
S.M.
"Yes! Great! Great! Great!" P.G.
"My back feels very relaxed!! As always Ed is very courteous and always professional." I.P.
"Great massage as usual!" S.S.
"As always, I feel so much better after my session." C.P.
"Amazing as usual! After many years of being a client, you continue to be top notch and best in your field. My running legs are appreciative." T.S.
Copyright 2009 Optimal Health Bodywork. All rights reserved.
San Antonio, TX
ph: 210 383-3687
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