Benefits of Abdominal Massage on Gastrointestinal Functions
How does abdominal massage benefit gastrointestinal functions? Abdominal (belly) massage is a gentle, noninvasive treatment that may have relaxing and healing effects for some people. Research-supported benefits of abdominal massage include: Alleviated constipation symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis, cancer, and elderly adults, Increased bowel movements in people with constipation and patients undergoing skeletal traction, […]
Benefits of Post-Exercise Massage Therapy
How beneficial is post exercise massage therapy to recovery and performance? Massage after strenuous exercise results in a significant decrease in delayed onset muscle soreness along with an increase in muscle performance and a drop in creatine kinase, according to a recent review of previous research. 11 published studies on massage for delayed onset muscle […]
Importance of Blogging for Your Massage Therapy Practice
Why should your massage practice have a blog? Over 75% of internet users regularly read blogs covering numerous niches and industries, including massage therapy. Blogging is a great and effective way to establish trust and authority in your massage therapy practice. What do you need to know when starting a blog? A great blog solves […]
Pediatric Massage Therapy for Psychological Problems
How effective is pediatric massage therapy for psychological problems? Psychological problems have been the focus of pediatric massage therapy research including aggression, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a study on 50 preschoolers “with aggressive and deviant behavior” the children were massaged daily for 20 minutes and by the third month and again […]
Massage Therapy for Premature Infants Weight Gain
Can massage therapy help premature babies catch up on weight gain? Often premature babies have trouble with feeding and coordinating their sucking and swallowing which can mean a longer process to achieve weight gains. There is some evidence that massaged premature infants may have improved weight gain. A review of 20 studies of over 1,200 […]
Massage Therapy for Cancer Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects
Does research support the efficacy of massage therapy for cancer symptoms and treatment side effects? A review of 19 small studies involving over 1,200 participants found some studies suggesting that massage with or without aromatherapy may help relieve pain and anxiety in people with cancer. The Society for Integrative Oncology issued guidelines on the evidence-based […]
Massage Therapy and Fibromyalgia
How effective is massage therapy in helping fibromyalgia symptoms? Results of research suggest that massage therapy may be beneficial for some fibromyalgia symptoms. A review of 9 studies involving over 400 participants concluded that at least 5 weeks of massage therapy improved pain, anxiety, and depression in people with fibromyalgia. Another review of 10 studies […]
Online Appointment Scheduling Benefits to Your Massage Business
Should your massage business switch to online appointment scheduling? Today more than ever, people want convenience in everything they do! Using online appointment scheduling in your massage business is a great and easy way to meet the convenience demands of your massage clients. 3 benefits of using online appointment scheduling include: 1. Your massage clients […]
Massage Therapy and Increased Circulation
What effect does massage therapy have on circulation? Research shows massage promotes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). The circulatory or cardiovascular system ensures that blood is circulated throughout the body through the physical manipulation of soft tissue and associated chemical responses. Blood contains nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, and blood cells and the circulatory system […]
Massage Therapy Increases Happy Chemicals
Does massage therapy increase the ‘happy chemicals’ dopamine and serotonin? Research supports the positive effects of massage therapy on biochemistry, including decreased levels of cortisol (stress) and increased serotonin and dopamine levels. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that helps regulate movement, and emotional response and most importantly controls the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. Receiving massage […]