Massage By Jen
{Certified Massage Therapist}
Massage Therapy - Ventura CA
(661) 673-3853
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Is massage part of your maintenance routine?
Most women who color their hair maintain a 4 – 6 week schedule for maintenance. To go beyond that their roots become extremely noticeable. Do you get your cars oil changed at the recommended intervals? Or do you wait until the oil light comes on? When it comes to massage, regular intervals work best. Regular massage will help keep your muscles in condition for top performance which actually helps minimize soreness and injury.
If you notice the massage studies I’ve sited most of them say what the frequency of intervals were to gain the desired effects. Infants was 3 times a day, some others were once or twice a week. So if you’re looking for massage to supplement healthcare (headaches, backaches etc.) Regularity with your massage appointments is key.
I believe massage is the only therapy that mascarades as luxury.
After a long stressful week nothing can compare to a great massage. Living in Thousand Oaks we work hard at our jobs and then we work hard at creating a great family life. While A LOT of people view massage therapy as a luxurious way to pamper yourself, I would like to tell you that massage has more physical and psychological benefits than I have the time to explain in this brief note. I would like to concentrate on the top benefits of massage therapy that I think have more of a universal appeal.
Massage therapy is an effective tool for pain management.
Who likes to live with pain? No one! It is draining and interferers with your quality of life. There are many studies proving massage is a successful tool for pain management. One such study was on thoracic surgery patients who undergo long procedures and commonly have postoperative back, neck, and shoulder pain[1]. The doctors called it “an important additional pain management component”. There are so many surgeries done here in Thousand Oaks that there is a hospital right next to Los Robles Hospital called The Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital. In fact according to US News & World report The Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital had 1411 admissions last year. Do you know someone who has had surgery recently? Why not check in and see how they are doing. Did their doctors recommend massage therapy? Have they been able to get a massage?
Gain greater ease of movement with massage therapy
As we age it becomes increasingly difficult to get up in the morning or up off the couch at night. Grunts and groans become the norm as we get up and take the first couple of steps. Soreness, stiffness, spasms – all part of the aging process yet not something you just have to live with. In one study participants “received two 30-min massage therapy or relaxation therapy sessions per week for 5 weeks”. Notice they didn’t’ get a massage once in a while and expect results. They went to get a massage twice a week. If you are seeking massage for pain management please get a massage regularly. The results were “they… showed improved trunk and pain flexion performance, and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher” also “reported experiencing less pain, depression, anxiety and their sleep had improved”[2]. Which leads me to my next point…
Massage therapy provides relief from depression, anxiety
In today’s world it seems like everyone is stressed out, even little kindergarteners. Another study done reported “Reduced anxiety symptoms have been reported in over a dozen studies of massage for a host of specific conditions ranging from juvenile arthritis, to asthma, and depression in children, to hospital workers with substantial job stress, and to adults with back pain, HIV, and multiple sclerosis." [4] Yes kids should go get a massage also.
Massage Therapy helps Premenstrual syndrome
Did you know premenstrual syndrome "is a collection of symptoms that may be encountered by up to 95% of the population, although it is estimated to affect 5% of women severely."[3]
"The massage group showed decreases in anxiety, depressed mood and pain immediately after the first and last massage sessions. The longer term (5 week) effects of massage therapy included a reduction in pain and water retention and overall menstrual distress."[5] If you suffer from PMS please go get a massage regularly.
Massage therapy will help you sleep better
Insomnia is running rampant. What the world needs is refreshing sleep.
"The women received 32 therapeutic massage sessions and passive movement twice a week." "The Therapeutic Massage group exhibited improved subjective data... and a decrease in symptoms according to the BDI." A second study . An article printed in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology of a clinical study comparing massage therapy to relaxation therapy. The conclusions “Both groups showed a decrease in anxiety and depressed mood immediately after the first and last therapy sessions. However, across the course of the study, only the massage therapy group reported an increase in the number of sleep hours and a decrease in their sleep movements.” Get a massage. More sleep, less tossing and turning.
Massage therapy will help boost your immune System
"Researchers in Cedars-Sinai's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences have reported people who go get a massage experience measureable changes in their body's immune and endocrine response." "Among the study's results:
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People in the Swedish massage group experienced significant changes in lymphocytes ,(lymphocyte numbers and percentages white blood cells that play a large role in defending the body from disease).
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Swedish massage caused a large decrease in Arginine Vasopressin (AVP) a hormone believed to play a role in aggressive behavior and linked to helping cause increases in the stress hormone cortisol.
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Swedish massage caused a decrease in levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
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Swedish massage caused a notable decrease in most cytokines produced by stimulated white blood cells.
Massage Therapy can help you lose weight
Are you a stress eater? People that are able to get a massage report relaxation as the biggest after effect. The study cited above proved massage lowered cortisol. The participants that were able to get a massage had lower levels than the other group. You need to lower your cortisol in order to lose weight. Reach for your phone, instead of your favorite snack, and make an appointment.
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