Massage Therapy Health Benefits

During massage therapy a licensed massage therapist uses kneading and stroking motions on the muscles and soft tissue to improve pain, relieve tension and reduce stress. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, massage therapy helps to increase the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems, offering many health benefits for recipients.

Autism

Massage therapy is useful in the treatment of autism. Normally, autistic children do not like to be touched or held by their caregivers. However, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, autistic children who receive regular massage show less autistic behavior, and are more socially involved and attentive after a massage. Massage therapy can be done by a licensed therapist, but it is best when it is done by the parents of the child because it fosters trust and bonding, and allows the child to get used to the parents' touch.

Postsurgical Treatment

Massage therapy also can be helpful in treating postsurgical patients. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, surgical patients who are treated with massage therapy have a decreased recovery time. Massage therapy helps to increase circulation, which helps to promote healing. Some hospitals are beginning to see the benefits of this service and are now offering it to patients. Massage therapy also can help to reduce pain postoperatively and may even help the patient to rest better.

Bulimia

Bulimia is an eating disorder in which the person will eat a large amount of food at one time and then induce vomiting or take laxatives to rid themselves of the food. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, massage therapy can be very effective for treatment of this disease. Massage therapy helps to reduce the anxiety and depression experienced by bulimia sufferers. In turn, this can help them work through the issues that they have with food and self image. However, massage therapy always should be used along with psychological or behavioral therapy for optimal treatment.

References

• The University of Maryland Medical Center; Massage;
• The University of Maryland Medical Center; Bulimia Nervosa;