The benefits of massage therapy

Massage therapy is a form of manual therapy that works the body as a whole. This approach mainly targets the muscles of the body and, consequently, the joints. It aims to improve or maintain a person’s physical abilities.

Whether for therapeutic or relaxation purposes, massage delivers numerous benefits to the body:

• Improved flexibility of the skin, muscles, and connective tissues
• Improvement or maintenance of good joint mobility
• Improved blood and lymphatic circulation
• Stress reduction
• Improved sleep quality

What are the types of massages?

Swedish massage is the most common and most frequently-practiced massage in our clinics. It consists of dynamic, chained manual techniques on the muscles and joints. The various styles include sports massage, lymphatic drainage, fascia therapy, reflexology, and more.

Californian massage is recognized for its unique mind-body aspects. This treatment considers the patient from a physical, emotional, and psychological standpoint.

Of Chinese origin, shiatsu massage translates to “finger pressure” in its original Chinese. This massage consists mainly of applying a variety of different pressures on reflexive points of the body.

Why choose massage therapy?

The most frequent massage therapy consultations involve musculoskeletal pathologies such as tendonitis, bursitis, epicondylitis, and many others.

As these are inflammatory disorders, softening the tissues around the affected regions is recommended once the acute phase has passed. Good tissue depth can be achieved through repeated, progressive maneuvers, while always working within the patient’s degree of tolerance. This makes it possible to achieve proper muscle relaxation, thereby decreasing the tension exerted on the affected tendons and/or muscles. In addition, improving local blood circulation allows for faster and more effective healing.

You may also consult a massage therapist for other reasons, such as a minor intervertebral disorder, a herniated disc, osteoarthritis, or other mechanical pathologies which may also benefit from muscle relaxation. These problems, combined with a decrease in physical activity, can lead to adverse effects on the body, and stiffness in the neck and back muscles. Massage therapy can increase muscle flexibility, release pressure on the spine, and reduce any pain associated with these conditions.

In addition, certain problems that are not typically linked to massage therapy can nevertheless benefit from this treatment. These include nervous disorders (stress, anxiety, insomnia), digestive problems (constipation), and circulatory issues.

You might also simply want a good massage, without presenting with any specific problem. A massage can be highly emotionally beneficial. It allows a release and provides the body with a moment of respite. Life is full of stress and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Allow yourself a moment of relaxation from time to time!

For whom?

Whether you are a man or a woman, young or young at heart – massage therapy is for you!

There are also specific massages for pregnant women. Following special training, techniques can be performed by laying the woman on her side. In some clinics, we work with a special cushion that allows the pregnant woman to lie on her stomach.

What is the Physiothérapie Universelle difference?

At Physiothérapie Universelle, we care about the well-being of our patients. When we refer our patients from one professional to another within the same clinic, we make sure to offer the new therapist an overall patient profile. We ensure good multidisciplinary follow-up, and we care about our patients’ progress. We communicate openly with each other to deliver the most appropriate treatments for your condition.

Whatever are your consultation reasons, refer to our health professionals to be the best guided.

By Karine Degruchy-Lafond, physical therapist  at Physiothérapie Universelle clinic of Vanier