Massages come in many forms and all have unique benefits to one’s health and body, but what exactly is massage therapy? Massage therapy is a practice that consists of manipulating the body’s soft tissue. It is not only limited to the body’s tissue, massages also help joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. Massage therapy helps to relieve discomfort such as chronic pains, muscle overuse and stress. A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) performs the massage by applying either gentle or strong pressure on the area of discomfort, (depending on the patient) and then kneads and rubs the area to help relieve pain. Depending on the patient’s pain or what part of the body needs the massage, will depend on how gentil or harder the massage will be. It is normal for the massaged area to feel warm or hot to the touch, this means that the treatment is working and that the muscles are reacting positively to the massage. Massage therapy also helps the mind relax and de-stress, receiving a massage relaxes tense muscles in the body and leaves you with a calming sensation 1. The overall purpose of massage therapy is to help relieve the pain a patient is feeling in muscles and joints. With 3 locations in the GTA, The First Health Group is here to help treat any pain you may have. The length of each treatment depends on the patient’s conditions and what technique one of our licensed RMT’s will be using.
There are many benefits to receiving massage therapy that not only include the body, but also the mind. Receiving massage therapy regularly can reduce chronic pain, can help re-energize the body, can help you sleep better, can improve mental health and can strengthen your immune system. There are also many mental and health conditions which are known to have benefited from massage therapy, such as tendonitis, headaches, anxiety, asthma, insomnia and more 2. This treatment is very relaxing and beneficial to the body, as it helps to relax muscles, reduces stress and leaves your body with a relaxed sensation.
Are there any side effects to this form of treatment? The most common side effects to receiving massage therapy are tiredness and/or fatigue, which is caused by the release of tension and stress from the body. Another common side effect is redness or heat of the skin, which is not serious, and is caused by the muscles reacting to the treatment and beginning healing themselves. Other side effects may include inflammation, migraines and/or headaches, lingering pain and nausea, which are uncommon, but not rare, side effects.
For those without extended healthcare, we offer affordable pricing to help you get back to normal. Don’t wait while you’re in pain, request an appointment today at The Health First Group in Mississauga Millcreek, Mississauga Heartland, Milton, or Etobicoke. Our Chiropractors in all three cities are ready to educate you on movement and your pain, to get you feeling normal. This article was written by Hina Shaikh, PT who works at both our Mississauga and Milton locations as a physiotherapist.
Most patients are covered by their workplace’s extended healthcare program and don’t need to pay out of pocket. For those without extended healthcare, we offer affordable pricing to help you get back to normal.
Don’t wait while you’re in pain, request an appointment today at The Health First Group in Mississauga, Milton, or Etobicoke. Our chiropractors in all three cities are ready to educate you on movement and your pain, to get you feeling like normal.
This article was written by Hina Shaikh, PT who works at both our Mississauga and Milton locations as a physiotherapist.
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