Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods of healing, and can be traced back nearly 4,000 years. Millions of North Americans use it today^{1, 2} , and for good reason. Massage therapy has been used to help patients get relief from ailments such as neck pain, back pain, headaches, muscle pain, stress and anxiety.

Massage therapy offers comprehensive, and complementary health management strategies, focusing on the application of various techniques that positively affect the soft tissues and joints of the body. Massage therapist techniques commonly utilize pressure and compression, kneading, friction and mobilization in their treatments, to help improve the health and condition of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and connective tissues of the body.

Massage is used as either a stand alone, or as a complementary treatment for patient ailments. Massage has been shown to reduce pain, improve range of motion, aid in blood and lymphatic circulation, reduce soreness and improve sleep.

¹ Health Canada (2003)Health Policy Research Bulletin. Retrieved May 10, 2005, from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iacb-dgiac/arad-draa/english/rmdd/bulletin/mainstream.html#page6
² American Massage Therapy Association. (2001). Massage Therapy Consumer Fact Sheet