Therapeutic Massage Therapy is defined as the mobilisation of soft tissue (such as muscle, fascia and body fluids) to restore normal systemic and biomechanical/functional use. It can be used to assist in the treatment of most musculo-skeletal and associated problems, and regular Therapeutic Massage Therapy results in improved circulatory, lymphatic and neurological functioning.
The benefits of Therapeutic Massage Therapy are profound and are becoming even more attractive as the world around us becomes more stressed, aggressive and anxiety ridden. Many companies in South Africa are beginning to adopt Therapeutic Massage Therapy in their own organisations and are actively encouraging their employees to have ongoing treatments.
Therapeutic Massage Therapy could be a relevant choice of health care in the following areas:
- Health maintenance and/or health promotion: Promotes general tissue health and encourages lifestyle and general health awareness
- Stress management: Helps relieve associated muscular tension and encourages general relaxation
- Post-operative care: Helps reduce recovery period and speeds up elimination of anaesthetic, as well as reducing pain and stiffness associated with bed-rest
- Emotional and/or psychological disorders: Releases endorphins that help to uplift and reduce depression
- Terminal illness: Helps reduce pain and discomfort associated with long term bed-rest as well as providing support and reducing the effects of emotional stress for the patient as well as the family
- Chronic pain: Helps break the “pain spasm” cycle whilst reducing associated muscle tightness
- Care of the disabled: Provides emotional support as well as assisting in the maintenance of general tissue health
- Pre and/or post-event sports’ participation: Improves performance and recovery and reduces the likelihood of serious injury