There's no denying that massage therapy helps people feel better, both physically and mentally, but have you ever wondered why? At Ottawa-Carleton Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Center, we are always excited to share the latest scientific findings about massage therapy with you. Research shows that massage therapy acts not only on the body's muscles, ligaments, and tissues, but also on the nervous system as well.
Let's take a look at how massage therapy in Ottawa works to provide mechanical, pain relieving, and emotional and physiological benefits.
Mechanical Benefits of Massage TherapyÂ
The force exerted by a massage therapist when working on your body helps to improve blood flow to the targeted areas. Improved circulation means that the muscles receive more oxygen which, in turn, encourages the clearance of metabolic wastes and by-products. Massage therapy also induces a molecular response in the body which helps to reduce the buildup of fluids between body tissue cells; a condition known as edema.
These are among the reasons why a deep tissue massage in Ottawa, which utilizes firm pressure to reach deep muscle layers, is a great choice for reducing swelling and relieving muscle stiffness.
Pain Relieving Benefits of Massage TherapyÂ
Massage therapy in Ottawa can relieve pain not only by helping your body heal but also by stimulating the body's large sensory nerves. When these nerves are stimulated, they have an inhibitory effect on pain signals being sent to your spinal cord from other parts of the body. This, in turn, can lower your experience of the pain and help ease discomfort.
If you are dealing with chronic or acute pain, then consider going for a Swedish massage in Ottawa. A Swedish massage can vary in intensity, giving you the pain relief you are looking for without any discomfort.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Massage TherapyÂ
In addition to providing physical relief, massage therapy has been shown to help improve mood and overall physiological health. This is largely attributed to the positive physical contact provided by a massage therapist. Known as "affective touch," it stimulates the release of the body's endogenous opioids and of a hormone called oxytocin.
Both of these chemicals help promote a feeling of well-being, which is why massage therapy often provides an immediate mood boost. This is also why prenatal massage therapy in Ottawa can be a good choice for expectant moms who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression or who are having a hard time sleeping.
Enjoy All of These Benefits with Massage Therapy in Ottawa
Massage therapy is an effective, low-risk treatment option for people of all ages and all walks of life. Ottawa-Carleton Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Center is proud to offer massage therapy among our Ottawa physiotherapy services. You can choose massage therapy on its own to help relieve sore muscles or emotional stress or as part of a physiotherapy treatment plan for an injury or chronic pain.
To book an appointment for massage therapy in Ottawa with one of our skilled massage therapists, just contact us today.