Massage therapy helps patients improve their overall quality of life in several ways. It can also help with physical rehabilitation for chronic pain and other health conditions. The Praxis Institute offers a Therapeutic Massage Technician training program in Miami and Hialeah, Florida, to prepare students for careers in massage therapy. Here, we discuss the benefits of massage therapy relating to rehabilitation.
Understanding Massage Therapy and Physical Rehabilitation
Massage therapy involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues, like muscles and tendons, to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and improve overall well-being. It’s an ancient practice that is often utilized for chronic pain, stress relief, pain management, and maintenance of injuries in the body. Different types of massage include:
- Deep tissue massage
- Sports massage
- Hot stone massage
- Aromatherapy massage
- Reflexology
- Lymphatic drainage massage
- Trigger point massage
Massage therapy is highly effective when combined with physical therapy and rehabilitation, especially when treating chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. Other common conditions that often need rehabilitation are bulging discs, sciatica, and hernias. Physical therapy and massage therapy are usually combined during the recovery stage of a condition or injury; however, some chronic pain conditions also benefit greatly from periodic massage.
Benefits of Massage Therapy in Physical Rehabilitation
Massage therapy can be part of a physical rehabilitation plan. Combining it with other techniques offers several benefits, including:
Accelerated Healing
Massage therapy improves nutrient and oxygen supply to tissues, promoting faster healing. Combined with physical therapy and pain management, this is particularly beneficial for injuries where tissue damage has occurred, as it helps with the recovery of healthy tissues. It can also aid scar tissue management after injuries or surgeries by improving mobility.
Pain Relief
Massage therapy alleviates muscle spasms and tension, which are common sources of discomfort during rehabilitation. This is ideal for patients with inflammatory conditions or chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. Regular massage therapy helps with pain management and improving muscle function. For chronic conditions, periodic massages can be a part of the patient’s treatment plan, helping them reap consistent benefits from massage during their rehab process.
Stress Reduction
Different massage techniques are great for stress relief and reducing anxiety, which is highly beneficial for patients attending physical therapy and rehabilitation. Lower stress levels can help improve patient outcomes and boost relaxation.
Improved Circulation and Muscle Relaxation
Other benefits are improved circulation and easing of trouble spots in common areas, like the neck, spine, legs, or arms. Better oxygen flow ensures that nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the affected areas, aiding in recovery. Improved circulation leads to improved function, which decreases the chances of muscle spasms or feeling tense. Certain nerve conditions, like bulging discs, tend to compress the nerve and cause pain. Massage eases the nerves that can compress muscles, helping to relax the patient.
Enhanced Flexibility and Range of Motion
Deep tissue and sports massage help release trigger points within the body, including patients recovering from injuries that have limited their movement. These techniques increase joint flexibility, which leads to improved movement during the recovery process. Massage therapy helps release pressure in nerve endings, easing muscles and injuries in the process.
Psychological Benefits
The release of cortisol and endorphins during massage therapy promotes overall mood and well-being. Releasing stress and anxiety is particularly helpful for those undergoing physical rehabilitation, who may have concerns about their progress. Improving mental health aids the overall physical healing process. When patients feel positive about their development during the rehab process, their recovery typically improves.
Learn More About Massage Therapy and Its Benefits at The Praxis Institute
If you’re interested in providing the health benefits of massage to your clients, enroll in the Therapeutic Massage Technician training program at The Praxis Institute. This program features 540 hours of theory and practice-based classwork and sixty services or more of applied training. It teaches topics like:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Massage techniques
- Florida state law
- Business principles and development
- Professional ethics
The theory components are delivered via online classes, while labs and practical work are provided in person. Classes are available in English and Spanish, all taught by experienced teaching staff.
At The Praxis Institute, we offer financial aid for qualified students and career services for graduates from the program. We also promote flexible schedules and competitive pricing, helping busy students in Miami and Hialeah, FL, get their education. Our diploma programs have enrollment times every week, so you don’t have to wait long to get started. To learn more about the benefits of massage therapy during the rehabilitation process or our program, contact us today.
