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Stress Fractures & Massage Therapy

Stress Fractures & Massage Therapy

Stress-Fractures-and-Massage-TherapyIntroduction: In today’s fast-paced world, stress fractures have become increasingly common, affecting athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even individuals with an active lifestyle. These tiny, hairline fractures in the bones can be painful and debilitating, often requiring substantial recovery time. While conventional treatments like rest, immobilization, and physical therapy play a crucial role in the healing process, incorporating massage therapy into the recovery plan can yield numerous benefits. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of massage therapy and explore how it can aid in the healing of stress fractures, offering much-needed relief and promoting overall well-being.

Understanding Stress Fractures: Before we dive into the benefits of massage therapy, let’s first gain a better understanding of stress fractures. Stress fractures typically occur due to repetitive strain or overload on a particular bone, leading to microdamage that surpasses the bone’s natural ability to repair itself. Common sites for stress fractures include the shins, feet, and hips. These fractures are often characterized by pain, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes even difficulty in bearing weight.

The Role of Massage Therapy in Stress Fracture Recovery: Massage therapy, when used as a complementary treatment alongside conventional approaches, can provide a range of benefits for individuals recovering from stress fractures. Let’s explore some of these benefits:

  1. Pain Relief: Massage therapy helps reduce pain associated with stress fractures by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. The gentle manipulation of soft tissues and muscles also promotes relaxation and alleviates muscle tension, providing immediate relief.
  2. Improved Circulation: Massage techniques, such as effleurage and petrissage, increase blood flow to the affected area, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to the injured tissues. Improved circulation aids in the removal of waste products and enhances the healing process.
  3. Reduced Inflammation and Swelling: Massage therapy helps to reduce inflammation by stimulating lymphatic circulation, which assists in the removal of excess fluid and toxins. By decreasing swelling, massage therapy can alleviate pressure on the injured bone, reducing discomfort and promoting faster healing.
  4. Increased Range of Motion and Flexibility: Immobilization during the healing process can lead to stiffness and reduced range of motion. Massage therapy incorporates stretching and joint mobilization techniques that target surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These techniques help restore flexibility, enhance joint mobility, and prevent secondary muscle imbalances.
  5. Stress Reduction: Dealing with a stress fracture can take a toll on an individual’s mental well-being. Massage therapy provides a nurturing and calming environment, promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety levels. This holistic approach addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery, aiding in the overall healing process.
  6. Accelerated Healing: By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation, massage therapy plays a significant role in expediting the healing of stress fractures. It helps optimize the body’s natural healing mechanisms and assists in the remodeling of bone tissues, facilitating a quicker return to normal activities.
  7. Prevention of Secondary Injuries: After the primary stress fracture has healed, massage therapy can continue to play a vital role in preventing secondary injuries. By addressing muscle imbalances, promoting proper alignment, and maintaining flexibility, massage therapy helps reduce the risk of reinjury and enhances overall musculoskeletal health.

Conclusion: Stress fractures can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, hindering their ability to engage in physical activities and causing considerable pain and discomfort. Incorporating massage therapy into the recovery plan can provide a multitude of benefits, including pain relief, improved circulation, reduced inflammation, enhanced range of motion, stress reduction, accelerated healing, and prevention of secondary injuries. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or licensed massage therapist to ensure that the massage techniques used are appropriate for the specific stage of the injury and the individual’s overall health condition. With its holistic approach, massage therapy can complement conventional treatments and contribute to a speedier and more effective recovery from stress fractures.

Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of massage therapy and the educational requirements of becoming a massage therapist.

Massage Therapy in Healthcare

Massage Therapy in Healthcare

Massage-therapy-in-healthcareMassage Therapy: An Effective Complementary Treatment in Healthcare

In recent years, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in healthcare has increased in popularity. One such practice that has gained significant attention is massage therapy. Massage therapy is a hands-on technique that involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate pain. While once considered a luxury, massage therapy is now recognized as a viable complementary treatment in healthcare.

Massage therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits, both physical and psychological. Physically, massage therapy can help improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and improve joint mobility. It can also aid in the healing process of injuries by increasing the flow of nutrients and oxygen to affected areas. Psychologically, massage therapy has been found to reduce anxiety, depression, and improve overall mood. It can also improve sleep quality and decrease symptoms of PTSD.

Massage therapy has been used as a complementary treatment for various health conditions, including chronic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, cancer-related fatigue, and more. In fact, massage therapy has been shown to be as effective as other CAM modalities, such as acupuncture and chiropractic, in treating chronic pain conditions. Additionally, massage therapy has been found to reduce the need for prescription pain medications, which can have harmful side effects.

Massage therapy is also being increasingly used in hospital settings. Studies have shown that massage therapy can help improve patient outcomes by reducing pain and anxiety levels, improving sleep quality, and reducing the length of hospital stays. In addition, massage therapy can provide healthcare professionals with a non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment option to use in conjunction with other medical interventions.

In conclusion, massage therapy has become a valuable complementary treatment option in healthcare. Its benefits range from physical to psychological, and its use has been found to be effective in treating various health conditions. With the growing body of evidence supporting its use, massage therapy should be considered as a viable treatment option in healthcare settings. If you are experiencing any health concerns, consider talking to a healthcare professional about the benefits of massage therapy for your specific needs.

Contact us today to learn more about massage therapy and our massage program options.

Massage Therapy and Injury Recovery

Massage Therapy and Injury Recovery

Massage Therapy Knee PainMassage therapy is a popular and effective treatment option for those recovering from injury. The hands-on manipulation of soft tissue can help reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as promote healing and improve overall function.

There are several different types of massage techniques that can be used for injury recovery, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and trigger point therapy. Each technique targets specific areas of the body and addresses different aspects of injury recovery.

For example, Swedish massage is a gentler form of massage that can be used to increase circulation and reduce muscle tension, making it ideal for early stages of injury recovery. Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, targets deep layers of muscle and connective tissue to release chronic tension and improve range of motion.

Sports massage is specifically designed for athletes and active individuals and can be used to treat a range of sports-related injuries, including sprains, strains, and overuse injuries. Trigger point therapy, meanwhile, focuses on the release of knots or tight areas of muscle that can cause pain and discomfort.

In addition to the physical benefits of massage therapy, it can also have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Massage has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, all of which can hinder the healing process.

It is important to note that massage therapy should be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy and medications, for optimal results. It is also important to work with a licensed massage therapist who has experience treating specific types of injuries and can tailor their techniques to meet your individual needs.

In conclusion, massage therapy can be a highly effective treatment option for those recovering from injury. By targeting specific areas of the body and promoting physical and mental well-being, massage therapy can help accelerate the healing process and improve overall function.

Learn more about the benefits of massage therapy and becoming a massage therapist.

Contact us today to learn more about our massage schools and our massage program

Seattle Massage Therapy Career

Seattle Massage Therapy Career

Seattle Massage Therapist

Currently, there are around 12,000 massage therapists working throughout the state of Washington to help the more than 7 million residents of the state find relief from the pain or discomfort associated with injuries, anxiety, and stress. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for massage therapist in Washington is $62,520, making it one of the highest-paying states for massage therapists across the country. The cities with the highest demand for massage therapists in the Evergreen State include, in no particular order, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Olympia, and Kennewick. Read on to learn about the current career outlook for massage therapist in Seattle and Washington State.

Demand and Career Outlook for Massage Therapists in Washington

According to the BLS, the state of Washington has the fourth highest demand for massage therapists across the U.S, and consistently posts high employment figures for massage therapists. In fact, the BLS projects the demand for massage therapists in the Evergreen State to grow by more than 40% over the next decade, leading to a shortage of massage therapists throughout the Evergreen State. Additionally, it could cause wages for massage therapists to rise, making the state and its cities, including Seattle, even more attractive for massage therapists.

Career Opportunities in Seattle

As mentioned earlier, Seattle is one of the best cities for massage therapist, not only in Washington State, but also across the entire country. This is because of several reasons. For starters, Seattle is a great place to set up a freelance massage therapy operation. For example, you can set up a mobile massage therapy operation, allowing you to make home and office visits. Secondly, if you decide to join the ranks of employed massage therapists in Seattle, Seattle offers numerous job opportunities for massage therapists. Some of these opportunities include:

•    in-home aid and other personal care services career opportunities
•    being the massage therapist in a team of health practitioners
•    recreation and amusement facilities including spas and high-end hotels
•    health facilities including long-term rehabilitation care facilities and hospitals
•    working as a massage therapists for a sports team, such as the Seattle Mariners or Seattle Seahawks

Washington Massage Therapy Licensure Requirements

To work legally as massage therapist in Washington and Seattle, you must be licensed by the state’s department of health. The licensure requirements include, among others, completing 500 hours or more from a state-approved massage therapy program as well as taking and passing a national massage licensing exam.

Conclusion 

The state of Washington is a great place for massage therapists looking to start and grow their careers, with the BLS projecting the demand for massage therapist in the state to grow by more than 40% over the next decade, potentially translating to higher wages. Some of the highest-paying cities for massage therapist in the Evergreen State include Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Kennewick.

To learn more about the career outlook as a massage therapist contact our Seattle Massage School Campus

Our sister massage school Seattle Clinical Massage School can also offer additional information about attending massage therapy school in Seattle.

Massage & Carpal Tunnel

Massage & Carpal Tunnel

Massage Therapy and Carpal TunnelMassage therapy is an effect treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by a pinched median nerve in the wrist. It’s associated with pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand and wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow canal in the wrist. The bottom and sides of the tunnel are formed by small bones called carpal bones. The top of the tunnel is a strong band of transverse carpal ligament, which holds the all components together.

Inside the tunnel are the median nerve and tendons. Tendons are rope-like structures that connect bones in the hand to muscles in the forearm. They also allow the thumb and fingers to bend. The median nerve runs down the arm and forearm and passes through the carpal tunnel into the palm of the hand. It provides sensation to the fingers (except the little finger). It also adds strength to some small muscles at the base of the thumb and index finger.

When the ligament thickens or tendons swell, the space in the tunnel decreases and the median nerve becomes compressed, exerting excessive pressure on the median nerve.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include:

  • Tingling, burning, or itching in the palm and fingers, especially the thumb, middle, and index fingers
  • Occasional shock-like sensation that moves up into the fingers
  • Pain and tingling traveling up the forearm toward the shoulder
  • A swollen feeling in the fingers
  • Decreased feeling in the fingertips
  • Occasional hand weakness and loss of coordination
  • Weakness and clumsiness in the hand, which may make it difficult to use the hand for small tasks such as writing, or buttoning a shirt
  • Dropping objects due to numbness, weakness, or loss of proprioception

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome begin suddenly or gradually- without a specific injury. In fact, many people find that symptoms come and go at first, and usually affected by excessive use of the hand. As the condition worsens and the pressure on the nerve becomes greater, symptoms may become more frequent or may persist for longer periods of time.

It’s common for people to experience nighttime symptoms because many sleep with their wrists bent. In the morning, a person may wake up with tingling or numbness in their hands. They may not notice the problem at all during the day, but symptoms often flare up when holding something with the wrist bent, such as when reading a book, using a phone, or driving. Many patients find that moving or shaking the hands can relieve the symptoms in the early stages of the condition.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by a combination of factors that irritate or squeeze the median nerve. Possible contributing factors include:

  • Activities that involve highly repetitive wrist or finger motions, like typing, farming, or knitting. Repetitive motions may aggravate the tendons in the wrist, causing swelling that exerts pressure on the nerve. This usually happens when the hands are lower than the wrists
  • Trauma or injury to the wrist, such as sprain or fracture. This may break one or more of the carpal bones, cause swelling, or deform the small bones in the wrist
  • Arthritis-related diseases, especially if there is swelling of the wrist joint, tendons, and tissues in the carpal tunnel
  • Work that involves heavy use of the wrist
  • Mechanical problems in the wrist joint
  • Hormonal changes and fluid retention caused by pregnancy or menopause
  • Repeated use of vibrating hand tools or instruments that require forceful gripping and put pressure at the base of the palm
  • Heredity
  • Health conditions such as diabetes, amyloidosis, kidney failure, lymphedema, menopause, an underactive thyroid gland, or an overactive pituitary gland

Massage Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Massage therapy is a non-invasive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. It helps relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by reducing swelling in the muscles caused by damage or overextension in the work environment. It also works by breaking down scar tissue, and softening and lengthening muscles and fascia of the shoulder, neck, elbow, wrist, hand, forearm, and upper arm.

During a massage session, the therapist will use deep tissue work to stimulate trigger points, release adhesions, and reduce the tension in the soft tissues of the arm, shoulder, hand, and wrist. This involves bringing the arm and shoulder out of internal rotation or incorporating myofascial cupping to reduce muscle tension.

By massaging and stretching tendons in the arm and wrist, a massage therapist can help restore full flexibility of the arm and reduce the pressure the tendons are putting on the median nerve. This in turn reduces the inflammation, pain, and numbness associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

The number of massage sessions it takes for a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome to find relief will vary depending on how severe the problem is. Most clients experience some level of relief after the first session but for others, it may take three to five sessions or more to get long-term results.

Learn Advanced Massage Therapy Techniques from the Experts

While massage therapy is effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome, it must be done right to get the expected results. If you’d like to expand your knowledge and skills in massage therapy, enroll in one  of Seattle’s best massage therapy schools to learn therapeutic massage therapy protocols. You’ll learn massage theories and practices, anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, and much more. This will equip you with the skills you’ll need to provide care for individuals who’ve been affected by carpal tunnel syndrome and other similar ailments.

Another option for massage therapy schools in Seattle is our sister school Seattle Clinical Massage School

Contact us today to speak with one of our enrollment specialists.

Pediatric Massage Therapy for Scoliosis

Pediatric Massage Therapy for Scoliosis

Pediatric Massage - Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition that millions of Americans are familiar with. You may have already worked with patients who suffer from pain, discomfort, and stiffness due to scoliosis. This condition is particularly detrimental to children, who may struggle with weak muscles, back pain, and fatigue from long periods of standing upright.

Luckily, massage therapy can be used to help treat scoliosis in children. A pediatric massage involves manipulating soft tissues with the aim of relieving tension and improving blood flow to affected regions. When done correctly, the symptoms of scoliosis in children can be significantly reduced.

 

 

Understanding Scoliosis in children

Scoliosis is a condition where the spinal cord curvature is increased more than usual. The spine typically has a mild curve as it runs across your back. However, patients with scoliosis have a spinal cord that resembles a C or an S shape.

Congenital scoliosis (in children) typically occurs during birth and affects children as they continue to grow. The severity of this condition will vary from one patient to another. Some spinal curvatures are barely noticeable, while others can even cause a deformity in the spine.

Some risk factors of scoliosis include birth defects, infections, cerebral palsy, or genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome. Adding pediatric massage therapy skills to your current knowledge base will help you provide adequate relief to scoliosis patients.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

Scoliosis in children manifests itself in many different ways. It can begin to develop in the womb due to the incorrect division of vertebrae, or vertebrae that don’t fully grow during early stages. Diagnosis may be done soon after birth- or even later on when the child is 10-15 years old.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

Chronic back pain
An incorrectly tilted spine and pelvis
Fatigue from standing upright
Uneven shoulders
Benefits of Massage therapy

Pediatric massage therapy is a useful technique that can treat scoliosis in children. For example, effleurage massage techniques target the soft tissues and warm them up for adjustment. Through repeated strokes along the length of a child’s spinal cord, the muscles can relax and ease pain, stiffness, or tension.

Massage therapy also uses a combination of lubricants to soften the muscles and increase blood circulation to affected areas. Children with scoliosis can enjoy significant relief from symptoms and live a healthy life with timely massage therapy sessions.

Massage therapy techniques you can learn in massage school

If you wish to advance your knowledge and skills in massage therapy for scoliosis, attending massage school is an excellent way to get started. With these advanced skills under your belt, you’ll be able to provide timely pediatric massage therapy to children who’ve been affected by this condition.

Massage Therapist: A Career That Travels

Massage Therapist: A Career That Travels

Massage on the beach, Travel massage, massage schoolWhen it comes to a massage therapy career, the possibilities are endless. Massage therapists are able to work on cruises, in hospitals, in chiropractic centers, and even in airports. If you are someone who loves to travel, you may be wondering how you can incorporate your massage therapy career, and your love of traveling into one incredible life.
As a massage therapist, the world is your oyster. Not only can you help others relax and rehabilitate, you can also enjoy the exciting world of traveling as a massage therapist yourself. If you would like to find out how you can marry your two loves of travel and massage, check out some of the ways you can make your dream life a reality.

If the open sea is calling you, you might consider a massage therapy career aboard a luxury cruise liner. Along with helping vacationers relax and unwind, you can take in the beauty of some of the world’s most beautiful tropical destinations. Imagine yourself giving a world class massage to a couple who has just been married on day one, and then you could find yourself enjoying a beverage on a white sandy beach, overlooking the ocean on day two. This could be your every day life as a massage therapist, working on a cruise. Consider a massage therapy career and explore the possibilities yourself.
If you love traveling, massage therapy, and sports, you may consider starting your massage therapy career at an athletic training facility. You could be a massage therapist to one of your favorite athletes. You could travel from one stadium to another, providing relief and comfort to an athlete. If you want to work as a massage therapist in the Olympic field, you can make your dream a reality Many Olympians travel with their massage therapists to help them through grueling training sessions and competitions. While your client is busy working toward that gold metal, you may find yourself exploring the sites in China, South America, Canada, and more! This can be your reality with a massage therapy career.
If you are someone who prefers to be their own boss, you can choose where you would like to work. With the right marketing, you can open your services to various jobs, students, religious groups, and more. You can travel all over the country, and even the world, and offer world class massage therapy.
Do you love spas and resorts? If so, you might want to start your massage therapy career at a 5-star resort and spa. You could be just the person who helps an overworked executive begin to relax during their spa getaway. On your days off, you may find yourself looking at historical landmarks in Europe, or relaxing with a margarita on a beautiful beach in Mexico.
A massage therapy career can satisfy all areas of your life. If you are looking to incorporate massage therapy, and your love of traveling, into an exciting career, train to become a licensed massage therapist today. Your massage therapy career awaits.

The Advantages of Attending a Clinical Massage School

The Advantages of Attending a Clinical Massage School

Seattle Massage SchoolsIs your career in the health industry? Do you want to join a career that will enable you to promote healthy lifestyles? If this is the case, going to Northwest Academy’s Seattle clinical massage school may be the best option for you. Clinical massage therapy is an effective form of treatment of different kinds of ailments, diseases, and injuries. As a clinical massage therapist, you will use specific techniques that will ease muscle pain, reduce stress, and contribute to the overall wellness of your clients.

5 Benefits of Attending a Seattle Clinical Massage Therapy School

  1. Graduate with the essential skills: Northwest Academy’s Seattle clinical massage school involves a lot of hands-on training. The qualified instructors will train you in anatomy, musculature, and other massage therapy techniques. After graduating, you will have the needed practical experience to work in clinics, hospitals, and spas.
  2. You will become licensed: Most states require that massage therapists be licensed. For you to obtain your massage therapist license, you have to first complete a certification or degree program at a recognized Seattle clinical massage therapy school and obtain the necessary massage therapy experience. One of the main reasons why massage therapy has become a respected profession is due to the strict requirements that massage therapists have to meet.
  3. Qualified and licensed massage therapists are in high demand: The value of licensed massage therapists is now widely recognized. This has led to job growth in this industry; in fact, the BLS has predicted that it will experience a job growth of 26 percent more than the average. This means that it has a faster growth rate than the nursing profession which is at 15 percent. There are always new massage therapist jobs being created in places such as office buildings and nursing homes.
  4. It takes a short time to become a licensed clinical massage therapist: When most people think of starting a new career, they imagine spending two or four years in college. However, a typical training program at Northwest Academy’s Seattle clinical massage school takes between seven months and one year to complete. Training programs are designed to equip you with skills, safety precautions, and techniques you will need to enter the employment field. Therefore, if you desire to switch careers, the short massage therapy training programs are a real plus.
  5. Flexible class schedules: If you’re thinking about switching careers or enhancing your career with additional training, your busy work schedule and personal life may prevent you from achieving your goals. Fortunately, Northwest Academy’s Seattle clinical massage therapy school can tailor a training program that can fit your lifestyle and schedule.

Take the Next Step to Become a Massage Therapist

Now that you know the several benefits of attending a Seattle clinical massage therapy school, enroll for a massage therapist course at Northwest Academy. You will learn anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, massage theories and practices, pathology, first aid and CPR that will prepare you for a massage therapist career. For more information contact an admissions assistant today.

Tips For Choosing The Best Seattle Massage School

Tips For Choosing The Best Seattle Massage School

Have you stopped to ask yourself why a healing method that has been used for over 4000 years is now getting popular? Perhaps it’s because people are finally respecting this old healing method. Today, medically modeled massage is one of the fastest growing fields in the massage profession. Whether you have a desire for offering relaxation massages or you are passionate about assisting your patients with injuries or specific conditions, your education and experience from Seattle Massage Schools will help you succeed in your career.

4 Tips on How to Choose the Right Seattle Massage School

There are numerous Seattle Massage Schools and finding the right one can be an overwhelming process. It’s hard to choose a massage school that can provide you with the best training. Ideally, you need a Seattle massage school that:

  1. Has small classes: You should only consider Seattle massage schools that have the smallest classes. Small classes will help you get the one on one attention you deserve which is essential for you to succeed in this career path.
  2. Flexible class schedule: Life is often busy for most people, especially if you’re juggling between work and family. Therefore, you need a Seattle massage training program that can design a massage program to fit your lifestyle and schedule.
  3. Experienced faculty: Ensure that the Seattle massage therapy school you choose consists of licensed massage therapists, chiropractors, kinesiologists, naturopathic physicians, and physical therapists.
  4. Research or evidence-based curriculum: According to the Massage Therapy Foundation, massage therapists should have the necessary skills and knowledge to assess the available research and make effective clinical decisions. This can only be possible by choosing a Seattle massage school that has developed its curriculum around both theories and practices that are evidence-based. Additionally, the institution you choose should also utilize different classroom assessments.

More and more patients and physicians are realizing that medically based massage isn’t just an alternative treatment but a necessary one. What’s more, many insurance companies are now paying for medically modeled massages that have been prescribed by doctors for different ailments such as falls, work-related injuries, sports activities, auto accident injuries, and diseases.

Consider a Second Career in Massage Therapy

Psychologists agree that loving what you do is necessary to achieve job satisfaction. Therefore, if your current job is very demanding, you should consider a career change. Among all health care careers, the U.S. News has ranked massage therapist as the fourth best in terms of job prospects, salary, and work-life balance. Follow the above tips to find the best Seattle massage therapy schools. If you have any questions, visit Northwest Academy or call a helpful academic adviser at 206-932-5950 today.

Massage Therapy and Cardiovascular Health

Massage Therapy and Cardiovascular Health

Massage and Cardiovascular Health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in every 4 American deaths is directly related to heart disease. Conditions like coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and other cardiovascular ailments kill over 600,000 people each year.

Massage therapy offers clients with cardiovascular issues many benefits that can help them improve their cardiovascular health and reduce their risk of stroke and heart attack.

What Contributes to Cardiovascular Disease?

There are three major factors that contribute to the development of heart disease.

  1. Congenital Conditions

These conditions are caused by structural abnormalities present at the time of birth.

  1. Viral infections

Myocarditis is damage to the heart due to certain viruses.

  1. Lifestyle Choices

Daily habits are currently the biggest contributor to heart disease.

  • Smoking
  • Poor diet
  • Lack of exercise
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Chronic stress

How Stress and Pain Affect the Heart

When a person experiences a painful or stressful event, the brain releases the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals prepare the body to fight or run away from dangerous situations. The body responds by tensing muscles, shortening the breath, and increasing the heart rate.

This response, however, is only supposed to be short-term. Too much of these hormones can fatigue the body, especially the cardiovascular system. Without relief, long-term stress or chronic pain will weaken the heart muscle. Combined with less-than-healthy lifestyle choices, these factors can lead to heart disease.

How Massage Supports Cardiovascular Health

Massage therapy helps patients with cardiac issues address some of the factors that may be contributing to their condition. In conjunction with doctor-prescribed protocols, massage also helps patients manage some of the side effects of treatment.

  • Induce states of physical and mental relaxation, which can help alleviate the effects of chronic stress and anxiety on the whole body.
  • Loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow, which improves overall circulation and decreases the chances of stroke-causing clots.
  • Alleviate chronic pain, which helps interrupt the brain’s “fight or flight” response.
  • Reduce anxiety before or after surgical procedures.

Some common side effects from traditional drug therapies used to treat heart disease can be treated effectively with massage.

  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches

Precautions

While massage is generally safe and effective, there are some cautions to keep in mind when working with cardiac patients.

  • Those on blood thinning drugs should avoid vigorous or deep tissue techniques, as these can cause bruising, inflammation, or tissue damage.
  • Massage is not recommended for those with low blood pressure.
  • Patients with a history of blood clots should avoid Swedish techniques.
  • Therapists should avoid manipulating the area around pacemakers, stents, or other implanted devices.
  • Patients with signs of congestive heart failure should start with short massages, and slowly work up to longer sessions, as tolerated.

Recent studies also who that consistent massage therapy can reduce blood pressure and heart rate. High blood pressure and rate are major factors in heart attack risk.

Patients who combine traditional medical treatments with massage techniques experience an increase in energy, physical relaxation, and mental focus. This can help them recover faster from surgical procedures, or avoid major cardiovascular events.