FACTS:What is Massage Therapy? Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissue and joints of the body. The soft tissue include muscle skin, tendons and associated fascia, ligaments and joint capsules. Massage has many diverse physiological effects, which are primarily due to the therapists hands moving over the body. The different movements can physically stretch muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia, encourage the circulation through the tissue, inhibit muscular spasms and be either sedating or simulating to the nervous system. The therapeutic use of massage by a licensed massage therapist affects all systems of the body - in particular, the muscular, circulatory, lymphatic (immune) and nervous systems. No wonder so many people find massage therapy so helpful in so many ways! What is a Licensed Massage Therapist? Massage therapy is a regulated health profession. Massage therapist have completed many hours of education at accredited schools and have extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, assessment, bodywork techniques and pathology to know when massage is or is not suitable. A growing number of states and provinces now require licenses for massage therapist. Licensed massage therapist must uphold specific standards of practice and codes of ethics in order to hold a valid license. In order to become a licensed massage therapist, most states and provinces require you to pass specific government board examinations, which consist of a written and a practical portions. After passing the board exams and obtaining liability insurance, you will be entitled to carry a valid massage therapy license. When you receive your license, you will be given a registration number. A licensed massage therapist is covered under most health insurance
plans. However, it's advisable to check your policy for current
coverage, since many plans require people to get a referral from
another health care provider first. Massage Therapy and Stress Reduction Prolonged periods of stress can subconsciously affect many systems of the body. Stress has been shown to aggravate, or even cause, such problems as heart disease, gastrointestinal disorder, memory loss and decreases immune function. Massage therapy is one of the best antidotes for stress. Massage boosts the body's immune system, which can become compromised from extended periods of stress. Tension can build up in the muscles, causing a decease in circulation and nutrient delivery to tissue. Manipulation of the soft tissue decreases muscular tension, increases removal of metabolic waste and promotes nutrient delivery to healing tissue. With a therapeutic massage, stress can be significantly reduced.
This in turn, will increase energy, improve your outlook on life, and
in the process boost your immune system function. Benefits of Massage Therapy Many of today's health problems can benefit from massage therapy because the manipulation of soft tissues affects so many of our bodily systems. The benefits of massage are extensive. Massage therapy treatments will have a therapeutic effect and improve health by acting directly on the muscular, nervous, circulatory and lymphatic (immune) systems. Massage treatments aim to:
Massage therapy is also effective in the control of pain chronic or acute, stress reduction, and creating a sense of relaxation and well-being. I'm a LMT. What Now? There are endless opportunities for the ambitious LMT! We offer assistance in job placement.
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