Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

By Ellen Foster, PT, DPT

At Beyond Exercise, a key component of our holistic approach to wellness is massage therapy. Whether you are recovering from an injury, dealing with aches and pains, or looking for a bit of stress relief, our licensed massage therapist, Ean, can help. He will tailor your session to your needs, combining techniques of Swedish, deep tissue, active release, and sports massage.

What conditions can therapeutic massage help with?

Low back pain, headaches, neck tension, arthritis pain, and tight muscles are common reasons someone might seek a massage. However, massage can be an important part of a rehabilitation plan when dealing with muscle strains, tendonitis, peripheral neuropathy, and sports injuries. By releasing tension and improving lymphatic flow, injuries will heal faster. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend the correct frequency of massage sessions

I’m not injured. What can a massage do for me?

Massage therapy is an essential part of a training program for athletes. Regular massages will reduce soreness, speed recovery, and decrease fatigue allowing you to reap the benefits of your hard work. If you are training at a high volume (5-6 days/week), we recommend a weekly massage, while training at lower volumes (2-4 days/week) may benefit from monthly or fortnightly sessions. If training leaves you feeling run down or sore on a regular basis, book a massage with Ean ASAP to get back on track! 

What if I’m not an “athlete?” 

Massage has a wide range of benefits! While the focus is often on the musculoskeletal system, according to the Mayo Clinic, massage may also reduce mental stress, boost the immune system, and improve sleep quality. Massage therapy has been in use for thousands of years and has long been known to be an effective wellness practice to support holistic health.