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6 Surprising Health Benefits Of Massage Therapy
Sure, it can help you relax. But massage therapy can do much more than that. Here are six healthy reasons to book an appointment
It soothes anxiety and depression
“Human touch, in a context that is safe, friendly and professional, can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing,” says Tanason.
Women diagnosed with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported being less depressed and less angry, according to a 2005 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience.
And, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed and happy, and had reduced stress levels after massage. |
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Massages |
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| Give your body the best of both worlds. This massage combines the relaxing elements of the Swedish massage with the revitalizing aspects of Shiatsu. While the Swedish massage increases circulation and soothes muscles, the Shiatsu technique promotes deeper relief and an overall balanced feeling. |
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| The salt scrub thoroughly and effectively removes dead surface skin cells to hydrate, and nourish your skin, leaving you glowing. |
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| Deep Tissue/Corrective Work |
50-min: $85 |
| If your lifestyle involves sports or you’re deeply stressed, this massage was designed to really loosen you up. This targeted massage focuses on specific areas for deeper relief using slow stroke techniques. The Deep Tissue massage will leave you feeling deeply appreciative of the talented hands of your Burke Williams therapist. |
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| Hot stone massage therapy melts away tension, eases muscle stiffness and increases circulation and metabolism. The premise behind hot stone massage therapy is that the direct heat of the stones relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist access to their deeper muscle layers. Combining hot stone with a full body massage provides a healing and effective experience. |
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10 Massage Package - 20% Discount
| Swedish |
| 80-min: |
$95 (hot stone included) |
| 50-min: |
$60 |
| 30-min: |
$35 |
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| Deep Tissue / Corrective Work |
| 80-min: |
$130 |
| 50-min: |
$85 |
| 30-min: |
$45 |
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- Hot Stone - $20 to add to any massage package
- Sauna Shower included with massage package
- (Only) Sauna/Shower for 1 hour - $30
- Monthly Membership Fee - $40 discount 20%
- Gift Cards available for any massage package
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- Swedish
- Deep Tissue
- Myofascial Release
- Zen Shiatsu
- Pregnancy Massage
- PNF Streching
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- Neuromuscular Therapy
- Sports Massage
- Aromatherapy
- MLD (Manual Lymph Drainage)
- Lymphatic Massage
- Energy Work w/Color and Crystal Therapy
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It counteracts all that sitting you do
“Most individuals are dealing with some kind of postural stress,” says Aaron Tanason, registered massage therapist, kinesiologist and owner at Paleolife Massage Therapy in Toronto. “More often than not [that stress] tends to manifest in the shoulders and neck.”
Desk workers, beware. More advanced forms of postural stress “show up as pain or weakness in the low back and gluteals caused by prolonged periods of sitting.”
Luckily, massage can counteract the imbalance caused from sitting, which means you can keep your desk job—as long as you schedule a regular massage.
It eases muscle pain
Got sore muscles? Massage therapy can help. “Massage increases and improves circulation, in much the same way rubbing your elbow when you knock it on a table helps to relieve the pain,” says Tanason.
A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that massage therapy is as effective as other methods of treatment for chronic back pain.
It soothes anxiety and depression
“Human touch, in a context that is safe, friendly and professional, can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing,” says Tanason.
Women diagnosed with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported being less depressed and less angry, according to a 2005 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience.
And, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed and happy, and had reduced stress levels after massage.
It improves sleep
Not only can massage encourage a restful sleep—it also helps those who can’t otherwise comfortably rest.
“Massage promotes relaxation and sleep in those undergoing chemo or radiation therapy,” says Lisa Marie de Miranda, registered massage therapist and kinesiologist at Paleolife Massage Therapy.
Also, if you’re a new parent, you’ll be happy to know it can help infants sleep more, cry less and be less stressed, according to research from the University of Warwick.
“Most RMTs can do infant massage,” says de Miranda. And if parents want to do it themselves, it comes naturally. “There’s not really a particular technique. Whatever parents normally do to soothe their baby will be effective.”
It boosts immunity
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage boosts patients' white blood cell count (which plays a large role in defending the body from disease).
It also “improves immune function for individuals with HIV,” says de Miranda.
It relieves headaches
Next time a headache hits, try booking a last-minute massage. “Massage decreases frequency and severity of tension headaches,” says de Miranda.
Research from Granada University in Spain found that a single session of massage therapy has an immediate effect on perceived pain in patients with chronic tension headaches.
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