Welcome to Compassionate Touch Therapy

Benefits of massage  

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:

• Alleviate pain
• Improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers
• Ease medication dependence by reducing pain and inflammation.
• Stimulates lymph flow and supporting immunity—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Decrease depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Improve circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

• There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we use to describe it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
  
  Profound Effects
  In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

• Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
• Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
• Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
• Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
• Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Source: American Massage Therapy Association 2006