Work environments of all types cause strain throughout the body. Physically bending and lifting, walking or standing for hours, sitting at a desk or chasing rambunctious children all take their toll. Certainly pain relievers can help, but in most instances, they are just temporary fixes. And while a luxurious bubble bath and a sensual massage from a friend or partner will lift the spirits and feel terrific, the nagging aches and pains will return in a day or two.

A professional massage therapist provides much more than a "quick fix" pain reliever.

Regardless of age or gender, the benefits of a professional massage are numerous. In addition to alleviating soreness and stiffness which most people natually assume will happen, regular massages may also:

Relieve or reduce chronic headaches and migraines There is so much scientific research that massage eases the pressure brought on during a migraine or tension related headache that it would take days to get through it all. Concentrating on the neck, shoulders, and head, massage can decrease the pain or allievate the pain. Tension is one of the most common causes of headaches and massage, from head to toes, is a fantastic way to free the body of stress.

Help in the reduction of Hypertension (high blood pressure) This is another medical problem that can be caused by many factors, one of which is stress and tension. Please make no mistake; you must see your physician for this! Massage alone will not cure hypertension; however it will help provide a significant improvement in the reduction of tension and the blood flow throughout the body. Many changes will need to be made to improve high blood pressure, massage is only one.

Assist in injury rehabilitation and recovery Massage helps the body pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs improving circulation. This aids in helping the affected area to heal at an accelerated rate, effectually helping the body to rebuild itself. In addition to increasing circulation, massage improves muscle flexibility and range of motion by stretching connective tissue and removing fluid buildup in the tissue (known as edema). The manipulation of the injured area helps prevent the area from stiffening, as often happens when a part of the body is not regularly used.

Help with Anxiety, Depression and stress related insomnia Firstly, massage will not cure depression, it is only a step to help relieve it. Since depression can be caused by many factors, you must discuss your mental state with your practitioner and/or therapist. Having stated that, massage can help in numerous ways. Massage can lower cortisol (stress produced chemical) while raising serotonin levels (the happy chemical). It relieves tension, lowers stress, and studies have suggested it may even increase energy levels temporarily. Massage creates a mind-body connection and anything that helps do that can be helpful.

Aid in digestive disorders Colonic massage of your stomach can help to move stool along the inside of your colon (a process medically known as peristalsis, though referred to by numerous, less official terms). While this massage sounds intensive and possibly embarrassing, it is actually very basic movements performed on the outside of the stomach. It may help relieve symptoms of tightness, pressure, cramping and bloating. And it has been confirmed by many, many clients to be a very swift remedy.

Assist in the reduction of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome People who suffer from CFS suffer from extended periods of extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, headaches, sore throat, insomnia, painful lymph nodes, forgetfulness, and impaired mental functions. Although one million people are estimated to have CFS, there is no cure. Massage is one of the most recommended therapies since it can minimize anxiety and restlessness, often providing better quality of sleep. The physical manipulations of the skin and muscles help ensure good circulation, especially in people who are unable to exercise.

Lessen the affects of Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia syndrome affects muscles and soft tissue. Symptoms include chronic muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and painful tender points (known as trigger points). Massage will not replace a physician's diagnosis and medication may be necessary. In most instances however, lifestyle changes and stress management are necessary and regular massages can help in those treatments.

Decreases Myofascial Pain Syndrome Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder. In myofascial pain syndrome, pressure on sensitive points in your muscles (trigger points) causes pain in seemingly unrelated parts of your body. This is called referred pain. Myofascial pain syndrome typically occurs after a muscle has been contracted repetitively. This can be caused by repetitive motions used in jobs or hobbies or by stress-related muscle tension. Signs include: a deep, aching pain in a muscle that persists or worsens, a tender knot in a muscle and difficulty sleeping due to pain. In most cases, therapeutic massage can alleviate the trigger points. However, you should see your practitioner if your pain persists after massage and rest.

Modulate Temporomandibular Joint Pain Temporomandibular disorders (sometimes referred to as TMJ) include problems with your jaw, the joint itself and the muscles in your face that control movement. While no one is certain what causes this, injury to your head or neck, teeth grinding (which can be caused by stress) and/or joint arthritis of the disk in the socket. Dentists recommend a kneading, friction or stretching massage, however if the pain persists for too long, please visit your dentist as more invasive options are available.

Emotional release and personal touch Human beings, whether they are willing to admit it or not, have a deep need for physical contact. Massage therapy provides this. Skilled hands and an understanding touch can often trigger strong emotions that have become stored in the body, often manifested as tension, pain, or dysfunction. The release of stress and muscle tension can bring an emotional release and it is not unusual for this to manifest in tears. Rather than displaying weakness or causing embarrassment, is actually a form of emotional healing and perfectly natural.

Just a word of warning... for your own health and safety, please only engage a professional, licensed massage therapist. There are many dangers and hazards that may be caused by misinformed "therapists." For example, pressure applied too deeply or forcefully will have the exact opposite effect of what you want. The body automatically tightens to resist too much force, thereby adding irritation and/or pain to an already painful area. Massage oils and creams are not all created equally. Allergens in the chemical, unknown by the "therapist," can cause allergic reactions including burning and rashes or reactions even more severe. Moreover, why pay for a service that will not provide the desired effects that you want and need?

A professional therapist must complete an intensive, hands-on course of study by an accredited college and display a current practicing license. They must abide by strict ethical codes of conduct, Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics mandated by the American Massage Therapy Association and the state of Ohio. They must have a current first aid certificate. Furthermore, since science is ever changing and more is learned about the body on a daily basis, professional massage therapists are required to attended continuing classes per year.