Massage Therapy

Massage is usually defined as "the systematic manual or mechanical manipulations of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxation of the muscles, myofascia, tendons and ligaments." Massage can be extremely effective and beneficial in treating chronic pain and stress, restoration of metabolic balance, blood pressure reduction, and many other proven medical benefits.

Science is proving that "touch" is a powerful healing tool for people of all ages. "Touch is medicine," says Dr. James Gordon, a clinical professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine.
It's also a ticket to staying well. In adults and children, massage has been shown to lower stress and anxiety while improving sleep and immune function.
Massage has regained respectability in recent years and now enjoys unprecedented popularity. Some 25 million Americans make 60 million visits to 85,000 practitioners each year. Those numbers do not include employees of the growing number of institutions -- including the US Dept. of Justice -- which offer massage in the work place. Massage is being used to boost athletic performance, reduce agitation in Alzheimer's patents and relieve stress at disaster sights.

Now science is confirming what we knew clinically. Studies have shown massage to have positive effects on conditions from colic, hyperactivity, diabetes, and migraines. Massage, it seems, helps asthmatics breathe easier, and boosts immune functions in HIV-positive patients. Massage also reduces cramping spasms, improves autistic children's ability to concentrate, lowers anxiety in depressed adolescents and reduces apprehension in burn victims about to undergo debridement (the painful procedure by which contaminated skin is removed).

Massage may increase the lymph flow rate. It enhances immune function and lowers levels of the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine. Massage also stimulates the vagus nerve, one of the major nerves that influence various bodily functions. One branch of the vagus travels to the gastrointestinal tract, where it facilitates the release of food absorption hormones like insulin and glucose.

The number of insurance companies covering massage for certain conditions is increasing but remains small. At Carrollwood Family Medical we are happy to work with your insurance coverage and bill directly to your carrier for you. Contact our scheduling staff for an appointment.