Inflammatory Conditions

For ages massage therapy has been used in the reduction of pain and to help recover function in injured muscle tissue.  It was thought that the therapy, both in facilities and through mobile therapy services, would increase the blood flow and reduce the associated stiffness.  This would, in turn, ease the pain.

While patients reported significant benefits from massage in the treatment of chronic pain and issues with range of motion, the science remained a mystery.  Nonetheless, alternative medicine, including massage, has become an accepted practice.

In a study conducted by Mark A. Tarnopolsky, MD, PhD, of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and colleagues showed that heavily stressed muscles that were treated with massage therapy reflected biologic changes that indicated a reduction in the inflammation.  It also indicated that massage was associated with activating the signalling pathways.

Dr. Tarnopolsy and his associates studied 11 healthy, male volunteers.  Each man completed 15 minutes of intense exercise followed by 10 minutes of massage to one leg but not the other.  Specimens from each leg were taken two and a half hours after the massage.

Using current technology the tissue samples were tested and compared with the baseline studies that were performed at the onset of this study.  What they found was that there were genes that were reduced the inflammation.

All of this was reported in 2012 in MedPage and you can read more here.

In 2014, Dr. Nina Franklin and her associates at the University of Illinois at Chicago published a similar research report.  She looked at three groups of participants (a total of 36 people).  Her results showed higher brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) through ultrasound tests conducted 90 minutes, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours post massage.

Since there have been only a few studies, the benefits of massage therapy in reducing inflammation will continue to be controversial.  While there seem to be no definitive conclusions at this point, the reality is that these studies do exist and probably more will be undertaken.  Our modern technology is always improving and with time there will be authoritative studies published that will confirm significant treatment options for inflammation and massage therapy may indeed be one option.

However, if you feel you would benefit from massage therapy, contact us at RTM Ottawa.

We are happy to explain our process and book an appointment.  Since we offer mobile, in-home services, you can conduct your own tests in the privacy of your home.  There are a number of benefits as a result of therapeutic massage and one of our service representatives will be able to discuss your personal conditions and how we might be of help to you.  Inflammation is caused by a number of conditions like overexertion, injury, or even chronic conditions.