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Lead Stories: Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Massage offers benefits for athletes and exercisers at all levels

Posted July 17th, 2007 at 9:00 AM by Bridget Sullivan

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab

Summer is the season of swimming, tennis, and being outdoors. But along with summer sports, the season brings sprained ankles, pulled muscles and shin splints. This summer, and all year round, athletes of all levels are turning to massage therapy to combat these mishaps.

Once considered an alternative medicine, massage has staked its claim to the mainstream. Americans make about 114 million visits to massage therapists each year, and spend about $6 billion total. Moreover, the American Massage Therapy Association reports that 2 million more people sought out massage therapy in 2005 than in 2004.

Robin Helton, massage therapy department chairperson instructor at Everest College, in Burr Ridge, Ill., says that the massage industry’s huge growth is about more than just our nation’s need for relaxation. “Medical professionals now recognize the benefits of massage, not only in alleviating certain medical conditions, but also as a form of preventative medicine, and a key to overall well-being.”

Massage Offers a Range of Benefits for Even Casual Exercisers

Read the rest of this article at our partner site: HerActiveLife.com

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