If you think massage therapy is just about relaxation, think again. Scientific research shows that regular massage offers a wide range of health benefits — from reducing chronic pain and lowering stress to improving sleep and supporting your immune system.
I’m Kathy, a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) at Sage Naturopathic Clinic in Oakville. With over 16 years of experience, I combine therapeutic, evidence-based techniques with a warm, client-focused approach to help you feel your best — body, mind, and spirit.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Massage therapy reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that improve mood and promote relaxation (Field et al., 2005).
Even one session activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping your body shift from “fight or flight” into a calm, restorative state.
Relieve Pain and Muscle Tension
Research shows massage therapy reduces chronic low back pain and improves function (Furlan et al., 2015).
Techniques include:
- Effleurage and petrissage
- Trigger point release
- Gentle stretching
Improve Sleep Quality
Massage can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer (Back et al., 2009). By reducing muscle tension and balancing stress hormones, massage creates the ideal conditions for restorative sleep.
Support Immune Function
A 45-minute massage increased lymphocyte levels, key immune cells for fighting illness (Rapaport et al., 2010).
Regular massage can help maintain overall wellness and resilience.
Enhance Mobility and Posture
Massage helps release tension, restore flexibility, and improve alignment (Weerapong et al., 2005).
Better posture and mobility can reduce daily discomfort and improve overall function. Ready to experience the benefits for yourself? Book a session today at Sage Naturopathic Clinic and take the first step toward feeling stronger, calmer, and more balanced.
Kathy graduated from Kikkawa College in 2008 and has been a dedicated RMT for over 16 years. Known for her warm, client-focused care, she blends therapeutic expertise with a compassionate touch to help clients feel their best — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
References
- Field, T. et al. (2005). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. Int J Neurosci, 115(10), 1397–1413. PubMed
- Furlan, A. D. et al. (2015). Massage for low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2015(9). PubMed
- Back, C. et al. (2009). The effects of massage therapy on sleep. J Altern Complement Med, 15(4), 387–392. PubMed
- Rapaport, M. H. et al. (2010). Effects of repeated massage on immune function. J Altern Complement Med, 16(10), 1079–1088. PubMed
- Weerapong, P. et al. (2005). The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, recovery, and injury prevention. Sports Med, 35(3), 235–256. PubMed