8 Reasons Why You Should Consider Getting Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can boost your health in new and exciting ways. Recent studies about the impacts of massage suggest that’s a great therapy for several key areas. Let’s get the inside scoop on the benefits of massage therapy.
What’s massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a medical practice carried out by an expert physical therapist. Using the therapeutic power of touch, he/she will try to relieve tension, restore flexibility and improve comfort. The main goal behind massage therapy is to relax muscle groups and reduce pain.
Massage therapy can be highly personalized, depending on your personal situation. It may also be accompanied by other therapies, such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, or physical therapy. If you find it hard to schedule a time for a massage therapy appointment, consider getting an electric massager to supplement your visits in between your sessions!
8 benefits of massage therapy
Now that you understand what massage therapy is, it’s time to look at the top benefits of massage therapy. All these benefits can help boost your overall health and make adjustments so that they’re healthier than ever. Let’s take a closer look!
1. Reduce stress and anxiety
Massage therapy is linked to relaxation and stress reduction. If you struggle with stress on a daily basis, try massage therapy to help you stay stress-free. Use massage therapy as part of your routine along with other stress-reducing habits. Your emotional health will thank you.
Massage therapy does this in two ways. First, it lowers your blood pressure and stress symptoms. This is because high blood pressure is a common symptom of anxiety and/or stress. After a massage therapy session, researchers found that blood pressure was lowered. One study even discovered that only 15 minutes of workplace massage therapy can have a positive impact.
In addition, massage therapy reduces muscle tension for maximum relaxation. The atmosphere of a massage therapy session keeps the patient feeling relaxed, especially in his/her muscles. Studies that measure electrical activity in muscles found that after a massage therapy session, muscle activity was reduced by 25%. This kind of relaxation can really help those who struggle with stress and tension in their daily lives.
2. Soothe pain spots
Massage therapy is great for pain relief, especially to decrease stiffness. With massage therapy, your muscles become fluid and flexible. You’ll feel relief from any muscle tension. This kind of pain relief can be a lifesaver if you have a problematic pain area. Don’t forget to tell your massage therapist about any key areas, as he/she can assess it and address it during the massage session.
3. Prevent your next headache
Massage therapy is also good for preventing and relieving headaches. This occurs not only because of the stress-free atmosphere, but also because massage therapy specifically targets migraines. It can also help relieve pain related to tension headaches. If you suffer from migraines, massage therapy is an all-natural solution that could relieve your pain.
4. Straighten up your posture
These days, our posture is worse than ever. Now, we have to deal with “computer slouch” at the office, as well as an assortment of posture disorders. Often, bad posture is due to muscle tension and incorrect alignment. A massage therapist can relieve your stiffness and get your body back in balance. This will get you to straighten up and prevent postural problems in the future.
5. Boost motion and flexibility
Massage therapy can even boost your motion and flexibility. The power of touch promotes blood flow to your muscles, making them more flexible and improving range of motion. This is especially important if you’re recovering from an injury or want to prevent them in the future. These techniques can also strengthen muscle groups or prepare your body to stay flexible in any situation.
6. Help you get to sleep
Getting to sleep may be easier with massage therapy. You may find some benefits to adding massage therapy to your bedtime routine. Studies report that some massage therapy may improve sleeping patterns. Whether you struggle to get to sleep, you suffer from insomnia or you’re dealing with a pain condition, massage therapy can help. In one study, for example, breast cancer patients found significant relief from insomnia after massage therapy.
7. Strengthen your immune system
Moreover, your immune system is impacted by your stress levels and tension. With massage therapy, you can strengthen your immune system by boosting “natural killer cells,” which aid in fighting disease. This kind of immune system boost is good to avoid getting common colds and other nuisance illnesses.
8. Look at the big picture
In general, a massage therapist looks to balance your mind and body. This is done by looking at all health areas, including therapies, exercise, diet, and supplements. When it comes to massage therapy, you know that every suggestion may have a positive impact on your health in the long-run.
Find a massage therapist near you
In general, massage therapy uses a mind-body approach that can impact all areas of your health, including stress, pain, headaches, posture, motion, sleep, immune system, and the holistic picture. In addition, massage therapy can be customized to your specific medical situation and relieve any of your pain conditions.
If you’re interested in trying massage therapy, consult a massage therapist near you to start your personalized care.
About Dr. Brent Wells
Dr. Brent Wells founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in Alaska in 1998 and has been a chiropractor for over 20 years. His practice has treated thousands of patients from different health problems using various services designed to help give you long-lasting relief.
Dr. Wells is also the author of over 700 online health articles that have been featured on sites such as Dr. Axe and Lifehack. He is a proud member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. And he continues his education to remain active and updated in all studies related to neurology, physical rehab, biomechanics, spine conditions, brain injury trauma, and more.
