The Benefits Of Massage Therapy and Physical and Psychological
Therapeutic massage is useful for many of the conditions listed below and more, massage and bodywork treatments can:
- Relieve low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Increase joint flexibility.
- Lessen depression and anxiety.
- Ease medication dependence.
- Stimulate lymphatic flow and enhance the body’s natural defense & immune system.
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Prepare and help athletes of any level, recover from strenuous workouts.
- Improve the condition of the skin — the body’s largest organ.
- Reduce scar tissue and stretch marks, promote tissue regeneration.
- Increase flow of oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce adhesion and swelling after surgery.
- Reduce spasms and cramping.
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
- Relieve migraine pain.
Profound Physical Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:
- Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
- Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
- Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
- High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
- Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
- Preterm infants have improved weight gain.
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat post surgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.
Powerful Preventative and Recovery Resource
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen regardless of what it’s called (pampering, rejuvenating, or therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief or pain management) .
Experts estimate approximately ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:
- Decreased anxiety.
- Enhanced quality of sleep.
- More energy.
- Improved concentration.
- Increased circulation.
- Reduced fatigue.
Clients also report a sense of calm, more balanced perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance that bodywork provides can be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.