Relaxation and Stress Relief
The Benefits Of Massage
What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
- Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
- Ease medication dependence.
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
- Increase joint flexibility.
- Lessen depression and anxiety.
- Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
- 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.
A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Experts estimate that upwards of 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 sleep quality.
- Greater energy.
- Improved concentration.
- Increased circulation.
- Reduced fatigue.
Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
Profound 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.
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.
I did not know there are so many different benefits for massage therapy. I would like to reduce my pain in my back. I think it would be nice to strengthen my back.
I like that you included the benefits of massages for recovery. I think this is a big part of therapy and helping your muscles and joints improve fast. I know many athletes who use this method to increase recovery speed.
Hey Pat,
Nice post and well explained benefits of Massage Therapy. Apart from the mental benefits, there are some really good health benefits of Massage Therapy. Wasn’t aware of few of them, thanks for pointing out.
BTW, can I ask how many visits you recommend per month for a normal working class woman?
Regards,
Karen
My neck has been giving me a lot of problems lately. It was interesting to learn that a massage can help to increase joint flexibility. I hope this article can help us to get rid of the kink of my neck at the source.
Good blog on massage and its benefits! Massage is truly the best thing you can do for your mind,body and soul! Regular massages keep you healthy and your body in perfect homeostasis. Everyone needs regular massages in their life 🙂
Massage therapy sounds like it would be awesome. I love the fact that it can improve the condition of a person’s skin. It’s also great that it can help with flexibility, since I’m the least flexible person I’ve ever met.
I didn’t realize that massage therapy could actually reduce scar tissue and stretch marks. I have a lot of scar tissue, and I am always looking for ways to reduce it. I will have to give massage a try and see if it works for me!
My wife has been considering trying massage therapy to help her relax because she’s had trouble sleeping lately. I like that you mention how stress and anxiety treatments also can help give you more energy. A big part of anxiety is feeling low on energy so this might be exactly what my wife needs. Thanks for sharing!
My uncle has suffered from arthritis all his life and is trying to find an effective treatment. It is reassuring to know that massage therapy patients saw benefits. He will be very interested in this treatment.
It was helpful that you mentioned how receiving a massage can be a great benefit to your health. I like that you included that they can help to decrease anxiety and stress. My mother has been very stressed due to the start of her new job. It could be beneficial for her to consider getting a massage as a treatment option for her condition.
I liked that you had mentioned that a massage can lessen depression and anxiety if done correctly. This is something my wife has been struggling with and I feel as if she is always very anxious and recently she has been depressed after the passing of her father. I think I’ll be looking for a local company that my wife will be able to receive a massage from to help with everything.
I’m thinking of getting a massage therapist for my partner to treat his musculoskeletal issue brought about by the car accident he had. This article talks about ways on how massage therapy enhances physical well-being. I think I’ll go with my partner and try it for myself too!
I’m a professional athlete and I can say that my profession is quite stressful and getting massages is a great addition to my health care routine and also some sort of relaxation. I agree with the fact that massages alleviate the tensions we get from our lifestyle, plus it helps with the treatment of our sore muscles. Massages really improve our energy as well as enhancing the quality of our sleep. Thanks for the great read!
It’s interesting to learn that when it comes to getting a massage that there are a lot of different benefits that can come from having one done. I like how you mentioned that having one done will help lessen depression and any anxiety that I might be having. This is very encouraging so that I will want to go and have one soon.
I like that you mention that massages help reduce and manage stress, which can help fight against aging and fighting disease. My husband and I just moved and that process has been stressful. I think after we’re all settled in, I’ll treat myself to a massage.
I really like the benefit of increased circulation from massage therapy. My wife just recently had a baby, and after her pregnancy she has been complaining of pain in her joints from poor circulation. I will be sure to recommend to her that she finds a massage therapist in our area soon!
Having an enhanced quality of sleep is really one of the biggest benefits of getting a massage. Getting a good night’s sleep really sets you up for a better day as well. In my opinion, everyone should be getting massages regularly to help them with things like sleep and anxiety.
I like that you said that massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen. I am thinking about getting more massages because I think it would help my body recover better after my bike races. I think it would just allow me to relax a little bit more and also help make sure that my body is getting the care that it needs so that I have fewer injuries and sicknesses to worry about.
Thanks for pointing out the benefits associated with the massage therapy. Massage therapy not only influences the physical health of a person but also influence the mental health of a person. A person should undergo massage therapy to deal with depression and anxiety. Besides, massage therapy also helps to heal the body by improving the immune system. Cardiovascular and nervous system are two important benefactors of massage therapy.
Massage is one of the most efficient ways of relaxation. Especially when you are going to a skilled professional who knows what to do and how to do it right.
Massage therapy is very important to maintain muscle flexibility and get rid of trigger points. Getting a massage every 6 weeks really makes a difference and it is recommended for everyone!
Thanks for providing the benefits of massage therapy. It helps to cure from any muscles pain.The best thing about it is, there are no negative side effects to sound therapy.
I am Pamela Olsen a medical specialist and therapist. I always try to share my knowledge about the massage benefits which is very important. I am so happy that you are sharing such helpful information for massage. The benefits of the massage are very important and need of everybody for a healthy body.
Enjoying better sleep after having massage therapy really does feel like an amazing benefit. Sleep has been rough for me lately, and I’d do anything to finally get some good nights of rest and relaxation. If this can really help me, then I’ll look for a massage therapy parlor as soon as possible.
I like that you pointed out how a massage therapy could alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion. My back has been hurting quite a lot recently and it is starting to give me trouble even while sleeping. I don’t want this to continue any further, so I am thinking of asking for a massage therapy on my next day off.
Massage therapy can have many therapeutic benefits for seniors, including:
Pain relief: Seniors often experience chronic pain due to conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Massage therapy can help to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Improved circulation: Massage therapy can improve circulation in seniors, which can help to reduce swelling and improve overall health.
Reduced stress and anxiety: Massage therapy can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels in seniors, leading to improved mental health and well-being.
Increased range of motion: Massage therapy can help seniors to maintain and improve their range of motion, leading to increased flexibility and mobility.
Improved sleep: Seniors often experience sleep problems, such as insomnia or sleep apnea. Massage therapy can help to improve sleep quality and quantity, leading to better overall health.
Reduced symptoms of depression: Seniors may experience feelings of isolation or depression due to changes in their social lives or physical health. Massage therapy can help to reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall mood.
Increased social interaction: Massage therapy can provide an opportunity for seniors to interact with others in a positive and supportive environment, promoting socialization and reducing feelings of loneliness.
Overall, massage therapy can be a valuable therapeutic tool for seniors, providing pain relief, improving circulation, reducing stress and anxiety, increasing range of motion, improving sleep, reducing symptoms of depression, and promoting social interaction.
Thx
Stress has really been overcoming me lately, as both work and family issues have been taking their toll on me. I do think that getting some sort of therapeutic treatment will be a great way for me to handle that since it won’t cost as much as medication and it isn’t invasive. I’ll make sure I go ask a spa from the area to help me with regular massages for that for sure.