5 Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy involves manually manipulating the body’s soft tissues to lower stress, ease muscle tension, relieve pain, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. There are various types of massage therapy, and they each offer unique benefits. 

The providers here at Health Advantage Physical Medicine offer a full range of services to help restore function compromised due to issues such as injuries or conditions like arthritis. From acupuncture and massage therapy to cryotherapy and cold laser therapy, our team can help you regain feeling and functioning better. 

After a thorough evaluation, your Health Advantage Physical Medicine provider recommends the most appropriate approach for your individual needs. Massage therapy is an excellent, non-invasive option. We’ve put together some helpful information on just some of the benefits of this therapy.

1. Enhances chronic disease management

Massage therapy plays a crucial role in managing chronic diseases. By reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation, it can help relieve symptoms of conditions that cause pain. For example, five or more weekly sessions of massage therapy significantly improve pain, anxiety, and depression in patients with fibromyalgia. 

For patients with arthritis, massage therapy can lead to decreased pain, improved joint mobility, boost mood, reduce anxiety, and improve quality of life. Embrace massage therapy as a complementary approach to your chronic disease management plan and feel the difference it makes.

2. Speeds up injury recovery

Accelerate your recovery from injuries with massage therapy. It increases blood circulation to the affected area, which is essential for healing. Improved circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues, speeding up the healing process. Additionally, massage helps reduce inflammation and muscle tension.

3. Restores functionality and mobility

Massage therapy can help you regain lost functionality and mobility. It’s beneficial for those recovering from surgeries or dealing with conditions that impair movement.

It works by loosening tight muscles, improving joint flexibility, and enhancing the overall range of motion. Regular sessions can get you on the path to increased physical freedom.

4. Reduces stress and promotes relaxation

The ability of massage therapy to reduce stress and promote relaxation is well-documented. Engaging in this form of therapy activates your body's relaxation response, which helps to counteract stress. Because lower stress levels are linked to better overall health, incorporating stress-relieving activities like massage therapy into your regimen is highly beneficial.

5. Offers a non-invasive approach to pain management

Unlike some treatments that rely on medication or surgery, massage offers an alternative that is not only gentle on the body, but works with the body. It addresses the root cause of pain through natural, therapeutic means. 

If you're navigating the challenges of an injury or chronic condition, or simply seeking a non-invasive approach to enhance your health, talk to our team. To learn more and request an appointment, call us at our Pasadena, California office.