Benefits of Massage Therapy

Life can be stressful and overwhelming, especially these days where it is more important than ever to take care of yourself. To some, massages might still seem like a luxury, but in recent years massage therapy has become a common treatment option for those seeking stress relief, muscle relaxation, and wellness. We are proud to offer massage therapy to our patients in need. If you’re curious about massage and its benefits, look no further!

WHAT IS MASSAGE?

Massage is manual or machine-assisted manipulation of muscle and soft tissues through pressure to relieve muscle tension, pain, and stress. The pressure may range from light kneading to more forceful strokes to target deeper within the body.

There are various forms of massage such as deep massage, Swedish, prenatal massages, sports therapy massage, and muscle recovery. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your systems and goals of treatment before deciding which would be right for your needs and lifestyle.

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

Stress Relief- With work, school, relationships, and the day-to-day grind it can be hard to find ways to unwind and relax. Though stress can seem like an emotional or mental health concern, it can begin to affect your physical health as well with tense or stiff muscles. Studies have shown that massage therapy can alleviate muscle tension and reduce your stress levels by boosting the production of dopamine and serotonin levels. Essential oils used for aromatherapy or to soothe your muscles as healing hands work over them can also help to provide an atmosphere of relaxation during your massage.
Muscle Relaxation- As stated above, the art of massage is known to ease sore and aching muscles and joints from both chronic and acute pain. With regular treatment, massage can relax your tissues and reduce nerve compression caused by stiff and contracted muscles which can lead to unwanted aches and pains. Research also shows that massage can help to improve blood flow allowing oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to flow better toward damaged tissues.
Sleep Aid- Everyone knows sleep is important, but we understand it can be hard to get a good night’s rest, especially if you find your body feeling stiff or full of anxiety. Regular massages can ease tension with its relaxing and stress-relieving properties helping you to achieve better sleep.
Improves Posture- Many of us are guilty of slouching, hunching over our desktops, and craning our necks to look down at our phones. These bad habits can lead to poor posture which can put stress on our back, neck, and shoulder muscles leading to unwanted aches and pains. Massage can loosen and relax your muscles to prevent hunched or crooked shoulders. If you suspect a misalignment and are seeking professional help, we do want to make note, we are not doctors trained in correcting spinal alignments and ask that you please speak with your doctor for more information.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Before your massage, we may ask you to undress or wear loose-fitting clothing depending on your type of massage. We will wait outside until you are comfortable and cover the parts of your body we are not actively massaging with a towel or soft blanket. Depending on your type of massage, we may use oil or lotion to reduce friction against your skin. The length of your massage will depend on how much time you have and what massage you chose, but regardless of your selection, our highly trained staff will ensure you have a soothing experience under our care. If you feel that our massage therapist is massaging too hard or soft, ask for them to change the pressure. If you have a knot, it can be uncomfortable but if it becomes painful, please let us know.

Massage therapy is not only a great way to reduce your stress levels but also a wonderful way to pamper yourself with self-care. If you believe that you could benefit from massage therapy or would like to know how our services can help you, contact Health Advantage Physical Medicine today for more information.