We all know that massage is good for us but for one reason or another it’s still viewed as a luxurious expense. Well I’m here to tell you not to hesitate to make it a part of your self-care plan.
I have 10 reasons that will inspire you to book with your massage therapist today…
Massage helps to treat some health conditions
Massage therapy can help with several common health conditions, some that you might already know about and others that may come as a surprise to you. If you deal with constant back, leg and neck pain – massage can help. If you have muscle tension or spasm – massage can help with that too. A good massage with a trained professional will provide the relief you need.
Massage therapy can be instrumental in relieving pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It is the most non-invasive, cost-efficient and effective long-term treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Massage therapy addresses the inflammation, pain and numbness associated with CTS by softening and lengthening the muscles and fascia of the neck, shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. This means that if the problem is addressed sooner than later it can help you avoid surgery. Now that’s a great reason to schedule now!
Massage therapy can also be beneficial for of chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, arthritis and some digestive disorders.
Massage can help to improve circulation
Massage therapy is great for boosting blood circulation, which helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients around the body more efficiently.
Massage can increase lymphatic flow
Your lymphatic system is a system of tubes and lymph nodes running throughout your body which make up an important part of the immune system. It helps to fight bacteria and other infections, and a healthy lymph flow also helps clear toxins from your body. You want to find a massage therapist that has specialized training in Lymphatic Drainage.
Massage can speed up post injury healing
If you think you overdid it during exercise (like I did) or at work, you’ll be glad to know that massage doesn’t just help reduce muscle soreness and stiffness, it can also break up scar tissue. Using massage as part of injury rehabilitation can increase healing rate and shorten recovery time.
Massage can help to increase your range of motion
Your massage therapist can utilize techniques to stimulate the production of lubricants between connective tissues and joints. When muscles are relaxed and increased in flexibility, range of movement around a joint is increased which improves flexibility and balance.
Massage can help you to improve your posture
Massage brings muscles back into balance by increasing circulation and reducing pressure on sensitive nerves. Relaxed, pain free muscles allow your body to position themselves in a more natural alignment.
Massage can give your immune system a boost
Massage is known to boost production of lymphocytes – the white blood cells which help fight off disease. Although a massage can’t guarantee you’ll never get another cold, there has been research that suggests it helps the body to fight infections and reduce the severity and duration of minor illnesses.
Massage can make you feel happier
The action of massaging the skin stimulates alpha brain waves, which are associated with relaxation, and promotes the release of endorphins – the body’s feel-good chemicals. According to the Touch Research Institute, research participants were happier after being massaged. The massages not only made them feel happy but also made them healthier.
Massage can help you to de-stress
Massage is known to help reduce cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone, so elevated levels are not good for your body at all. At the same time, massage has been shown to boost serotonin and dopamine levels, making you feel more relaxed and happy.
Massage could give you a better night’s sleep
Adequate sleep is necessary for healthy functioning, and quality sleep is vital to health and wellness. If you have insomnia or difficulty falling asleep - try a massage.
The National Institutes of Health has advised that massage therapy can reduce fatigue and improve sleep and, based on research gathered by the American Massage Therapy Association, massage has been shown to improve sleep in infants, children, adults, and the elderly alike, as well as individuals with psychiatric disorders, fibromyalgia, cancer, heart disease, lower back pain, cerebral palsy, and breast disease.