The Many Benefits of Massage Therapy
Did you know that massage therapy is more than a stress reliever? It also provides a tremendous amount of health benefits! Read on to learn more about the many benefits of massage therapy!
What is a Massage?
Before we dive in, it’s important to understand how massages work. Massage therapy works by using different pressures, movements and techniques to manipulate muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The pressure can range from light stroking to deep pressure and is beginning to be offered in conjunction with regular physical and mental therapies. Massages are performed by a licensed massage therapist.
What Do Massages Treat?
Massages frequently are used to treat pain and stress caused by a variety of medical conditions.
Common reasons for this type of therapy include:
- To reduce pain, tension, and sore muscles
- To improve circulation
- To reduce stress and promote relaxation
- To lower blood pressure and heart rate
- To improve the immune system
Studies have shown that massages can be helpful for treating:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Nerve pain
- Postoperative care
- Scar tissue
- Soft tissue strains and injuries
- Sports injuries
- Temporomandibular joint pain
- Upper back and neck pain
- Low back pain
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Physical Benefits
Massages are commonly used in medical treatment plans, helping patients return to their normal activities, especially after an invasive surgery or injury. However, there are many other physical benefits massages offer, which include:
- Less muscle stiffness
- Less joint inflammation
- Improved circulation
- Improved quality of sleep
- Improved flexibility
- Less soreness and pain
- Strengthened immune system
Mental benefits
In addition to the physical benefits a massage therapy provides, it also can provide numerous mental health benefits! These benefits include:
- Improved mood
- Improved relaxation
- Decreased anxiety
- Lower stress levels
- Improved relaxation
- More energy
What to Expect After a Massage
After you receive a massage, it is important to know that you may feel sore afterwards, but that is because your muscles are being worked by your massage therapist. However, massages don’t have to be painful to be effective, so if you feel as if your massage therapist is pushing too hard, simply ask for lighter pressure. You should be comfortable during your therapy session.
Finding a Massage Therapist
When choosing your massage therapist, make sure that they are licensed, certified, or registered.
A skilled therapist will custom tailor your treatment plan to fit your individual needs, and he or she will respond and modify these techniques based on your feedback. At The Wellness Center of Plymouth, our massage therapists are trained in a variety of massage techniques, each of which provides a different, customized client experience and outcome.
To learn more about our massage therapy services, visit our blog or schedule an appointment at the Wellness Center of Plymouth today.
