What are some of the main benefits of massage therapy?
There’s a good chance that everyone reading this has multiple massages. But most of those have probably been at a non-professional level, given by someone they knew just for fun.
The truth is that massages are serious business when done right because they can alleviate many physical and mental issues that millions of people suffer from today. To give you an idea of why these treatments are so popular, let’s take a look at nine benefits of massage therapy.
Reduces Muscle Soreness
Perhaps the most recognized and common of all the benefits of massage therapy is the fact that it reduces muscle soreness and tightness. That’s why friends and loved ones will often give each other massages. But professional massage therapy goes much further in relaxing your muscles to assist with stiffness and pain relief.
Improves Your Body’s Circulation
Millions of people suffer from poor circulation, which is definitely something that massage therapy can improve. Massage increases blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles and other tissues in your body. Better circulation helps reduce swelling and inflammation from injuries and general body issues.
Lowers Stress and Anxiety Levels
Stress and anxiety can bring even the strongest individuals to a complete standstill in their personal and professional lives. Massage is great at reducing tension in the body, which will help you relax and reduce your level of stress. It also increases the production of serotonin and dopamine, both of which regulate mood.
Improves Flexibility & Range of Motion
With so many people working desk jobs where their muscles and joints don’t get as much work as they should, it’s easy to lose flexibility. Massage therapy loosens up tight muscles and soft tissues, which will improve flexibility and range of motion in the joints. Not only will this help improve your athletic performance, but it can also reduce risk of injury.
Strengthens Your Immune System
Many people don’t think about the effects of massage therapy and other forms of treatment on their immune systems. The reality is that getting a professional massage will increase the activity of your body’s white blood cells, which basically act as your immune system’s foot soldiers. This makes it easier for your body to fight off illness and disease.
Increases Your Mental Clarity
Many people understand the physical benefits of massage therapy, but they don’t realize the mental benefits. Believe it or not, getting massages on a regular basis will actually help you focus and think more clearly. Massage therapy achieves this by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. While this isn’t a replacement for mental health treatment, it’s definitely a useful tool.
Helps You Get a Better Night’s Sleep
Not getting a good night’s sleep is basically a pandemic at this point. Talk to just a few friends, and you’ll find at least a few who will tell you that they’re either not sleeping enough or not getting good sleep. Massage therapy will help you relax and relieve stress, both of which can improve the amount of sleep you’re able to get and the quality of your sleep.
Improves Your Mood
Anyone who’s ever had a massage, even a non-professional one, knows it puts you in a better mood. People don’t really need a scientific or medical explanation of why this happens. But, just in case anyone asks, the physical sensation is only one reason. The other is because it produces the aforementioned serotonin and dopamine, both of which boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Speeds Up Injury Recovery
Many athletes swear by massage therapy because it can help them with their performance. That’s because it reduces muscle tension, improves flexibility, and promotes faster recovery after workouts. But it also helps speed up injury recovery. Whether you’re an athlete or a person who’s been in a car accident or otherwise been injured, getting regular massages will get you feeling normal again much sooner.
Contact East West Healing Solutions to Reap the Benefits of Massage Therapy
East West Healing Solutions can help you reap the benefits of massage and medical massage therapy. If you have any questions about our services or would like to receive a free, no-obligation consultation, contact our friendly staff at (727) 216-3972 today.
