The Health Benefits of Massage

A professional massage can help bring on relaxation, but that’s not the only thing it’s good for. Believe it or not, massage therapy is associated with numerous health benefits. In fact, therapeutic massage came into existence as a way to ease pain, so it has a long history of use as a medical tool. When combined with other medical care, massage can be a natural way to treat certain conditions. But don’t worry: you don’t need a medical reason for a massage. If you just like getting massages because they make you feel good, that’s fine.

How massage therapy works

In all types of massage performed by a person, the therapist uses her hands to manipulate your body’s soft tissues. This not only feels good, but it also stimulates your body’s lymphatic system, increases circulation and eases muscles soreness. All of these results can help with the medical conditions listed below. Anxiety: Massage has been shown to calm anxious feelings in people going through withdrawal. It also can help people with documented cases of depression, eating disorders, and other medical issues in which anxiety is a factor. Poor circulation: A skillful massage can increase blood circulation in the body, which can lead to more energy, reduced pain, and better distribution of oxygen to the limbs. Sports-related injuries: Pulled muscles and torn ligaments are often treated with massage. Massage therapy can help increase blood flow to aching muscles, which leads to less pain. Immune system: In some studies, regular massage therapy has been shown to strengthen immune systems, making the body less prone to disease. Migraines: Massage is one of the best ways to treat migraine headaches, especially if they’re tension related. Regular massages have also been known to prevent headaches from recurring. Chronic pain: For people with illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, sciatia, and other painful conditions, massages can help ease pain. Frequent cramping: Massage can lessen cramps and spasms if performed regularly. Labor pains: In many studies, massage has been shown to reduce the pain associated with labor because it lessens tension in the body. Low self-esteem: Massage can help people with self-esteem issues, probably because it involves prolonged human contact.

Other benefits of massage

Massage therapy can help people unaffected by the conditions listen above too. It has been shown to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for moving waste through the body. Therefore, a massage is a natural detoxifier. Also, massage calms the nervous system, which is why patrons are typically left feeling calm and relaxed. Massage may be a natural remedy for high blood pressure too. Also, when performed in conjunction with traditional Western medicine, massage can hasten recovery time in most injuries.

How to use massage to treat medical conditions

First, always talk to your doctor before embarking on a course of massage therapy designed to treat a medical condition. Although massages are very safe for most people, there are some medical problems that make them unadvisable. Also, never use massage as your sole treatment for a severe problem. Massage makes a great treatment when used in conjunction with medical plans, but it shouldn’t be the only remedy used unless advised by your doctor. If you’re using massage for relaxation or to relieve minor muscle pain, it’s okay to go ahead and book treatments without the go-ahead from your family physician. But if you’re in doubt, see your doctor first. Most often, when massage is used to treat medical problems, the patient meets the therapist at least once per week. A course of treatment will be decided upon between the patient, the doctor, and the massage therapist. For chronic pain or stress relief, once per week is sufficient. Acute injuries may require more frequent visits.

Who should not get a massage

A few medical conditions make massages unadvisable because of the pressure they exert on the body. People with deep vein thrombosis, unhealed bone fractures, open wounds, a history of heart attacks, or severe osteoporosis shouldn’t get massages without a doctor’s approval. Cancer patients should avoid being massaged directly on tumor sites. Similarly, people with rheumatoid arthritis should be careful to avoid massages on the site of their pain. However, massage therapy can be a big help in treating both cancer and rheumatoid arthritis when performed correctly. In most cases, if the massage is given by a professional, there will be very little risk involved.

Where can I get a massage?

Most often, people get massages at day spas. Other spa facilities will offer massages as well; these include medical spas, resort spas and destination spas. Sometimes, a doctor will employ a massage therapist as well, in which case you could receive massages at your physician’s office. Sports facilities sometimes offer massages too, and they may be the best options for athletes seeking to benefit from the therapy.