Benefits of Massage Therapy

This is probably obvious, you might think. The benefits of getting a massage? Hmmm. Maybe it can make you more relaxed, more de-stressed, and more energized? But there’s gotta be more, you see, because some people seem to be crazy about it.  There’s gotta be some good benefits behind it though, as people don’t mind paying for a massage when they can just go home and relax in the bathtub, right? What are the benefits of massage therapy anyway?

Massage is a general term that means pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage, but may also use their forearms, elbows, and even feet. Massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. It is also increasingly being offered along with traditional medical treatment for a wide range of conditions and diseases today.

Massage is also an effective way to ease those sore muscles after a workout. Just 10 minutes can reduce inflammation, which can help your body recover faster for the day ahead. You do need to use those muscles even after a workout, right?

Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol too which results in lifted spirits and lower blood pressure. It can also boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in depression. In fact, in a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,  it was discovered that patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed and happy after getting a massage.

Good news for people experiencing back pain! A massage might just help solve the problem.  A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that massage therapy is as effective as other methods of treatment for chronic back pain. In that study, massage helped people in pain feel and function better compared to those who did not get any massage.

Prolonged sitting is the new smoking, they say. It is not only bad for your health but also bad for your posture. Good news is, massage can counteract the imbalance caused from sitting, which means you can keep your desk job as long as you get a regular massage and practice walking more often.

So see? Getting a massage does have many healthy benefits! You should get a massage now! We have a top 10 list of Massage therapists in your area, do check it out!