Massage therapy has been around for centuries. But does it actually work and if so, how? In this article, we discuss the many benefits of massage and how this widely-used therapeutic technique works to relax muscles, improve circulation, and ultimately, lead to a more pain-free life. Whether you sit at a desk all day and experience tightness in your neck and shoulders or you simply want to prevent injuries and recover at a faster pace, massage therapy can help.
Certified massage therapists will be able to analyze and issue comprehensive massage therapy treatment plans for all of their patients. Depending on your particular situation, your massage therapist will recommend a Swedish, deep-tissue, or sports massage program that fits your schedule and needs. Full-service chiropractors also typically offer massage therapy as a supplemental therapy method.
Continue reading to learn how massage therapy works.
What Is the Relaxation Response?
Massage therapy can cause an increased sense of relaxation. This sense of relaxation can potentially lead to a slower breathing and heart, decreased blood pressure, reduction of stress hormones, and muscle relaxation.
It can also increase the level of serotonin, but more research is needed to determine the validity of this pain. Massage therapy can also potentially reduce the adverse effects of stress and the associated risks of stress, such as hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety, insomnia, persistent fatigue, sexual dysfunction, digestive disorders, and psychological issues.
Improved Blood Circulation
Massage therapy increases blood and lymph circulation. For those who sit at a desk for long periods, massage is similar to a stress-less physical workout because it moves fluids and flushes the body. Improved circulation also improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles throughout the body.
Well nourished, highly functioning cells lead to a more efficient waste removal system and can even reduce swelling in soft tissues.
What Are the Different Types of Massage?
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a gentle massage technique that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, and vibration.
Deep Massage Therapy
Deep massage therapy uses a slower, more forceful massage therapy to reach layers of muscle and connective tissue otherwise not reached. Deep massage therapy can also be used as a technique to remove scar tissue after surgery.
Sports Massage
Sports massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but it’s intended primarily for people involved in sports and can help prevent or treat injuries.
Trigger Point Massage
Trigger point massage focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that accumulate in your muscles after injuries and overuse.
What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
Massage is typically considered part of integrative medicine and it is usually offered in conjunction with other standard treatments for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.
Some of the benefits of massage include:
- Reducing stress and increasing relaxation.
- Reducing pain and muscle soreness and tension.
- Improving circulation, energy, and alertness.
- Lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
- Improving immune function.
More research is needed to confirm these benefits, but studies have already found evidence supporting massage can be helpful for the following possible ailments:
- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia related to stress
- Low back pain
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Nerve pain
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries
- Temporomandibular joint pain
- Upper back and neck pain
Massage therapy can be an excellent remedy for anyone outside of whether they have specific conditions or diseases. It produces feelings of caring, comfort, and connection for anyone. Despite its benefits, massage isn’t intended as a replacement therapy for routine medical care. You should consult your doctor before committing to a massage therapy treatment plan.
What Are the Risks of Massage Therapy?
While there are numerous benefits to massage therapy, there are also some risks to consider when determining whether it’s the right form of treatment for you. Most people can benefit from massage. However, massage may not be the most advisable form of therapy:
- Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medications
- Burns or healing wounds
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Infections
- Broken bones (fractures)
- Severe osteoporosis
- Abnormally low platelet counts (severe thrombocytopenia)
You should discuss whether massage therapy is right for your condition. Some forms of massage therapy can also leave you feeling sore. However, massage therapy itself shouldn’t cause prolonged pain. If your massage doesn’t feel right or it is abnormally painful, you should tell your massage therapist right away.
What Can You Expect From Massage?
You don’t need to prepare anything special for your massage. Before your massage therapy session, your massage therapist should ask about any symptoms you might be feeling. Your massage therapist should also explain the best type of massage therapy for your condition.
Depending on your preferences, your massage therapist will give you the option to use lotion or oils that reduce friction on your skin from the kneading and rubbing. You can tell your massage therapist whether you are allergic to those lotions and oils.
Massage sessions last anywhere from 10-90 minutes depending on the type of massage and the amount of time you have. No matter the type of massage you receive, you should feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the session.
If massage therapists push too hard, then you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for them to apply less pressure. You might have a more sensitive spot in your muscles that becomes tight over time. When your massage therapist works these knots out, it will likely feel uncomfortable. But if it becomes painful, you shouldn’t hesitate to tell your massage therapist.
Conclusion: How Does Massage Therapy Work?
When deciding whether massage therapy fits your preferences for treatment, there are a few things to consider. First, you should consult your doctor about whether massage treatment fits your medical history. Next, you should research to determine the best massage therapists in your area.
Your prospective massage therapist will be able to issue a comprehensive massage therapy program that fits your needs. Whether you have sustained an injury or you’re just looking to experience some of the benefits associated with receiving continuing treatment, massage therapy offers numerous potential benefits to ensure you lead a more pain-free lifestyle.
