Benefits of Massage Therapy

The benefits of massage therapy are numerous. Massage therapy is becoming more and more popular as a way to relieve stress. If you have ever wanted to try massage therapy, it is important to know the benefits of massage therapy for you personally.

Massage therapy lower stress levels

One of the many benefits of massage therapy is that massage therapy can lower stress levels. We live in a stressful society and stress relief is a way of life that without it, we may not be able to function in the world as well as we can.

What causes stress? Any of the following reasons can overwhelm us and can cause us stress.

• meeting deadlines,
• parenting,
• vying for promotions and
• maintaining a pleasant home environment

How is stress manifested?

Stress is manifested by

• irritability,
• depression,
• headaches,
• upset stomach,
• rashes,
• insomnia,
• ulcers,
• high blood pressure,
• heart disease and
• stroke. 

The benefits of massage therapy could be an important link in decreasing our stress. Massage therapy is the combination of science and art that provides a relaxing healing of tense muscles and many other conditions.

What are the Benefits of Massage Therapy? How Can Massage Therapy Help Me?

There are many benefits of massage therapy.  Depending upon your need, your licensed massage therapist can help you through:
(1) increasing blood circulation among vital organs,
(2) stimulation of the lymph system to increase resistance to disease,
(3) helping in releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers,
(4) relieving migraine headaches,
(5) relaxing tense muscles,
(6) lowering levels of stress hormones,
(7) relieving symptoms of chronic pain from fibromyalgia, and
(8) calming and soothing emotions such as depression and anxiety.

Your skilled licensed massage therapist will evaluate your symptoms and explain the benefits of massage therapy and how it can help relieve physical and emotional pain.  Many physicians understand the benefits of massage therapy and will suggest that some patients see the services of a licensed massage therapist.  Patients with chronic headaches, fibromyalgia, lower back and neck pain, hypertension, depression and anxiety very often find relief through the benefits of massage therapy.

Benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy

A unique benefit of massage therapy is helping women in the last two months of pregnancy.  Massage therapy often helps to shorten labor, reduced vaginal tearing, minimizes the need for medication during and after labor, reduces depression and anxiety of first-time mothers, and shortens hospital stays.  Obstetric physicians support the patient’s involvement in massage therapy, understanding its many benefits.

Massage therapy gives the patient a sense of general well-being through the licensed massage therapist’s caring, nurturing touch and the relaxing environment of the massage room.  In a relaxed state of body and mind, the patient’s capacity for calm thinking rather than impulsive thoughts and behavior steadily increases.

Another benefit of massage therapy is relieving post-surgical pain, increasing healing time, and reducing the formation of scar tissue.  This is essential in sport medicine; athletes who suffer from injury and must have surgery.  Massage therapy reduces post-operative pain and swelling and releases endorphins that shorten recovery time.  It can also increase athletic performance and improves joint flexibility.

Is Massage Therapy Right for Me? Will Massage Therapy Benefit Me?

First, talk with your physician to make sure that massage therapy won’t interfere with your traditional medical care.  Then there is only one way to determine if you benefit from massage therapy.  Many physicians and physical therapists maintain a directory of licensed massage therapists and can refer you to a capable professional.  Trying massage therapy will cause you no harm, and only you can determine if the benefits of massage therapy are helpful for you.