Benefits of Routine Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a very popular form of non-invasive treatment during which your therapist manipulates the soft tissues of the body in order to create a range of benefits. While massage therapy can help with specific health problems, it is also well known for being an effective way of improving overall wellness.

Massage isn’t a new therapy but has been around for thousands of years. Nevertheless, it has continued to evolve and today, there are many different massage techniques that are used, with certain types being particularly beneficial at treating specific ailments. Most people who think about massage therapy are thinking of Swedish/classical massage. This is where long strokes of moderate pressure are used to manipulate the body tissue. Alternative varieties include deep tissue massage, trigger point massage and sports massage. Your therapist at Weierstahl Chiropractic Clinic will be able to advise you about the type of massage therapy that best suits your needs. It’s important to bear in mind that the type of massage that you find most beneficial may vary over time.

 

What are the benefits of routine massage therapy?

Getting regular massages may seem like a bit of a luxury, but actually, it could make a huge improvement to your overall health and happiness. Here are some of the key benefits of routine massage therapy.

Reduced stress

Most of us experience periods of stress during the course of our lifetime. Unfortunately, the long-term effects of stress can have a very physical and emotional toll, causing issues such as digestive upset, headaches and sleep problems. Regular massage has been shown to help reduce and relieve stress and the symptoms associated with it.

Manage pain without medication

Massage is exceptionally beneficial for helping to relieve pain naturally without medication. This is because it encourages blood flow, sending oxygen and nutrients around the body to areas that require healing, reducing inflammation and stiffness. It also prompts the body to release natural pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins, which can ease discomfort and leave you feeling good after your massage.

Boost your immune system

Medical research has indicated that regular massages can help boost the strength of your immune system. It does this by increasing the activity level of the body’s natural ‘killer T cells’ which fight off viruses.

Improved sleep

Getting plenty of good quality sleep is essential for being able to live an active and full lifestyle. Without it, our ability to perform even the most simple day to day functions can be impaired, along with affecting things like our mood, memory and more. Many people doze off on the massage table, and this is because massage relaxes the body and makes it easier to fall and stay asleep.

Ease distressing medical treatments

Massage therapy is regularly recommended for people who are undergoing treatment for serious health problems, such as cancer. This is because studies have found that getting massages can help to reduce side effects from many treatments, including fatigue, nausea/vomiting, anxiety and aches and pains.

Eliminate headaches

Headaches are extremely common, and most of us will experience them fairly regularly during our lifetime. Massages have been proven to both reduce the instances of severe headaches and migraines, and the amount of pain each causes.

Feel happier
 

Anxiety and depression are extremely common and, in many cases, can be just as debilitating as physical disabilities. Massage therapy reduces levels of cortisol in the body, which is a hormone known to cause stress. It also increases the production of serotonin and dopamine – two chemicals that can help you to feel calmer, happier and more relaxed.

If you’d like more information about the benefits of massage therapy, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable team at Weierstahl Chiropractic Clinic in Owosso, Michigan at (989) 723-8864.