Updated: February 7, 2022
For years many of us associated massages with an expensive spa as a form of relaxation and luxury. The view of massage therapy has now progressed. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that massage therapy is used to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. Massage therapy, by definition, is a form of manual therapy that involves holding, moving, and applying pressure to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Massage techniques aim to manipulate muscles and other soft tissues on a person’s body, and methods vary based on how practitioners touch the body and apply pressure.
“Freedom of movement” is a Nesfield Performance focus, and we encourage our clients to take advantage of our massage therapy services, in conjunction with their training sessions, to help with reaching movement goals, address pain and recover from injuries. We offer deep tissue, sports massage, cupping, and rock blade/tape massage therapy sessions to our clients and are promoters of regular massage therapy sessions.
Explore more of the benefits of massage therapy below:
Massage Therapy Promotes Relaxation
One of the immediate benefits of a massage is the feeling of deep relaxation and calmness. Massages prompt the release of endorphins which are brain chemicals or neurotransmitters that produce feelings of wellbeing. Most people gravitate towards finding ways to relax, and massage therapy has long proven to be a way to achieve a zen-like state. While relaxation is one benefit of massage therapy, there are other physical benefits.
Massage Therapy Reduces Anxiety And Depression
Massage therapy promotes relaxation, and it also relieves depression and anxiety by affecting the body’s biochemistry. During a massage therapy session, there is typically an increase in serotonin and dopamine levels, which are neurotransmitters that help to reduce depression. The anxiety-reducing and mood-enhancing benefits of a massage are likely related to changes in EEG activity, decreased cortisol levels, and increased parasympathetic nervous system activity, which automatically calms the body and brain during stress.
Massage Therapy Increases Joint Mobility And Flexibility
Massage therapy is a practice that focuses on “working” muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints by using compression, kneading, tapping, rocking, and the use of pressure and friction. These techniques increase soft tissue temperature, promoting elasticity and reducing the constriction that adhesion and scar tissue can cause on soft tissue. The methods also encourage the removal of waste outputs from the muscles, which reduces swelling, and relieves pain and inflammation. After the massage therapy session, clients should experience increased muscle relaxation and an increase in blood and oxygen flow. Regular massage therapy sessions encourage your body to stay flexible and maintain your mobility.
Massage Therapy Reduces Muscle Tension
Many people suffer from muscle tension which is a condition that generates anxiety and stress on your muscles, making it very painful for your body overall. In some cases, it could affect your posture, cause arthritis and incite spinal injuries. Massage therapy could be one of the best remedies to help treat muscular tension because it improves muscle tension issues by decreasing the pressure applied on joints and reducing spasms. By scheduling regular massages, your body can return to its natural state without experiencing as much pain.
Massage Therapy Boosts Immunity
A balanced diet and a good night’s sleep are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, but massage therapy can boost your immune system as well. Massage therapy increases the activity of white blood cells that help our bodies fight diseases by decreasing pain, making it easier for your body to fight off an illness.
Consider making regular massage therapy sessions a priority to keep your body healthy and moving. If you are interested in more information about massage therapy, contact one of our trainers or schedule a massage appointment with us today!
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