Stress Relief and Beyond: How Massage Therapy Enhances Well-Being
When many people think of a massage, they think of spas and health clubs. Massages have for a long time been viewed as a toll for relaxation. However, they are much more than that. Massage therapy offers many benefits that go beyond promoting relaxation. Massage therapy is an important tool in promoting both physical and mental health. Below, we explore some of the many benefits of massage therapy that many widely held misconceptions about this kind of therapy overlook.
Some Specific Conditions That Massage Can Help With Include:
Headaches
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Sports injuries
Nerve pain
Fibromyalgia
Digestive disorders
Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders
Postoperative care
Physical Benefits
Massage therapy offers many benefits for physical health. It can be used for treatment of specific ailments as well as for improvement of general physical health.
Physical Health Benefits of Massage Therapy Include:
Reduced pain and soreness
Improvements in mobility and flexibility
Improved blood and lymph circulation
Decreased inflammation in the joints
Reduced muscular stiffness
Improved sleep quality
Faster recovery of the body between workouts
Stronger immune responses
Mental Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is also a great tool for improving mental health. Even massage therapy sessions that are focused on improving physical health will help to improve mental health. In particular, many people leave massage sessions feeling more relaxed and less stressed or anxious.
Additional Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy Include:
Increased energy throughout the day
Lower levels of stress
Decreased anxiety levels
An increased sense of wellbeing
Improved mood
An increased sense of relaxation
After a Massage
Massage therapy offers people of all ages and physical conditions a safe way to meet their physical and mental health needs. However, it is not uncommon to first feel tired or even sore after a massage session. This is especially the case if you have never had a massage before or if it has been a long while between sessions. Your muscles have been manipulated and worked during the session. You may even feel like you just had a hard workout. Some people even experience symptoms such as nausea and headache.
While you may think you have been hurt during the session, this isn’t true. You will begin to feel the many benefits of the massage therapy session after a few hours or days.
There are occasions when the massage therapist may have pushed hard to release knots in the muscles. You may experience some discomfort. This is normal. However, if you are experiencing pain, you should speak up. Your therapist will adjust the pressure accordingly and ensure a safe massage that does not cause more harm than good.
Finding a Massage Therapist
Want to experience the benefits of massage therapy? It is important that you find the right kind of professional for the job. You should hire an experienced and registered massage therapist with current licensing and certification. Search for a therapist that can perform the specific type of massage that you’re in need of.
A skilled massage therapist is familiar with a wide range of massage techniques and their application. They are able to reach into their toolbox of techniques and incorporate various tools and techniques to help you meet your needs. They will respond to the needs of their client and modify the application of techniques based on the feedback received. Each massage therapy session is therefore unique.
Contact Higher Health Spine and Sport for access to a certified and licensed massage therapist Bellevue residents trust for great results. We provide massage therapy tailored to meet the specific needs and requirements of our clients. Contact us now to schedule your appointment.