.jpg)
When you think of a massage, one of the first things that probably comes to mind is relaxation. And while it’s true that massage is very effective at relaxing the body and removing tension from within the muscles, it also offers a wide range of other health benefits.
Whether you have physical or mental health issues, massage therapy is worth adding to your lifestyle. Decades of research have found that massage lowers blood pressure, reduces heart rate, and increases blood circulation.
Massages also increase endorphin levels, relax the muscles, and improves range of motion. Each of these benefits enhances your overall medical treatment regimen.
Here’s what you need to know about how massages can help improve common health problems.
Common Health Problems Massages Can Help With
1. Chronic Pain
Massage therapy promotes relaxation, which makes it a great option for reducing all types of pain. Whether you experience chronic back pain, pain caused by surgery, or pain caused by a workplace injury, massage can help.
Therapeutic massages promote blood flow to the painful areas of the body. It encourages the release of endorphins, which are not only mood boosters, but also serve as the body’s natural painkillers.
2. Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and migraines can be caused by many different things, but most are caused by stress and fatigue. Massage is effective at easing pain and tension. In turn, it can reduce the symptoms of headaches or prevent them entirely.
For migraine sufferers, routine massage may lower the frequency of your head discomfort, as well as improving your sleep quality.
3. Pregnancy
Carrying a growing baby takes a toll, especially after months and months. Pregnancy causes dramatic changes to a woman’s body that can lead to:
- Back pain
- Hip pain
- Neck pain
- Swelling in the legs and feet
Massage has shown to be effective in relieving these common health problems. It can also make expectant mothers more comfortable, which helps to promote higher quality sleep at night.
Prenatal massages also reduce stress, which can make the pregnancy experience much more enjoyable.
4. Anxiety and Depression
What’s amazing about massage is that it also benefits mental wellness. If you suffer from depression and/or anxiety, undergoing routine massages can help keep you feeling more balanced.
One study found that massage lowers cortisol levels in patients suffering from anxiety by up to 53%. Research has also found that massage increases serotonin and dopamine levels, which are typically low in those with depression.
By including massage in your health program, you can treat and even prevent all sorts of health problems. Contact Elements Massage today to schedule your session!