By: Katie Soyring LMT
Many people don’t think about massage until they are experiencing pain. However, research indicates that the benefits of massage go far beyond pain relief. The goal behind incorporating massage therapy into your treatment at Tennessee Integrative Health is to relieve soft tissue discomfort, improve range of motion, enhance blood flow to the injured tissues, decrease soft tissue adhesions, optimize spinal adjustments, and enhance physical function. Once you get on a regular massage routine, your body will feel a heightened sense of well being and health. Below is a list of the five main benefits of massage and how they apply to your everyday life.
Soothes Anxiety and Depression
Research proves that massage relieves depression and anxiety by affecting the body’s biochemistry. A massage releases increased amounts of serotonin and dopamine. These are two very important neurotransmitters, which contribute to feelings of well-being and happiness. Skin to skin contact during massage also is important because it causes an increase in the release of these neurotransmitters. Massage does not have to be strong pressure or tugging on muscles, it can just simply be light touch on the skin.
Improved Flexibility
Muscle tension is not an uncommon feeling after a long day of work, or a long day of travel. Massage helps to lower your chance of muscular injury by improving your overall flexibility, and maintaining blood circulation to your tissue. The more flexibility and blood flow within your muscular structure, the easier your body can recover from a long day in the office or an intense workout.
Increases Circulation
According to research, massage has great impact not only on blood circulation, but also on lymphatic circulation. This means better removal of waste and increased oxygen to the affected soft tissues. Intense training cycles or chronic repetitive overuse (e.g. slouching at a desk) causes microscopic damage to tissues and muscles. In order to repair the damage, blood flow must be increased to the affected areas.
Sleep Improvement
When you go to bed in a state of high tension, chances are you will not get a good night’s sleep. You may find yourself waking up multiple times during the night or having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. Massage can help improve your sleep patterns by reducing tension, while also promoting deeper and longer sleep.
Ease Muscle Pain and Decreased Tension
Massage is an effective way to alleviate muscular pain, whether it was caused by an injury or general overuse. Acute or chronic pain leaves you in a low mood, and oftentimes prevents you from being able to do your daily duties. Massage is proven to help with pain management, thereby allowing you to manage and perform your tasks with ease. Sometimes the stress of life can get the best of you, which makes being able to relax difficult. However, muscle relaxation is important for your well-being. A regular massage routine helps not only your body to relax, but your mind as well. When you can relax your mind and body together on a regular basis, you are allowing yourself to improve your overall performance.
Tennessee Integrative Health offers massage therapy as part of your comprehensive treatment. If medically indicated, therapeutic massage will be incorporated into part of your treatment plan. You are also able to book a private massage during non-clinic hours.