Surprising Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy dates back thousands of years as a method for healing. Starting in ancient Egypt, China, India, and Greece, originally, its early applications were focused on ailments such as pain and muscle tension. However, in the late 19th century, it shifted from being primarily a therapeutic approach to becoming a luxurious indulgence associated with spa services and catering to the affluent.
As massage therapy has continued to gain in popularity, it’s morphing back to its original intention of being a highly safe and effective treatment for its potential to enhance well-being, lifestyle, and mental and physical health. The rise of massage therapy centres like Mainway Physiotherapy is making this ancient practice affordable and available to anyone who is in need of pain relief, mental relaxation, and injury prevention or support.
How does Massage Therapy Work?
Mainway Physiotherapy’s Registered Massage Therapist, Claire Gavin shares insight on how massage therapy works.
Improve Overall Health with Massage Therapy
Regular massage therapy sessions are known to improve blood circulation by stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage. The pressure applied during massages helps stimulate the flow of blood through congested areas and delivers oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and organs more efficiently.
Improved blood circulation offers multiple advantages, including:
Helps heal wounds faster
A healthier heart
A sharper brain
Gives your skin a natural flush
Elevate Your Mood with Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has the remarkable ability to trigger the release of "feel-good" chemicals like endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. In doing this, it helps reduce the stress hormone cortisol, to effectively lower stress levels and alleviate depression symptoms over time.
In addition, the manipulation of muscles during a massage promotes increased blood flow, which, in turn, prompts the autonomic nervous system to stimulate the secretion of endorphins. The human touch in massage naturally elicits a soothing response in both the body and mind, aiding its therapeutic effects.
Massage Therapy can Improve your Sleep Quality
Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests 7 hours of sleep for a good quality of life? And only 1 in 3 adults fall within this recommended amount, leading to fatigue and potential health issues like insomnia?
Some of the common reasons that are hampering individuals’ sleep are stress and anxiety, excessive use of technology, caffeine and alcohol overuse, and poor sleep habits. Massage therapy can help improve sleep quality by encouraging a state of mindfulness and deep relaxation. It helps individuals disconnect from the day’s stress and prepare for restorative sleep.
Massage Therapy can Help Range of Motion
When muscles are tense, they are more likely to be tight and restricted, which can limit the range of motion. Massage therapy is effective in alleviating muscle tension by promoting relaxation, and enhancing muscle flexibility, thereby improving one's range of motion.
In addition, massage therapy increases blood flow to the muscles and other soft tissues. This helps to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, which can help to improve flexibility and range of motion and reduce the risk of injuries.
Massage Therapy can Help Reduce Headaches
In today’s fast-paced world, stress frequently catalyzes tension headaches. Additionally, tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles can also contribute to headache symptoms.
Massage therapists target these areas, helping to release muscle tension and reduce the stress that may trigger headaches. Better circulation also prevents blood vessels from constricting or dilating excessively, ultimately reducing the intensity of headaches.
Enhance Immunity with a Massage Therapy Treatment
High levels of stress can weaken the immune system. Over time, it makes the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Some studies reported, that regular massages can increase the production of white blood cells; a crucial component of our immune system that helps fight off infections and diseases.
Embark on a Transformative Journey With Mainway Physiotherapy’s Massage Treatment Plan
Massage therapy offers an accessible way to improve overall health and well-being, with numerous benefits from regular sessions. Mainway Physiotherapy aims to provide a holistic approach to well-being. Whether you seek to enhance your mental health, recover from muscle tension, or simply indulge in relaxation, our team of experts is here to help.
We invite you to experience the transformative effects of massage therapy at Mainway Physiotherapy. Your journey to a healthier, more vibrant you begins today.