In the past the idea of a professional massage was not accessible to the typical Brit. Massage could be described as “exclusive,” considered primarily for relaxation. Yet, massage has continued to evolve from being a luxury into a well-known type of alternative and complementary therapy (CAM).
A Brief Introduction to Massage Therapy
Massage refers to the therapeutic manipulation by rubbing, pressing, and rubbing on soft tissue (muscles as well as ligaments and tendon) with the fingers hands, forearms, knees, elbows and more.
Due to a recent increase to popularity of massage therapy, there’s more than 80 different types of massage therapy you can choose from, each of which offers many different types of massage and methods. In reality, the market has grown to the point that there are now categories of massage techniques that are geared towards the whole body, whereas others are largely regarded as being appropriate for particular muscles.
The numerous benefits of Therapeutic Massage
Massage is one of the most soothing and relaxing experiences one can have. But the advantages of a good rubdown extend beyond relaxation and go further than you imagine.
A recent study suggests that half of the people who sought out an experienced Truro, Cornwall massage therapist in the past year sought out a massage due to medical or health reasons. However only 28% of those who sought massage were seeking massage for relaxation or relaxation in the same time frame. Why are so many people using massage therapy? Let’s look at the health benefits to discover.
1. Stress Relief
Since the beginning of time people have relied on massage to relieve stress. In fact, recent research shows that massage can significantly ease psychological and physical stress.
Studies have shown that massage therapy boosts the creation of endorphins (natural chemicals that improve your mood) serotonin, serotonin, as well as dopamine. It also reduces cortisol levels as well as blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen consumption, elements that are often associated with stress.
2. Reduces Anxiety
The feeling of joy after a massage doesn’t happen only within your head. Recent studies show that researchers are able to measure the effect massage can have on people who suffer from emotional trauma. Additionally, massage has been demonstrated to provide an effect of healing for people who suffer from anxiety.
As an example the study from 2004, released in 2004 by the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, found that breast cancer who were treated with massage therapy showed lower levels of hostility and anxiety.
3. Helps to ease Muscle Tension
The demands of modern suburban living has made Brits more anxious than ever, physically and psychologically. In the end, back injuries, joint stiffness and muscle tension are always in the ascendancy. It’s something that medical experts aren’t expecting to change. One factor which can help ease the strain of stiff muscles can be therapeutic massage.
Techniques like Swedish massages, for instance, have been proven to be effective in loosening muscle groups as well as ease joints that are stiff.
4. Improves Sleep Quality Overall
It is difficult to maintain good health without sufficient rest. The good news is that studies have found that massage therapy could greatly reduce the likelihood of insomnia. In addition, the effects that massage has on sleeping isn’t restricted to a specific age class.
A study in 2006 conducted carried out by scientists from The University of Warwick found that massage could help infants who were six months or less to sleep more peacefully and less cry. Tests on adults showed similar results, as shown by the results of a University of Miami School of Medicine study.
The research has also proven that massage improves sleeping because it helps by releasing serotonin which assists the body to achieve an euphoriac state.
5. Encourages Relaxation
Massage can help you relax by lowering the cortisol level and activating a range of brain chemistry reactions that lead to long time of deep relaxation.
In a study on studies of the “effects from massage on the immune psycho-hematological and psychological states of adults” researchers discovered that “massage can be used to induce emotional relaxation.”
6. Offers the Muscle and Joint Pain Relief
The evidence-based body of evidence that recommends massage therapy for the treatment of pain and inflammation in joints and muscles is solid.
If it’s back pain that is chronic as well as hand arthritis, knee osteoarthritis or another form of rheumatism, evidence suggests that massage not just decreases pain but also increases flexibility and overall performance.
7. The Lower Back is strengthened.
The past was that adults were extremely mobile all day long. But with our current lifestyles and the hours we put on our backs and necks while using smartphones or at our desks, those times are over. Unfortunately, many people suffer from lower back pain throughout their lives in this information-driven age.
However, it’s not all lost. Massage therapy has been proven to relieve back discomfort. In fact,
Based on The American Academy of Family Physicians patients with back pain experienced greater relaxation from therapeutic massage as compared to those who received an placebo.
8. Aids in Fighting Depression
Massage has been used for a long time to ease depression. However, recent research provides definitive proof that therapeutic touch can help people suffering from depression.
Additionally, there’s research that proves the efficacy massage therapy can reduce feelings of anger and pain. Reduces the intensity, frequency and length of anxiety attacks and mood shifts.
9. Increases Blood Circulation and Flow
Therapeutic massage improves blood circulation by redirecting nutrients-rich and oxygenated blood to and from our muscles as well as internal organs. This improved blood flow can lead to the growth, recovery, and healing throughout the body.
A study published in 2014 in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation discovered that massage therapy increased the general flow of blood. A prior research study that was that was published in Medical Science Monitor by Japanese researchers came to the same conclusion.
10. Helps with Sports Injury
Before massage therapy was able to make progress in the medical field professionals and coaches were already using massage therapy as a part of their exercise regimen.
Although evidence was at first sporadic but new research backed by reliable sources are bolstering up the efficacy of massage therapy for sports due to its scientifically proven effects on test subjects for medical purposes.
Additional Benefits of Massage
The benefits do not end with the ones mentioned above. There are many more. For instance, recent research studies have found a connection between massage therapy and improvement in cardiovascular health. For instance, a study that was published by The International Journal of Preventive Medicine has shown a marked drop in blood pressure following the professional massage. There are numerous other benefits of massage. However, the above points are the most often mentioned.
