When you think of a massage, you probably think of a luxurious spa getaway with plush white towels and the sounds of a nearby tropical beach. But the benefits of massage therapy go way beyond a vacation treat. Medical massage in particular can often be used to treat chronic pain conditions. In fact, when surveyed, 92% of Americans who have had massages agreed that they were highly effective in reducing pain. Here are four benefits of massage therapy you may not have even been aware of:
1) It puts you in touch with your body. Sometimes, it’s hard to feel comfortable in your own skin, especially if you’re dealing with pain or recovering from a traumatic injury. A therapeutic massage helps you overcome that fear or insecurity. The power of human touch makes your more aware of your body and how it reacts and the pain you’re experiencing.
2) Deep tissue massage increases circulation so you get more blood, oxygen and nutrients to all parts of your body. This also helps get rid of any waste lingering in your system and removes the build up of lactic acid which is often the source of a lot of discomfort and fatigue.
3) It improves flexibility and mobility by increasing your range of motion. This is the most obvious benefit but it’s also the best. By relieving tension and getting the joints moving, deep tissue massage therapy can actually produce endorphins (yes, the same ones you get from running or working out) which help the body naturally reduce pain.
4) Trigger point massage therapy can lower your blood pressure, lowering the risk of future health complications that may arise from your current condition. Everyone has certain trigger points on their body that, when activated, cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Trigger point massage involves applying pressure to those specific points. While it may be tender and uncomfortable at first, you’ll feel a lot of relief when it’s all said and done.
To get the full benefits of massage therapy, it’s recommended that you get a 30 minute massage at least twice a week. You’ll be sure to see the difference, and life with chronic pain will become a lot more manageable.
