Tested and Proven Benefits of Massage Therapy

STRESSED? Perhaps it is that troublesome neck and shoulder pain or that repetitive injury you acquired at work. 
Thinking about massage, just cannot seem to find a way to justify it?
I have GREAT news for you! 

The benefits of massage therapy run much deeper than just a “relaxing spa day.” As a restorative modality, massage provides many long-term benefits that reach far beyond your time on the table.
There are obvious benefits of massage, such as; reducing stress, relaxing muscles, and increased flexibility. What are the more elusive side effects? How can including massage therapy into your self-care routine bring more balance to body and mind?
If you are looking for proof that a massage improves your health, there is no trouble finding research to back up its benefits. From relieving muscle soreness after exercise to reducing stress, dozens of studies — extending back numerous decades — have associated massage with authentic physical and mental advantages.

“This research indicates that massage doesn’t only feel good, it also may be good for you,” said study researcher Dr. Mark Rapaport, chairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences, at Cedars-Sinai Los Angeles Medical Center.

Here are Tested and Proven Benefits of Massage Therapy:

You know you feel better when you go for a massage session. Sometimes you have more energy, and other times you are feeling ready for a good night’s sleep.  Why? What is happening inside, on the deeper levels of the body during and after your massage session?

Increases Range of Motion

Having difficulty reaching your toes? Taut, tense muscles can restrict the range of motion. Massage can elongate the muscles, allowing for more flexibility and mobility. It provides length in the muscle tissue, which can release the tension in the tendons and joints as well. Stretching connective tissue breaks down and prevents the formation of adhesions and reduces the danger of muscle fibrosis.

Massage Therapy Helps Improve Sleep

Who doesn’t want better sleep? As cortisol decreases and serotonin increases, the hormonal balance is conducive to improve sleep patterns. Combine that with the pain relief and nurturing essence you get from regular massage sessions, you improve your ability to sleep soundly through the night.

Massage Therapy can Improve Production of Blood Cells

There are times when it feels like everyone around you is sick, coughing, and sneezing. You take care of yourself, but you still feel like you are always fighting a cold.
Massage therapy stimulates the production of white blood cells, a critical factor in resisting infection, and combating viruses. According to research from Cedars-Sinai, participants in a massage group experienced significant changes in lymphocytes, which play a large role in defending the body from disease. A lymphocyte is one of the three subtypes of white blood cells in the immune system.
Massage therapy increases the number of red blood cells, especially in people with cases of anemia. 
With increased blood supply and nutrition to muscles without adding to their load of toxic lactic acid (produced through voluntary muscle contraction). Improved circulation and nutrition of all tissues is accompanied or followed by an increased interchange of substances between the blood and tissue cells, thereby heightening tissue metabolism. Massage thus helps to overcome harmful ‘fatigue’ products resulting from strenuous or repetitive activity.

Massage Therapy Can Decrease High Blood Pressure

Studies have shown a proven decrease in blood pressure for people receiving regular massage. The effects of massage remain for at least 3 days after the session. Therefore, the researchers began massage therapy as a useful healing intervention on improving the Blood Pressure of pre-hypertensive clients.

In a recent study in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers concluded that massage therapy could serve as an effective intervention in controlling blood pressure in pre-hypertensive women. The study showed that the immediate results of lowered blood pressure lasted up to 72 hours after the massage.  Full study »
A separate study in the same publication had similar findings; those that received regular Swedish massage therapy over four weeks had significantly lower blood pressure than those who did not have a massage.  Full study »

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are the hormones that mediate the fight-or-flight reaction. Reduction of their levels results in lower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and elevated glucose metabolism. 

Reduces Chronic Pain

The effects of chronic pain are real and often debilitating. Massage helps reduce the discomfort of chronic pain. This study shows that the combination of massage therapy into the pain care setting creates positive results in the recipients’ ability to deal with the challenging physical and psychological aspects of their health condition. The study confirmed not only a significant decrease in pain levels, but also relieves other aspects of pain such as increasing relaxation, improving sleep, balancing emotions, and speeding up the healing process.

Alleviates Digestive Discomfort

The National Institutes of Health estimate that 70 million people suffer from digestive disorders such as food sensitivities, IBS, and acid reflux, that present daily discomfort. While there are a variety of causes, and it is different for each person, there does seem to be a common trend: Stress. It may not be the primary cause of digestive trouble, though it can certainly make it worse. The stress reduction you get from massage can also signal the gut to settle down and eliminate efficiently. Massage helps flush toxins from your body, promoting more efficient digestion, meaning your body does not have to work as hard to process food and nutrients. Massage acts as a ‘mechanical cleanser,’ stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps to flush toxins and waste from the body.

Massage Therapy Helps Reduce Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand with stress, and stress can be an unavoidable part of our day-to-day lives.
Massage helps reduce Cortisol, the hormone produced in response to stress. When Cortisol levels decline, Serotonin levels rise. Serotonin is the ‘feel-good’ chemical that helps improve mood, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual desire.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy Are Plentiful!

Massage therapy is an incredibly beneficial complementary healing treatment. It can provide relief from a variety of physical, mental, and emotional ailments.

For best results, try adding regular massage into your self-care routine.

*As with any alternative therapy, it is advised that you advise your healthcare provider before seeking treatment. *All composed information should not be used to treat or diagnose. The views expressed are those of the author and should be attributed solely to the author. For medical questions, please consult your healthcare provider.