A few years ago having a massage from a professional was not accessible to the common Brit. Massage is “exclusive,” considered primarily for relaxation. But, massage is continuing to transform from being a luxury into a well-known method of complementary and alternative medical treatment (CAM).
A Short Overview of Massage Therapy
Massage is the manipulation for therapeutic purposes by rubbing, pressing, and rubbing of the soft tissues (muscles as well as ligaments and tendon) with the fingers and hands, forearms knees, elbows and so on.
With the recent surge of popularity more than 80 different types of massage therapy that you can pick from, each of which offers many different types of massage and methods. In fact, the field has evolved to the point that you can now find a variety of massage therapies which are suitable for the entire body, whereas others are generally regarded as being suitable for specific muscles.
The many benefits of Therapeutic Massage Truro
Massage is one of the most soothing and relaxing experiences one can have. But the benefits of a good massage extend beyond relaxation and go more deeply than you think.
A recent study suggests that half of the people who sought out a professional massage therapist over the past year sought out a massage due to medical or health reasons. However only 28% of those who sought massage used massage to relax or for stress relief in the same time frame. Why are so many people using massage therapy? Let’s take a look at the benefits for health to discover.
1. Stress Relief
Since the beginning of time people have relied on massage as a method to relax. Recent research has confirmed that massage can significantly ease stress both psychologically and physically.
Studies have shown that massage therapy can increase the levels of the endorphins (natural chemicals that improve your mood) serotonin and dopamine. It also reduces cortisol levels and blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen consumption, elements that are often associated with stress.
2. Reduces Anxiety
The feeling of joy following a massage isn’t only within your mind. Recent studies show that researchers can measure the effects massage has on those who suffer from emotional trauma. In addition, massage has been proven to have an improvement in those who suffer from anxiety.
As an example the study from 2004, that was published in Journal of Psychosomatic Research, found that breast cancer who were treated with massage therapy showed lower levels of hostility and anxiety.
3. Reduces Muscle Tension
The demands of modern urban life has left Brits more anxious than ever, physically and psychologically. In the end, back stiffness, joint injuries and muscle tension are increasing. It’s something that medical experts do not see changing. One factor which can help ease the strain of stiffness in muscles can be therapeutic massage.
Techniques like Swedish massages, for instance, have proven track records of loosening muscles and helping to relax joints that are stiff.
4. Improves the Quality of Sleep Overall
Being healthy is not possible without sufficient sleep. The positive side is that research have proven that massage therapy can dramatically reduce the risk of sleep-related insomnia. In addition, the effects the massage therapy has on your sleep doesn’t have to be limited to a specific age category.
A study conducted in 2006 of researchers at The University of Warwick found that massage could help infants who were six months and less sleep more peacefully and less cry. The tests on adults also showed similar results, as demonstrated by the results of a University of Miami School of Medicine study.
These studies also have confirmed that massage improves sleep , as it assists with the production of serotonin which aids the body in achieving the state of relaxation.
5. Encourages Relaxation
Massage can help you relax by reducing cortisol levels and stimulating a variety of brain chemical responses that result in 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 mental relaxation.”
6. Offers the Muscle and Joint Pain Relief
The evidence-based body of evidence that suggests massage is a good option for 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 any other type of rheumatism, evidence indicates that massage not only reduces pain , but also improves flexibility and overall performance.
7. It strengthens the lower back.
It was once that adults were very mobile all day long. But, with our current lifestyles and the hours we are putting on our backs and necks with smartphones or at our desks, those times are over. Unfortunately, many people suffer from lower back pain throughout their lives in the age of information.
But, not all is 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 than those who received placebo.
8. Aids in Fighting Depression
Massage has been believed for years to ease depression. However, recent research provides evidence that proves that therapeutic touch can help people who are suffering from depression.
There is also research that proves the efficacy of massage therapy on the sensation of pain and anger. It reduces the intensity, frequency and length of anxiety attacks and mood shifts.
9. Improves Circulation and Blood Flow
Massage therapy improves blood circulation by redirecting nutrients-rich and oxygenated blood to our muscles and internal organs. This increased blood flow results in the growth, recovery, and healing across 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 previous 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 New studies supported by reliable sources are bolstering up the efficacy of massage therapy for sports because of its demonstrated effects on test subjects in medical tests.
Additional Benefits of Massage
The benefits aren’t limited to the above list. There are many more. For instance, recent research studies have revealed a link between massage therapy and improvement in cardiovascular health. For example, a study released by The International Journal of Preventive Medicine has shown a marked drop in blood pressure following an expert massage. There are many other advantages of massage. But, the ones mentioned above are among the most frequently mentioned.
