Benefits of Massage

Massage is a centuries old form of therapy that has benefits for almost everyone. We all know that top athletes have a sports massage therapist on their team and this is because massage can help improve muscle flexibility and strength, as well as decrease soreness after exercise. Even weekend warriors can benefit from improved function and quicker recovery between sessions. Therapeutic massage can help to treat injuries and return function to patients. Foam rolling is a type of self massage that can be a good way to top up in between treatments, but for best results a visit to a qualified, experienced practitioner is key.  

Massage is not just for sporty people either! Sitting at a desk or computer all day can cause low back pain or neck ache, and massage has been shown to reduce pain and muscle tension. Working on tight and sore muscles helps to improve the blood flow and drainage, so you feel more comfortable and cope better with the demands of a busy life. When we experience pain, it can cause us to develop avoidance habits; these can lead to muscle tension and even more pain, leaving you stuck in a pain/tension cycle. Breaking this cycle can begin to get you back to feeling more mobile and confident in your movements.   

The elderly can particularly benefit from massage treatments. Arthritic conditions can lead to tight, weak or painful muscles due to the reduced movement of the joints, as well as tension caused by pain. Massage treatment which is tailored to the individual patient can help relieve this discomfort and contribute to improved mobility and comfort. Massage enhances physical, emotional and mental wellbeing by improving sleep and relaxation, as well as relieving stress. There have been many recent studies showing that massage can help to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Human touch releases feel good chemicals in our brains!  

Stress, anxiety and depression can have a detrimental effect not only on our mood and energy levels but also on our immune systems. Feeling constantly run down, overworked or under pressure can actually lead to ill health. A review paper in 2017 found that massage was beneficial for many various conditions, concluding that “It's use in disease prevention is highly recommended.” Massage feels fantastic and is beneficial for your mind as well as your body. It can be tailored to be gentle or vigorous and is safe for almost everyone.