Many people think of a massage as a luxury available only at fancy spas or expensive health clubs. As the benefits of massage are becoming more widely known, many people are using massage therapy as a form of medical treatment. Aside from the relaxation many people experience, massage can have a positive impact on the body in many ways. Here are five benefits of physical massage therapy:
1. Increased circulation:
The pressure applied during physical massage therapy can cause blood to move through the muscles up to three times as fast as normal. In areas of the body where the fluid may tend to pool, this pressure gets things moving and causes new oxygen-rich blood to flow in. Massage can also help flush out lactic acid that has accumulated in the muscles and promote the circulation of lymph, which can result in lower blood pressure.
2. Improved flexibility and range of motion:
Physical massage therapy promotes the production of natural lubricants between muscles, connective tissue and joints, helping the body remain flexible and agile. Massage also stimulates and tones the muscles, which can help speed up recovery from exercise or hard work.
3. Relaxation and stress relief:
A skilled massage therapist can help you relax both physically and mentally. In addition to providing a period of calm and a sense of escape from the stresses of daily life, massage releases tension knots in your muscles. It also helps counter the effects of stress by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure, while increasing endorphins in your body.
4. Stronger immune system:
People with high stress levels tend to get sick more often. Studies have indicated that physical massage therapy not only decreases stress, but it can increase the activity of the body’s natural immune system, causing it to function more effectively.
5. Pain management:
Massage is frequently used to help relieve chronic pain. There are many different types of physical massage therapy, some of which are targeted directly at reducing inflammation, eliminating scar tissue and loosening muscles that trigger pain in other parts of the body.
