#1) Relieves Stress
This is something from which we can all benefit. According to a poll conducted by the National Public Radio, nearly half of respondents (49%) said they had experienced at least one “major stressful event” in the past year, with health problems being the most common cause of stress. Whether your stress is caused by health, finances, occupation, relationships, or just everyday worries, massage therapy can help. It’s been proven to relieve stress after just a single session.
#2) Promotes Healthy Posture
When you walk, stand or sit in ways that are unnatural, it can lead to curvature of the spine. If left untreated, the curvature will become more pronounced, possibly resulting in pain and limited range of motion. Massage therapy will work to strengthen the muscles needed for healthy posture.
#3) Treats Muscle Knots
Nearly everyone will develop a muscle knot at some point in their lives. This condition is characterized by one or more muscles remaining in a constricted state for a prolonged length of time. Instead of reverting back to their relaxed state, the muscles remain tense and constricted. A professional massage therapist, however, can relieve muscle knots through manual manipulation of the affected muscle groups.
#4) Promotes Healthy Blood Flow
Poor circulation can open the doors to a wide range of problems, including varicose veins, spider veins, and an increased risk of heart disease. Thankfully, this a problem that’s easily addressed through massage therapy. By massaging the muscles and tissue, a therapist can promote healthy blood flow throughout the client’s body.
#5) Protects the Joints
Massage therapy can even be used to protect the joints from arthritis – or to relieve the pain and discomfort of existing arthritis. It’s estimated that nearly 1 in 2 people will develop symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee by the age of 85, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Massage therapy can strengthen the joints while reducing the inflammation associated with arthritis.
#6) Better Sleep
Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night? Massage therapy may be the answer to your restless nights. It’s unclear how exactly massage promotes better sleep, but most experts will agree that it does work and can partially be due to its relaxing effects.
#7) Faster Healing Times
Massage therapy will promote faster healing times. This is attributed to the fact that massage therapy stimulates blood flow; thus, sending key nutrients to the damaged tissue and muscles.
There are many more benefits of massage that can be felt just after one session. Contact a massage therapist and learn how you may benefit and return on the road back to better health!
