OK, you've been trying to "push through" or just ignore those twitches, aches, and pains. Is it after a long day at work, a weekend of yard work or following an intense workout session? maybe it's just an ongoing, building over time reminder that you need to take better care of yourself...
If any of this is striking a cord with you, be sure to scroll to the bottom to hear for yourself. Massage therapy might just be the superhero you need. Read on to see just some of the ways massage therapy can benefit you, your mind, your body, your everything so you can start feeling better again...
1.
Soothing Tense Muscles
First things first, massage is like a peace treaty for your tense muscles. Techniques like deep tissue massage go deep (pun intended!) to target those stubborn knots that cause discomfort and pain. Additional techniques like gua sha, cupping, even the lighter techniques such as Swedish and Lymphatic drainage can all work to help your body release the cause. It's like telling your muscles to chill out and let go of all that tension.
2.
Boosting Circulation
Good circulation is like a highway for delivering nutrients and oxygen to your body's cells. Massage helps clear any traffic jams by encouraging blood flow, which means your body gets better at repairing itself and, you guessed it, keeping pain at bay. Pretty much all massage techniques contribute to circulation but when curlulation becaomes an issue, your lymphatic system takes a hit and isn't able tpo move toxins through as efficiently resulting in all sorts of body dis-ease.
3.
Enhancing Joint Flexibility
Stiff joints aren't just for the Tin Man. When your joints feel tight, a therapeutic massage can help improve your range of motion, making you feel more limber and less like you're moving in slow motion. (Freddi here, I have all sorts of auto-immune issues that create loads of joint inflammation and regular massage is a big part of keeping me going so I can keep see you!
4.
Encouraging Relaxation
Sometimes, our bodies are in pain simply because we're stressed. A calming Swedish massage (or any massage) can help your body hit the pause button, reducing stress hormones and creating a sense of well-being. It's like a mini-vacation for your body and mind! This can help your body manage chronic health issues, pain of all sorts, inflammatory response etc.
5.
Promoting Better Sleep
A lack of Z's can make you more sensitive to pain. Whether you fall asleep during the massage or not ( many do) massage encourages restful sleep, and when you're sleeping like a baby, your body has a better chance of healing itself. Sweet dreams indeed!
6.
Reducing Headache Intensity
For my friends who frequently battle headaches or migraines, massage can be a game-changer. It reduces the severity and frequency of headaches by relieving tension and promoting relaxation. It's like a reset button for your head! So often the headaches are directly liniked to muscles in your neck or back.
7.
Boosting Immune Function
A strong immune system is your body's best defense against, well, just about everything. Massage can give your immune system a boost by increasing the activity of white blood cells. Think of it as adding more soldiers to your body's defense army.
8.
Improving Posture
Bad posture isn't just bad for your Instagram photos; it can lead to a lot of aches and pains. Regular massages can help align your body properly by releasing muscles that are creating imbalances, which means less pain and more picture-perfect poses.
*Tip-work at a desk all day? Ask one of us to show you how to be ergonomically correct at your sitting or standing desk to also help relieve and prevent aches and pains.
9.
Mental Health Benefits
Never underestimate the power of feeling good mentally to help alleviate physical pain. Massage can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, leading to a happier, less painful life. Being connected with your self helps you be aware of what's really happening within. The mental health boost of massage also helps you be more productive, focuses and centered throughout your day. Your mind needs to let go and take a break and much like in meditation, it can do that during a massage.
So, now that you know the amazing ways massage can help kick those aches and pains to the curb, why not give it a try or try coming more often to really experience the ongoing benefits? Remember, once in a while can help but consistency is key to unravelling knots that were likley created over years– incorporating regular massage sessions into your routine can help keep the pain away for good.
Let's Keep the Conversation Going
I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with massage therapy. Have you tried any specific techniques that worked wonders for you? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's spread the word about the healing power of touch!