Just for Pampering or Therapeutic? 4 Serious Benefits of Massage Therapy

When you woke up, you knew immediately that you wouldn’t be able to move your neck. As long as you keep still, you’re fine, but turning your head brings substantial pain. Although the last thing you want is someone messing with your neck, you visit your chiropractor. In addition to performing adjustments on your neck, they recommend adding massage therapy to your treatment plan. You’re all about self-care, but you don’t have time to visit the spa!

But is massage therapy therapeutically beneficial or is it just for pampering? Keep reading to learn why you should consider working with a massage therapist for more than just a relaxing day at the spa.

Massage Therapy Results in Better Circulation.

Whether you’re healing from a sports or work injury or simply wanting to help your body perform better, massage therapy can help your body recover. The pressure and motions performed during treatment allow blood to circulate more freely to the area, bringing necessary nutrients to repair soft tissues after a workout or injury.

Massage Therapy Loosens Muscle Stiffness.

Muscle stiffness, from sitting at a desk all day, sleeping in an awkward position, or lack of stretching properly, can cause you pain as well as seriously limit your ability to function. Although your first instinct could be to leave the area alone, you should do the opposite with a massage therapist if you want to heal. As a result of treatment and more blood flow, you will end up with more flexibility, range of motion, and mobility, helping you go about your usual activities more comfortably and efficiently.

Massage Therapy Eases Pain.

Along with better circulation and healing comes less pain. The massage itself may involve a little discomfort because of the pressure applied, and some patients report feeling a little sore temporarily afterward, but massage therapy typically results in feeling better overall. Inflammation and other sources of pain in the area are reduced, giving the patient back the ability to move more while hurting less.

Massage Therapy Relieves Stress and Improves Mental Health.

Sometimes, a massage involves discomfort, but afterward, many patients feel more relaxed and less stressed. In fact, treatment can result in a better mood, less anxiety, and lower depression. When you experience stress, or mental health issues, your brain sends a signal to produce cortisol, and your body tends to store that stress in your soft tissues in “knots” or inflammatory adhesions. By releasing these adhesions, your massage therapist causes a physical response that gently relieves stress. As a result, you can feel happier after your massage!

Ultimately, massage therapy is a powerful therapeutic treatment that you should consider in certain situations. Not only can you enjoy the experience and relax, but you can also facilitate healing in multiple ways and feel better sooner. Now that’s self-care!

About the Author

Dr. Chad Wills has more than two decades of clinical experience at his Naples practice. He is happy to work with Kathleen Curtis, the massage therapist at Wills Chiropractic, who takes advantage of many techniques based on each patient’s needs. With nearly 30 years of experience under her belt, Kathleen finds her work rewarding and goes above and beyond to put patients at ease both before and during their massage. To learn more about massage therapy, contact our office online or call 239-331-6060.