Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to soothe tired muscles and alleviate aches and pains. But did you know that massage therapy can also help with certain diseases and illnesses? Not only can regular massage keep your bones, muscles, and joints healthy, but massage can also do wonders for your health and help you potentially live longer. Here are ten conditions that can be eased by scheduling a massage at your earliest convenience.
Stress Related Tension
A massage in a quiet room to soothing music gives your mind and body many benefits. Your heart rate will begin to slow, your muscles will relax, and your brain will begin releasing endorphins. The combination of these factors helps you feel relaxed, which is just what the doctor ordered if you find you are too stressed for words.
Cancer-Related Fatigue
Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is a debilitating symptom experienced by cancer survivors. Studies show that Swedish massage therapy can help to alleviate CRF in those who have survived breast cancer.
Sleep Disorders
We’ve already established that massage therapy can relieve stress and help you fully relax. These issues are likely what is keeping you up at night if you suffer from insomnia or other sleep disturbance issues. Regular massage can cause your body to release serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of calm and tranquility. Schedule a monthly massage if you want to sleep like a baby on a nightly basis.
Diabetes
Diabetics have many benefits to look forward to by scheduling frequent massages. The muscle and joint work involved in the typical massage helps to decrease blood glucose levels in the body. Furthermore, hemoglobin A1C levels are decreased. The combination of these factors helps to regulate blood sugar and ease peripheral neuropathy or nerve pain which is experienced by many sufferers of this debilitating disease.
High Blood Pressure
If you suffer from high blood pressure and take medication for it, always talk to your doctor before decreasing or stopping your medication. Massage can only do so much. That being said, studies show that consistent massage therapy can decrease your diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Furthermore, massage has been shown to lower salivary and urinary cortisol stress-hormone levels and makes you less susceptible to anxiety, hostility, and depression.
Lower Back Pain
A full body massage that includes the muscles from the buttocks to the neck is beneficial for relieving lower back pain. Whether your pain was caused by a fall, lifting a heavy object, poor posture, or sitting for long periods of time, a deep tissue massage can help.
Depression
Massage therapy has been actively used in Chinese culture to cure depression for over three millennia. The release of hormones that occurs during the average massage calms the mind and body, which in turn affects your mood. By the end of the massage, you should feel more at peace, not to mention alleviated of aches and pains. All of these can help to keep depression at bay between your massage appointments.
Sports Injuries
Elite athletes and weekend warriors alike can experience sports bust-ups now and again. A sprained ankle or torn muscle can sideline you for weeks or longer. With regular sports massages, you can keep your body limber and free from injury. A sports massage improves blood flow, making your muscles warmer and more malleable. Sports massage also stretches the muscles and connective tissues, which helps to flush out swelling in joints, and allows for faster healing.
Poor Circulation
You can usually tell you have poor circulation when your extremities go numb at the most inopportune times. Good circulation can be induced through regular massage therapy. During a massage, your damaged, tense muscles are given the oxygen rich blood they need to heal. Your masseuse does this by applying strategic pressure to the muscles and connective tissues, which in turn helps get the blood flowing for greater bodily health.
Migraines
Massage therapy can relieve headaches and migraines by easing muscle tension in the head, shoulders, and neck. The masseuse focuses on relieving muscle spasms and releasing shortened muscles to ensure there is less pressure on the blood vessels and nerves that supply them.
Schedule a Massage for Any Occasion or AilmentMassage therapy isn’t always about relaxation or getting away for the weekend. It can become an integral part of keeping you healthy. If you suffer from any of the conditions listed above, you can find an experienced massage therapist by booking an appointment at Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, we have a range of specialty massages to choose from. Call us at one of our four area locations in Hyde Park, West Chester, Kenwood or Tri-County to schedule a massage appointment – (513)793-0900.
