When we think of getting a massage, the first things that come to mind are feelings of relaxation and stress reduction. And yes, it definitely has these advantages, but there are also many other health benefits too!
Having a session with a Registered Massage Therapist can:
Alleviate Your Muscle Pain
If you are getting physiotherapy treatments, you are obviously nursing an injury of some sort. Massage therapy can help ease your sore muscles by improving your circulation. The increased blood flow maximizes the supply of nutrients and oxygen to your tissues, which helps the body to repair itself. Massage therapy has also been linked to decreased stiffness, and a better range of motion.
Relieve Your Postural Stress
Stress tends to manifest itself in the shoulders and neck. Sitting at a desk all day can add to this and show up as pain in the lower back and glutes. Massage therapy can help counteract the imbalance caused from prolonged sitting.
Help with Your Anxiety and Depression
Massage therapy reduces levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone. It can also boost serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in depression. This can result in a calmer mind and increased happiness. After a massage, you may feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders, and you may even feel invigorated. In addition to that, it can make you feel better because human touch in itself is very therapeutic.
Help Improve Your Sleep
After a massage therapy session, you may have wanted to go home and take a nap. Chances are good that you actually fell asleep during your appointment. This is because massage therapy encourages a restful sleep. It helps calm your mind and it enables you to fall asleep faster. Imagine how much better you could be sleeping if you were getting massage therapy treatment on a regular basis?
Boost Your Immunity
Massage therapy has been linked to an increase in a person’s disease-fighting white blood cells, which leads to a healthier immune system.
Relieve Your Headaches
Do you suffer from chronic tension headaches or migraines? Massage therapy can decrease the frequency of these and have an immediate effect on pain. This, in turn, can take the edge off and put you in a better mood.
Whether you are injured or not, it is a great idea to make massage therapy part of your healthy lifestyle. Take advantage of the physical, physiological, and psychological benefits of massage and visit an RMT today!
Are you located in the Vancouver area?
Book an appointment with Christine Miemban – the Registered Massage Therapist at Dunbar Physio.
