Massage therapy is a highly effective recovery method that can address a wide range of issues. From pain relief to muscle recovery, there are numerous benefits to incorporating massage therapy into your wellness routine!
Here are 5 proven benefits of massage therapy, backed by scientific research:
Pain Relief
Massage therapy can increase blood flow, block pain receptors in muscle tissue, and signal the brain to relax the body. According to studies, these effects can decrease pain and help with conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Headache and Migraine Relief
Clinical trials have found that receiving weekly massages can improve sleep quality, reduce migraines, and decrease your heart rate and cortisol levels. One study found that weekly massages led to a significant decrease in migraine frequency and intensity.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Massage therapy can reduce stress and anxiety by reducing hormones that increase heart rate, breathing, and sweating. Studies have shown that levels of dopamine and serotonin increase by roughly 30% following a massage. One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that a 60-minute massage decreased cortisol levels by an average of 30%.
Muscle Recovery
Massage therapy can help injured muscles heal faster and stronger. According to a Harvard study on injured mice, massage therapy can help injured muscles recover faster and stronger. The study found that after repeated forces to the injured area, the muscle recovered more quickly and was able to withstand greater force.
Blood Pressure Control
Regular massage therapy sessions can have a positive effect on controlling blood pressure. In a study published in the International Journal of Preventative Medicine, participants who received regular massage sessions had lower blood pressure than those who did not receive massages.
Massage therapy is a safe and natural way to support your overall health and wellness. By reducing pain, stress, and anxiety, promoting muscle recovery, and controlling blood pressure, massage therapy can help you get one step closer to your best self. Consider adding a massage session to your weekly routine to experience the many benefits that come from this ancient practice.
