Massage therapy is a form of therapeutic treatment that involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body to improve physical and mental health. It is highly recognized for its capacity to alleviate stress and induce a state of relaxation. By stimulating the production of serotonin, a hormone associated with happiness and well-being, massage therapy can help individuals feel calmer and at ease.

If an individual is experiencing excessive tension and seeks relief or has suffered from injuries that have resulted in significant muscle and/or nerve damage, they may find massage therapy to be a beneficial option to consider.

These are the 12 Surprising benefits of Massage Therapy:

1. Reduce Stress

Indulging in spa days is an excellent method to unwind and rejuvenate. After an appointment, clients will notice they feel relaxed and at ease for days and even weeks!

2. It improves circulation

Blood flow is increased throughout the body when muscles and tendons are loosened. The benefit of improving circulation can be felt throughout your body, including reduced fatigue and pain relief.

3. It can help lower blood pressure

Massage therapy has been found to reduce blood pressure levels when performed regularly. The effects of massage on diastolic (lower) and systolic (upper) blood pressure are well documented in some long-term studies. Furthermore, it can also reduce cortisol levels.

4. It reduces your pain

Lower back pain and chronic stiffness are great problems to work out with massage. Your massage therapist will be able to pinpoint exactly where the source of your pain is and help you achieve the most effective treatment.

5. Improve flexibility

By loosening and relaxing your muscles, massage therapy can help your body achieve its full range of movement.

6. It can help improve posture

Pain in the back, neck, and muscles is one of the most common complaints among Americans. It is not uncommon for people with poor posture to suffer from this type of pain. Standing and/or sitting incorrectly or with poor posture can result in chronic back pain, the leading cause of lost work days and disability.

7. It can help you counteract your sitting habits

Beware, desk workers. Long periods of sitting can cause pain or weakness in the low back and gluteals as a result of advanced forms of postural stress. Considering its benefits are quite surprising, massage is a great way to counterbalance the imbalance from sitting. If you schedule regular massages, you can keep your desk job.

11. Improves sleep.

Massage benefits both those who can sleep well and those who can’t otherwise rest comfortably. According to research from Warwick University, massages improve sleep, reduce crying, and reduce stress in infants.

12. Help strengthen the body’s immune system

The human body benefits from regular massage sessions. People who experience high levels of stress are more prone to illness and injury. When stressed, sleep deprived, and undernourished, the body’s immune system is compromised. The body is unable to naturally protect itself against infections, pathogens, and bacteria.

Final Thoughts

Massage therapy can be an effective tool for managing pain, including chronic pain and headaches. Through the use of various techniques, such as deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy, massage therapists can help to alleviate tension and reduce discomfort.

Overall, massage therapy offers a variety of benefits that can improve both physical and mental health, making it a popular choice for individuals looking to improve their overall well-being.