Therapeutic massage is a treatment in which the soft tissues of the body are kneaded, rubbed, tapped and stroked. It alleviates muscle tension and pain, reduces anxiety, boosts the immune system and improves sleep.
A massage also increases your circulation. This allows oxygen and nutrients to reach your body’s cells more efficiently, which helps improve overall wellness. Contact Massage Therapy Tulsa for specialized services.
Stress is a normal part of life, but it can become harmful to your physical and mental health when it becomes chronic. One way to reduce your stress levels is by getting regular therapeutic massages. Massage therapy has been shown to decrease your heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. It also increases your circulation, which can help your organs function better and remove waste products.
The touch of a massage helps your muscles relax by releasing natural pain killers and feel good hormones that promote a feeling of well-being and relaxation. This can decrease your feelings of depression and anxiety. Additionally, massage can help relieve your body’s build up of toxins, which can cause feelings of stress and anxiety.
When you experience high levels of stress, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can cause inflammation and even lead to serious illnesses. Massage can lower your production of cortisol and increase the release of “happy hormones” such as serotonin and dopamine. These hormones can improve your mood, giving you a sense of well-being and increasing your ability to focus on the tasks at hand.
In addition, massage can help reduce your symptoms of stress like headaches and digestive problems. It can also improve the elasticity of your muscles and tissues, which can reduce pain and prevent muscle spasms.
The direct pressure from a massage can release tension, loosen tight muscles and break down any scar tissue or adhesions. The increase in circulation can also improve your immune system, which can help prevent disease and speed up recovery time after an injury.
Massages are safe for most people, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before you start receiving them. Some conditions that may interfere with the benefits of a massage include pregnancy, open wounds, severe osteoporosis, cancer and blood clots. Your therapist will take these issues into consideration and make any necessary adjustments. You should also let your therapist know if you have any specific concerns or injuries so they can address them accordingly. For instance, if you have a back injury, they might recommend using lighter pressure or modify the techniques they use to avoid any complications.
Pain Relief
Medical Therapeutic Massages are designed to target the root causes of pain and discomfort. These sessions may focus on controlling or relieving inflammation, addressing nerve or tissue damage, increasing flexibility and managing other health conditions. This type of massage therapy is a great option for those looking to improve their quality of life through natural and non-invasive methods.
The physical benefits of massage include improved circulation and decreased pain. Increased circulation allows oxygen, nutrients and waste to travel throughout your body more efficiently. This creates better muscle function, decreases muscle and tissue fatigue, increases the speed of recovery from workouts, and reduces joint stiffness.
Another way massage helps to relieve pain is through interrupting the cycle of pain. When the body feels pain, muscles tighten to protect that area. These tight muscles then restrict movement and cause poor biomechanics which leads to more pain. Massage targets these tight muscles to release them and break the cycle of pain.
Research has shown that massage is an effective treatment for chronic pain. One study found that individuals with chronic neck and shoulder pain experienced significant reduction in their symptoms through regular massage. Another study found that those who received a six-month massage regimen experienced reduced back pain and improved functional mobility.
Massage can also help manage anxiety and depression. This is because it stimulates the production of feel-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. It can also improve sleep, which in turn helps combat stress and anxiety.
Many clients with chronic conditions, like arthritis or degenerative disease, report that massage alleviates their symptoms and enhances their quality of life. A good massage therapist will take into account the individual needs of their clients and their lifestyle. This ensures that the massage is safe, effective and appropriate.
In addition to finding a massage therapist that is knowledgeable about your specific condition, it is important to communicate openly with them and discuss your expectations and goals. This will help your therapist plan the best massage for you. A reputable and qualified therapist will use various techniques to meet your needs and help you achieve your desired results.
Muscle Relaxation
Increasing blood flow to the muscle tissue allows it to receive more oxygen and nutrients thus decreasing tension. It also allows the muscle fibers to elongate and relax which decreases pain and increases flexibility and range of motion. The manipulation of muscles and kneading and friction used in massage can also break up adhesions and scar tissue that may be restricting movement and causing pain. There are several types of massage therapy modalities including Swedish, deep tissue and trigger point. Each one has its own specific techniques that can assist with different conditions.
The reduction of inflammation also helps in maintaining healthy muscles. During intense training programmes muscle health is key in being able to train at full capacity without experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness. Massages increase oxygenation which reduces fatigue and keeps muscles strong.
As an added benefit, the release of endorphins during a massage can help improve mood and boost self-esteem. This is especially true for those with chronic depression and anxiety or who have a difficult time relaxing. The sense of well-being experienced from a massage can also be beneficial for those who are grieving or suffering from emotional traumas such as domestic violence and neglect.
Studies have shown that massage improves organ function and reduces the symptoms of depression, anxiety, menstrual pain, low back and neck pain as well as fibromyalgia. It also decreases the levels of cortisol which is a stress hormone. In fact, many people who undergo massage therapy report a decreased need for medications in treating their pain.
Massage is said to foster a sense of connection and trust. This can be useful in therapeutic settings such as mental health clinics where patients are more open to discussing difficult psychological issues when they feel cared for. It can also be beneficial for those who suffer from a physical or psychological condition that makes communicating difficult, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
It is important to communicate with your massage therapist before and during the session. This will allow them to adjust their technique and pressure based on your feedback. This will make your experience more comfortable and ensure that the results you are looking for are met.
Improved Sleep
Sleep is a crucial aspect of health, but many struggle to get adequate rest. This can be a result of pain, stress, certain medical conditions and more. Fortunately, massage can be a powerful tool in improving sleep quality. This is because it helps reduce the symptoms that can contribute to poor sleep, as well as boosting serotonin levels and encouraging a natural sleep cycle.
A growing body of research indicates that massage can help combat insomnia by lowering the levels of cortisol, improving circulation and stimulating the vagus nerve. Studies also suggest that it improves the overall quality of sleep by reducing anxiety, increasing mood and promoting relaxation. This is especially helpful for people with chronic pain or a recurring mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.
It is important to note that the type of massage and pressure applied during the session are essential in achieving a good night’s sleep. For example, it is recommended that a light to medium-pressure massage be used in order to relax the muscles and promote blood flow to the affected area. Moreover, a gentle circular motion is highly effective in reducing tension and releasing the knots that can hinder the ability to fall asleep.
In addition to its benefits in lowering cortisol and enhancing the production of serotonin, which is a precursor to the production of melatonin, research suggests that massage can help to reset the body’s natural sleep and wake cycle. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or other disorders that can impact sleep quality.
Furthermore, researchers indicate that massage can improve sleep for cancer survivors. This is because it has been shown to decrease stress, improve posture and range of motion, and increase the quality of sleep in these patients. It is important to keep in mind, however, that a limited number of RCTs have been conducted on this particular population. Therefore, further research is needed in this group before any clear clinical guidelines can be established.
Insomnia is a common problem that can have serious consequences for your physical and mental health. If you struggle with this issue, it is important to try and find the right solution for you. Some options include adjusting your diet, trying to get more exercise, practicing relaxation techniques and using music or podcasts to help you fall asleep.