Stress is unavoidable. It can be easy to let stress build, but at some point, something has to give. Unfortunately, sometimes our stress release can be sudden and unproductive.
Think yelling at your kids or the poor soul working the drive-thru window. In these instances, we may be surprised by our reactions. But, our bodies were already trying to communicate our dissatisfaction.
Our bodies are extremely intelligent. And, they don’t lie. If we feel achy, tense, or fatigued, then these are signals that we need some TLC. By listening to these signals and practicing self-care, we can productively deal with stress.
We all want to feel better. But, sometimes self-care can take a back seat. Don’t let this happen to you. Instead, create a self-care routine and include seeing a certified massage therapist in your plan. So, why should seeing a certified massage therapist be a part of your self-care routine? Read on to find out the benefits of getting a massage.
Explore the following benefits of getting a massage from a certified massage therapist to motivate yourself to make an appointment.
1. Stress Relief
Stress manifests in different ways. Hunched shoulders, shallow breathing, and back pain can all be signs of stress. These types of symptoms are the result of the flight or fight response.
Massage helps to relieve built-up tension from the stress response. A massage from a certified massage therapist helps to re-energize and reset your muscles. By reducing stress through massage, you’ll also feel less physical stress which can cause emotional and mental stress.
2. Pain Reduction
Pain is your body’s way of saying there’s a problem. The problem can have many root causes from a health condition to an issue with coping, but the body doesn’t lie. The pain you’re experiencing wants to get your attention so you can correct the core cause.
Getting a massage can help to reduce the pain you feel. This is especially useful if you have a chronic health condition that causes muscle tension and pain. A certified massage therapist can relieve knots, reduce inflammation, and encourage the healing process.
3. Improved Flexibility
A body at rest stays at rest until acted on by an equal and opposite force. So, what do people typically do when they get out of bed? They stretch and rub their muscles.
Tense or unused muscles tend to lack flexibility because of a constant pattern of use or lack thereof.
Getting a massage can help to loosen up your muscles and improve your range of motion. It reduces tension, strains, and aches which can limit our flexibility.
4. Well-Being
Self-love is an action. Positive affirmations, journaling, and talking with a friend are all helpful, but getting physical is equally as important. As dynamic beings with a variety of needs, we need to address different aspects of ourselves.
A massage therapist can provide you with physical touch in a safe, professional, and relaxing environment. This type of touch can relax you and help you to feel safe and connected.
5. Better Sleep
Insomnia and sleep deprivation affect millions of people. Insomnia can be caused by depression, anxiety, stress, or other health conditions. Getting a massage can help to combat these causes and help you to get a better night’s sleep.
If you have a health condition that causes blood clots, then massage isn’t right for you. Get clearance from your doctor before getting a massage to better your sleep if you have a pre-existing condition.
6. Immune System Support
Stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition can negatively impact our immune systems. We become more vulnerable to illness and injury, which can cause additional stress. This vicious cycle can decrease our quality of life.
A recent study showed that a 45-minute massage increases the levels of white blood cells. The same study revealed lower levels of cytokines which play a role in inflammation. Cortisol, the stress hormone, was also reduced.
7. Combats Office Lifestyle
Sitting is the new smoking, according to some health experts. Sitting for long periods of time is correlated with heart disease, obesity, and high blood sugar. But, if your posture is poor as a result of sitting too much, it may be more difficult to get in some much-needed exercise.
Massage helps to intervene. Massage can help you to improve your posture so that aches, pains, and tension are reduced.
In addition to getting a massage, health experts also recommend standing every 30 minutes. Regular exercise can also help to counteract an idle lifestyle. By pairing these lifestyle choices with regular massage, you can help your body to recover, re-energize, and reduce muscle soreness from both sitting and working out.
8. Helps with Anxiety and Depression
Millions of Americans suffer from anxiety and depression. These conditions can happen to anyone at any time. They can also happen as a result of intense stress such as losing a loved one or getting fired.
Getting a massage from a certified massage therapist helps to improve your mind-body connection. It helps you to relax and improve tension and aches resulting from anxiety and depression. In short, when your body can relax, so can your mind.
A certified massage therapist can specialize in different areas of massage. Connect with a certified massage therapist who understands your health conditions and needs. Ask plenty of questions and be transparent about your current state of health.
Interested in making an appointment with a reputable certified massage therapist? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and to learn more about our services.