Are there Benefits to Getting a Massage?

Brush aside any thoughts that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. To the contrary, massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever. Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.  Massage is no longer available only through luxury spas and upscale health clubs. Today, massage therapy is offered in businesses, clinics, hospitals and even airports. If you've never tried massage, read further to learn about its health benefits, what to expect and so much more! 

Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage:

• Alleviates low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assists with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Eases medication dependence.
• Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Helps athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improves the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
• Increases joint flexibility. 
• Lessens depression and anxiety.
• Promotes tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduces postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduces spasms and cramping.
• Relaxes and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Releases endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieves migraine pain.
  

A Massage A Everyday...
Bob Hope was my client for 7 years.  He got a massage every day for 63 years. Bob Hope said that a good massage is one of the greatest pleasures in life with many therapeutic benefits. ~Judy Kemecsei

Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

• Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
• Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
• Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
• Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
• Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat post-surgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Are there Risks to Receiving Massage?
Most people can benefit from massage. In our office we have seen hundreds of clients who all have a sense of complete well-being before, during and after their sessions. There are however some clients with medical issues in which, massage may not be appropriate. Here are some examples:

• Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medication
• Burns or healing wounds
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Fractures
• Severe osteoporosis
• Severe thrombocytopenia
• Pitted Edema
• Uncontrolled diabetes or blood pressure
• Pregnancy: During First Trimester

You are always welcome to discuss the pros and cons of massage with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or you have cancer or chronic unexplained pain.  There are some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore for several days. But massage shouldn't ordinarily be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn't feel right or is painful, speak up right away. Most serious problems come from too much pressure during massage or not taking the time to hydrate yourself. This is not the time to prove who can take the most pressure or who had the deepest work!

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Going for a massage can do you and your body a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more.  Taking the initiative to invest in yourself by scheduling regular self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you'll be and how youthful you'll remain with each passing year. Setting aside a budget of both time and money for therapy will keep your body functioning like a well oiled machine and is truly an investment in your health. Consider this: massage appointments are a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan. The time after your session you and your practitioner can start to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs and budget. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn't mean it is any less therapeutic. 

Review the clinical research studies examining the benefits of massage. Review this video on the benefits of receiving massage therapy.

Review massage information from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health.

Sources:
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
Mayo Clinic
Judy Kemecsei, Cleansing Coach
U.S. National Library Of Medicine
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health