It’s a common misconception that massage is just a feel-good way to indulge yourself. On the contrary, it can be used to greatly improve your health and well-being. Some of the earliest written records of massage therapy were found in medical textbooks, dating back thousands of years. Massage and its uses have expanded over the years. Recently, there has been a big push in western medicine to start incorporating massage therapy into healthcare. Whether you’re receiving massage at a luxury spa or medical clinic, there are many benefits it has to offer.
More research continues to be done on the benefits of massage but current studies show that it can be an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension. Additionally, massage is frequently used to treat specific conditions or diseases, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, soft tissue injuries, and joint pain. Many people enjoy massage simply to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Other reported benefits include pain reduction, quicker recovery from exercise, reduction in scar tissue, improved posture, increased range of motion, increased blood flow, and overall mood improvement.
Massage can be a wonderful addition to your wellness practices, and it’s important to find a good practitioner. I encourage asking a friend or even your doctor for a recommendation. Most states require massage therapists to be licensed, but it never hurts to ask your potential provider about their training, experience, and expertise. You should be comfortable and confident with your practitioner’s knowledge and abilities.
The bottom line is massage therapy can be helpful in so many ways and there is no harm in giving it a try! You may be pleasantly surprised by the benefits.
LMT, Pilates Instructor
and Founder of Inertia6
Rachael has a passion for movement and her athletic training and experience give her body-awareness and insight.
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