Massage Benefits Are More Than Skin Deep

Is it true that a properly executed massage can offer more than just relaxed muscles?  As it turns out—yes, it very well can!

For decades, massages were believed to be a pleasure enjoyed only by wealthy housewives and elite athletes.  As it turns out, this belief has changed, and now massages can be enjoyed by anyone as a form of treatment for various medical ailments as well as relieving physical stress.

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At its very core, properly executed therapy via a massage involves the precise manipulation of those areas of the body, including the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and the skin.  When performing a massage, a trained therapist will typically use their fingers and palms to apply the necessary pressure in the needed areas.  They may also make use of their forearms and elbows, as well as other outside implements such as hot stones or rollers, in a specific manner to achieve the precise and desired effect.

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Massage is a general term in that various types and methods are involved in the act of massaging. Light massage is the most popular form that many are familiar with. Although there are multiple benefits to this type of massage, there are few others that can prove even more beneficial.

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The next type of massage that generally comes to mind for most individuals when they hear the term is the Swedish massage.  Swedish massage is a somewhat diverse form of massage in that is uses a variety of movements to achieve its end goal.  These movements include kneading, vibrations ,long strokes, deep, circular motions, and tapping.  Using these types of movements will provide the individual with a sense of invigoration and relaxation.  If you are a first-time recipient of a massage, the Swedish massage is the most popular and suggested as possibly your perfect choice.

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The following form of massage that many have heard of is that of a deep tissue massage.  The deep tissue massage primarily pinpoints specific areas of the muscle to allow for the working of the layers of tissue to alleviate knots and other forms of possible muscle damage.  This massage puts into use deeper strokes that are much less rapid.  A common and incorrect thought is that having a deep tissue massage will leave you extremely sore the following day—which is further from the truth.

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There have been numerous amount of clinical trial studies done on the benefits of massage in all its forms, with some of those proven benefits being:

-         significant relief from body pain, headaches,and overall stress and tension.

-         stiffness significantly decreased and overall flexibility of both muscles and joints with an increased range of motion.

-         increase in overall circulation allowing regeneration of tissue.

-         posture improvement

-         better-controlled blood pressure

-         decreased healing and recovery time from most types of injuries or over exertion.

-         a significant increase in immunity allowing an increase in cytotoxic capacity.

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When looking at the significant decrease in overall stress that massage provides, the results are quantified by a notable lowering of both cortisol and insulin levels along with the heart rate lowering, as well, following the massage itself.

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Data from various studies also showed that individuals knowing that they had an upcoming appointment for a massage would show asignificant increase in white blood cells, serotonin, and oxytocin which are all critical to the wellbeing of everyone.

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Other tangible results in the studies included:

-         increase in overall sleep quality and digestion

-         reduction in fatigue

-         a feeling of being both connected and comforted

-         a significant decrease in many of the test subjects anxiety and depression levels

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Many of those individuals involved in the studies stated they felt as if their body went into a "recovery" mode after a massage session, allowing them to breathe deeply and increase their wellbeing for the long term.

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Even though a single massage can indeed provide rewards immediately, keeping a schedule of regular massage treatments can have what could be considered a "snowball" effect on your body, allowing the overall benefits of the massage to be amplified, and the results achieved more quickly.

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Call us today to schedule your massage at our Georgetown location.