What is massage therapy used for?
Massage therapy is used to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. It involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body. Massage has been practiced in most cultures, both Eastern and Western, throughout human history, and was one of the earliest tools that people used to try to relieve pain. With a goal of slowing down your nervous system, massage therapy can be used to release stress and tension, provide relief from symptoms, heal injuries and support wellness.
Health benefits of massage
Massage therapy may be beneficial for anyone but has been noted to help those who various conditions like cancer, heart disease, stomach problems and fibromyalgia. You should make sure you talk to your therapist about any medical issues prior to your first session. Here are some of the benefits of massage therapy.
Reduces stress and anxiety
That feeling of calm after a massage can aid in reducing stress and anxiety, a found. Your body has two nervous systems: a sympathetic nervous system that drives your “fight or flight” response in stressful situations and a parasympathetic nervous system that focuses on routine and day-to-day operations that lead to relaxation and rest. A massage is thought to increase your parasympathetic response, which can decrease feelings of anxiety.
Improves sleep
Getting a massage can decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters known to stabilize your mood. Studies have shown that massage therapy is beneficial for those who have insomnia related to and .
Lessens pain and muscle tension
A variety of studies have looked into how massage may help lessen pain. The results show that relief may be short-term, rather than long-term and in some cases receiving a 60-minute massage multiple times per week had better results than fewer or shorter massages.
Improves immune function
Can a massage boost your immune system? A suggests that regular massages increase your body’s level of white blood cells, which work to combat viruses.
Relieves constipation
A shows that for those dealing with constipation after surgery, an abdominal massage may help with bowel movements.
Lessens fibromyalgia symptoms
From sleep, memory and mood, have shown that using massage over the course of five weeks may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic illness that causes muscle and joint pain and fatigue.
Relieves cancer pain
For people undergoing cancer treatments, the physical and emotional toll is great. Many have turned to massage to help lessen cancer pain, increase relaxation and improve quality of life.
Who should try massage therapy?
Many of us can benefit from a massage — it’s a great way to improve wellness, help with pain and more. If you have a medical condition, you should check with your doctor and have a conversation with your massage therapist. For those who are pregnant, a prenatal massage can help alleviate pain and swelling.
Not sure what type of massage is right for you? You don’t have to zero in on the perfect massage before booking an appointment. In fact, massage therapists often mix and match techniques to address your unique concerns.
A massage therapist uses a combination of techniques to help you relax, get rid of tight muscles and address other concerns.
We only offer massage services at our Georgetown, TX location at the Wolf Ranch Town Center.
We find there is nothing like a massage to relieve stress, promote relaxation and give you a feeling of well-being. Massage therapy boosts the immune system, relaxes tense muscles, restores energy and reduces anxiety.
Our licensed, certified massage therapist offer a variety of styles and techniques to meet your specific needs.
All of our massages include a consultation with your Licensed Massage Therapist, a blend of natural oils to deeply hydrate without a greasy after feel, heated massage tables, warm neck roll and aromatherapy steamed towels.
We can't wait to pamper you at Clean Slate in Georgetown!
