The new year is quickly approaching and you may be making plans to form a new health regimen/exercise program so I thought it was a good time to remind you of how massage therapy can play an important role in all of it.
Research tells us that massage therapy can help with many ailments, such as:
Stress Reduction. I have talked about this before, but it is worth repeating. As you know, stress is more prevalent today than ever before and it can have a negative impact on your health. Studies have proven that massage therapy can decrease blood pressure, as well as elevated heart rates and cortisol levels and also relieve conditions associated with stress, such as tension headaches, and neck and shoulder pain. Stress can manifest both physically and emotionally. The healing touch of a massage will help you FEEL better.
Sleep: It is estimated that 50-70 million Americans suffer from sleep disturbances that can negatively affect their health. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): "Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions—such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression... and poses implications for their treatment.” Let's not forget that insufficient sleep also causes many motor vehicle and machinery-related accidents. Massage improves sleep patterns for those suffering from an illness and/or sleep distrubances.
Pain Management: More than one-quarter of Americans (26% or 76.5 million) age 20+, report to have a problem with pain. Managing it can be a challenge because pain affects how you function day-to-day and affects your overall quality of life. Many have discovered the unpleasant side effects of pain medication, so, as a result, people are beginning to investigate alternate forms of therapy, such as massage to use as part of their treatment plan. Research indicates that massage therapy can reduce pain and pain intensity from a variety of causes and conditions.
Flexibility/Range of Motion: Ever wonder why athletes are so hooked on massage therapy? Sports massage improves performance and conditioning, helps prevent injuries and can help speed up recovery from an injury. Yet it is not just for the elite athelete. Anyone that participates in an exercise program can benefit from a sports massage. Massage as part of your exercise/training program can support recovery, reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. .
Start 2019 off right by adding massage to your health regimen (discount packages available). It will be the best gift you ever gave yourself!
Never underestimate the magic touch of massage!