Why is Massage Therapy Important?

Massage is one of the activities that most people equate to luxury relaxation. However, it has many benefits that everyone needs in their life. Since its inception over 4,000 years ago, it has grown in popularity and terms of techniques. It serves different types of people who use it for specific benefits. 

Despite the many types of massage that have developed over time, their central concept is pressure. The targeted and skillful manipulation of tissues using pressure yields calm, relief, and release. It allows the nervous system to work better and the muscles to respond quicker. 

So, what are the different types of massage? What is the importance of a massage? Read on to learn more about this ancient practice.

Types of Massage Therapy

Four main types of massage therapy exist, and most practitioners provide them.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is known for how gentle it is. It uses long strokes, tapping, kneading vibrations, and deep, circular movements. It is a very popular type of massage therapy. At the end of a session, you will feel energized and relaxed.

Deep Massage

Deep massage specifically targets the deeper layers of muscle and tissue. The technique utilizes more forceful strokes at slower speeds to reach the deep connective tissues and muscle groups. Usually, practitioners recommend it for people with muscle damage.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is like a Swedish massage. However, it is tweaked in several ways to help athletes recover from injury. It also helps the athletes be ready to use their bodies for sports.

Trigger Point Massage

Trigger point massage targets specific parts of your muscles that are too tight. Muscles can become tight after an injury or overuse. The trigger point massage works these tight parts to relieve the tension and induce relaxation and flexibility.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has many benefits other than obvious relaxation and tension release. Here are some of the main benefits you can get from a session.

Stress Relief

Stress relief is the number one side effect of getting a massage. According to evidence, massage therapy will significantly reduce your stress levels. We still need much more literature to understand how a massage reduces cortisol. However, this benefit has been the most sought-after for many years.

Relief from Constipation

Constipation can be very uncomfortable to deal with. You may benefit from a gentle stomach massage if you get it regularly. Gastroenterology Nursing published a study in 2006 that showed the benefits of abdominal massage for postsurgical constipation. 

Pain Management for Fibromyalgia 

Fibromyalgia presents symptoms of mood, memory, sleep, and chronic pain. Massage cannot alleviate all these or cure them. However, it can be a complementary therapy to help manage these symptoms. You should consult your doctor before you include massage therapy in your treatment regimen. 

Muscle Soreness and Strain

If your muscles are sore and swollen, a massage can help improve blood flow. It will encourage healing and recovery much faster than just waiting for them to recover on their own.

For more reasons why massage therapy is essential, visit Alpine Chiropractic & Decompression at our office in Ellensburg, Washington. Call (509) 962-2570 to book an appointment today.