6 Benefits of Getting Massages Regularly
We all know massages feel good, right? But what if the benefits could last longer than the 60mins you’re laying on the table? For many people, massage has become life changing. It is not just a luxury anymore; it is considered a necessity to function and live better. In this article I will go over the top 6 benefits my clients have told me how massage has changed their lives.
#1 - Stress Management
We all have daily stressors that can add up quickly over time. Being able to take a breather out of the day and not have to think about what’s for dinner, what the kids will do when you get home, or the next 20 things you need to do at work is sometimes the only chance we get to slow down. Regular massages can help empty our stress cups so we can go back to doing what we need to.
#2 - Enhanced Immune Function
We’ve all heard massage releases toxins. While that may not be true, it does promote lymph flow, which is what helps our body fight off sickness. Lymph can get stuck in the nodes and make it harder for our body to filter, but regular massages can help get it moving again. The relaxation we get from massages also helps promote immune function. You want to rest and recover before your body forces you to by getting sick.
#3 - Increase Range of Motion
Our everyday activities can be really hard on our bodies. Repeated movements is the biggest factor to loss of range of motion and bad posture. The muscles just get stuck. Massage can help unstick them. Regularly releasing knots, tension and adhesions can help keep your body moving the way it should.
#4 - Improves Strength
Sounds counterproductive, I know. We’re loosening the muscles, not building them. But with improved range of motion, your muscles become stronger. When your muscles are tense, or shortened, and you are not getting the full range of motion in a movement, it causes the muscle to be weakened. Or, at least not as strong as it should. Regular massages help trainers and athletes be able to always perform their best, because the muscle is being used to its fullest capacity, and not half-assing it.
#5 - Pain Relief
This may be the number 1 reason why people get a massage. You’re in pain because you just shoveled your entire driveway and now you can’t stand straight. Or you woke up on the wrong side of the bed and now your neck hurts when you turn to the left. Massage helps release the knotted muscles that cause pain and restriction.
#6 - Pain Management
I put this a separate point because this is the number 1 reason why people keep coming back. While massage is okay at relieving pain in the moment, it’s true intention is to keep the pain from coming back. Massage helps improve the function of the muscles so they (hopefully) don’t keep causing pain. But, most importantly, if the pain does come back, it is so much easier to relieve if your body is used to being loosened up. Problems that used to cause days or even weeks of pain, are usually relieved after a session when the body remembers what it should be doing.
What’s regular for you is up to you. No one knows your body better than you do. But one thing’s for sure, when you miss a session, your body will let you know it’s time to go back. Book your next massage with Jefferson City’s own, Respiro Spa.
