The most obvious reason for seeking a massage therapist’s services is usually to seek relief from various aches and pains dotting around one’s body. In fact, the problem can sometimes be so severe that it could be hampering your way of life. 

That being said, the benefits of undergoing massage therapy goes beyond just pain relief. After all, living a pain-free life also entails finding oneself in a better mental disposition. To cement it’s importance even better, here are four ways massage therapy can be beneficial for changing one’s life:

1. Alleviate chronic pain

Some types of body pains, particularly those on your lower back, neck, or shoulders, can be tough to eliminate. You may also be suffering from a headache that won’t go away for days. 

If you’re currently suffering these kinds of pain for longer than a few days, you may be suffering from chronic pain. Massage therapy can help in this regard by helping relax muscle groups that might be causing the pain. Depending on a massage therapist’s expertise, they can use a variety of techniques to target a particular muscle group that is causing discomfort. 

2. Help boost mental health 

Constant unabated pain can easily affect your mental health. In fact, pain is one of the most common sources of anxiety and depression. In this regard, massage therapy can help boost your mental health, as it is known to lower stress hormone cortisol levels by at least 30%. 

In place of cortisol comes serotonin and dopamine hormones, which are also called the body’s feel-good hormones. This calming effect results from applying pressure to pain receptors found under the skin. These then stimulate the vagus nerve, which forms a big part of your nervous system!

A relaxed nervous system tends to slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease stress-related hormones. 

3. Decrease recovery time after an intense workout 

It’s normal to feel sore after a particularly intensive workout. Micro-tears are usually the cause of pain after exercise, as these cause your muscles to swell up after the body is finished repairing itself. While this is a good thing, nobody wants to suffer through the pain needlessly!

When it comes to alleviating pain from exercise, massage therapy can be a lifesaver. Aside from pain relief, the improved blood flow brought about by massage can help you avoid soreness for your next workout. 

4. Provide relief for cancer patients 

As mentioned above, massage therapy can do wonders both on your physical and mental well-being. It can help your body’s muscles regenerate faster and, in so doing, lowers stress and anxiety caused by pain. 

Cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, are often in a lot of pain and stress due to their condition. Massage therapy can provide a much-desired relief, even for a short while. It might not give them a cure, but it can give them a much-needed respite that could help them tide over the next wave of treatments they have to soldier through. 

Conclusion 

Massage therapy is a great way to take care of your body and help it recover from stress and other factors causing ailments. If you want some respite from your body aches or just want to have a relaxing time, then find a massage therapy service near you.

I’m Meg Parker, and I’m an intentional health coach and licensed massage therapist based in New York. If you’re looking for sports massage, reflexology, lymph drainage, and other related services, then I’ve got what you need! Connect with me today, and let’s find a way to get you towards a healthier lifestyle.