The benefits of a good massage
WHO DOESN’T LIKE A GOOD MASSAGE? BUT DO WE UNDERSTAND JUST WHAT A MASSAGE CAN DO TO IMPROVE OUR QUALITY OF LIFE?
A major decision factor for taking a massage treatment, apart from pain, is stress. A common part of many of our everyday lives, affecting everything from our sleep patterns to our eating habits and even the health of our skin. While a certain level of stress can be beneficial, keeping us motivated and alert, it’s important to recognize when stress becomes overwhelming—and to find effective ways to manage it.
Relaxation exercises such as meditation, yoga or going for a nice walk, all have fabulous benefits, however, one of the best ways to relax and unwind is through a good massage, which has the added physical advantages that exercise can’t provide.
Massage has been practiced for centuries, with its history stretching back to the earliest cave paintings. So, what makes massage such a trusted and time-honored method of relaxation? To find some answers to back up our statement, we can look at the benefits of massage and what it actually does to our mind and body.
WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF MASSAGE?
Improved circulation
This benefit is the reason why massage is often recommended to support recovery and reduce muscle soreness after physical activity. By combining pressure, movement, and relaxation, massage supports the body’s natural circulation processes, enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients while assisting in the removal of waste products.
Decreased muscle stiffness
Massage helps to reduce tight muscles by increasing the temperature of the soft tissue, breaking down adhesions and decreasing tone. Massage helps treat muscle hypertonicity in the muscles. Hypertonicity in the muscles reduces blood flow and results in muscle tightness.
Decreased joint inflammation
By warming up the tissues and increasing blood circulation to the joints, it improves the movement and decreases any pain that may be associated with diseases such as arthritis.
Better quality of sleep
Massage can actually force the body into relaxation mode, pulling muscles smooth and long again, reducing any tension and causing an increase in blood circulation. These movements send signals to the brain that tell it to relax. Over longer periods of time with regular massage, hyperarousal can actually intervene, allowing us to sleep well again.
Quicker recovery between workouts
A relaxing massage post-workout will help your muscles recover by easing tension, reducing stress and alleviating any pain. Massage also triggers the body to release feel-good hormones that encourage relaxation and gets you back on track on your recovery days between exercise.
Improved flexibility
Massage breaks down scar tissue through the physical massage techniques, helping to re-align the collagen fibres that are more flexible than scar tissue. It will also reduce swelling and inflammation around joints increasing flexibility.
Less pain and soreness
This benefit is most likely to be the reason why people choose massage in the first place. Relieving pain is a critical benefit of a good deep tissue massage which works to deliver oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissue to reduce inflammation and pain. Endomorphins are released during a massage – nature’s painkiller.
Strengthened immune response
Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, responsible for removing waste and toxins. Improved lymphatic drainage helps rid the body of pathogens, which is vital for a strong immune response. Massage also lowers cortisol levels (which are raised when stressed), a hormone that weakens the immune function – with a lowered cortisol level, the stress is reduced and overall immune resilience increased.
Studies have shown that massage can lead to an increase in white blood cells, especially lymphocytes, which are key to fighting infections. For instance, Swedish massage has been found to boost white blood cell counts, strengthening the body’s natural defense against illness.
ARE THESE BENEFITS PROVEN?
Research indicates that massage has measurable benefits for both physical and mental health. A study from Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences revealed that massage therapy positively affects the immune and endocrine systems. In the study, 29 participants received a 45-minute Swedish massage, while another 24 received a 45-minute light-touch massage.
The findings were notable: participants in the Swedish massage group showed a significant increase in white blood cells, which play a vital role in immune defense. They also had lower levels of AVP, a hormone associated with aggressive behavior, and reduced cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. This research highlights that massage provides not only mental relaxation but also tangible physical health benefits.
ARE SOME MASSAGE TECHNIQUES BETTER THAN OTHERS?
There are a number of different massage techniques, all of which will be delivered in a unique way by your qualified professional. If you are looking for specific deep tissue massage due to a sports injury, you might be more inclined to choose a sports therapist with specialist knowledge in sports injuries and physiotherapy. There are specialists in many areas of massage including lymphatic drainage, Myofascial, Thai massage or trigger point massage.
If you are looking for all over mental and physical benefits as highlighted above, you will do well to choose a Swedish massage which is standard among most clinics, and therefore comes at a price that can be afforded as part of your monthly wellbeing. Swedish massage incorporates relaxation for the mind, and deep massage techniques to release tension and pain.
At Springwell Clinic, we provide Swedish and Hot Stone massage, where warm stones are laid on specific areas of the body to release deep rooted tension. Hot stone massage originated in India as a natural remedy for muscle pain relief. Made from basalt rock, formed millions of years ago through volcanic activity, these stones retain heat well due to their iron-rich composition. The warmth and weight of the stones help relax muscles, enabling the therapist to apply deeper pressure comfortably. Adding hot stones to any massage enhances relaxation and provides effective tension relief.
When carried out by a reputable clinic, and experienced therapist, your massage should be tailored to your needs, for example, if you have specific areas of tension, deeper tissue massage using targeted pressure from the elbow and other parts of the arm will release persistent knots. Prior to your treatment, you’ll have a detailed consultation with your therapist to determine the best approach for your needs.
THE TAKEAWAY
Regardless of the type of massage, the benefits are clear. If you’re in need of a little self-care and relaxation, massage can provide that much-needed break, rejuvenating both body and mind, why not incorporate it into your monthly wellbeing routine, and reap all the benefits!
At Springwell Clinic, our Swedish Massage starts at just £45 for 30 minutes! Get in touch to book on 01628 308060 or email hello@springwellclinic.co.uk, or book online.