One of The Top Reasons People Seek Massage Therapy is Stress Reduction.

By Renee’ Fulkerson

One of the top reasons people seek massage therapy is stress reduction. Around 1 million Americans miss work each day because of stress. And some 33% of people report feeling extreme stress. When stress levels are high immune function can be suppressed, making it weak and vulnerable. Stress can affect sleeping habits, eating habits, and muscle tension. And lead to irritability, depression, and anxiety. So, we know anything massage can do to reduce stress is helpful.

Another reason people seek massage therapy is its ability to help with pain. In 2020, 619 million people suffered from lower back pain globally. In the last twenty years, numerous case studies have proven the benefits of massage therapy on back pain. 

Case Study: The Use of Massage Therapy to Relieve Chronic Low-Back Pain. 

Clients who receive massage therapy lower their anxiety, stress levels, and muscle tension.

Physical benefits of massage therapy:

• Strengthened immune system
• Less pain and muscle tension
• Improved flexibility and mobility
• Better quality sleep

Mental benefits of massage therapy:

• Decreases anxiety
• Reduce stress levels
• Feeling of well-being
• Increase relaxation

Massage aims to alleviate the symptoms that cause negative sensory input and increase the positive input. That creates a general feeling of well-being after a massage treatment. 

Like exercise, massage also releases endorphins that block the perception of pain and increase feelings of well-being. And although these effects are temporary. They can relieve and help with chronic pain and injury rehabilitation. 

Swedish massage and aromatherapy massage may lower blood pressure. A study showcased that Swedish massages can lower blood pressure was completed in 2006. Blood pressure readings from over 150 participants showed that Swedish massage was one of the only types that effectively lowered high blood pressure among participants.

Conditions massage can help:

• Fibromyalgia
• Depression
• Postoperative care
• Soft tissue injuries
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Lordosis and kyphosis
• Forward head carriage

43% of Americans receiving massages reported they did so for health conditions such as pain management, injury rehabilitation, migraine control, or overall wellness. 

88% of consumers agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain.

When receiving massage therapy, the focus should always be on what it does for you, the individual client. The benefits need to be the key focus of your massage therapy treatment. 

Finding a professional massage therapist is the first step to a positive massage experience. I am a proud member of American Massage Therapy Organization. And I highly recommend using ATMA to find a professional licensed massage therapist.

Aloha