Niles Family Fitness Center's Blog

Benefits of Massage Therapy

By: Niles Family Fitness Center

October 22, 2024, 10:00 am - Categories: Healthy Tips

October 20-26 is National Massage Therapy Awareness Week®. Not only is massage therapy a great way to relax and unwind, it can also help alleviate unwanted muscle tension and aches and pains. If you suffer from a sore back, stress, anxiety, or other conditions, massage therapy could help to alleviate your symptoms and get you up on your feet.

Relieve Stress
Many people carry tension in their shoulders from stress. Massage therapy can help alleviate some of the physical symptoms of stress, including high blood pressure and more. Additionally, massage therapy is known to alleviate the psychological symptoms of stress as well, helping to improve your overall mental health.

Manage Lower-Back Pain
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, research has shown that regular massage therapy can help to decrease low back pain and decrease disability associated with low back pain over time. Consistent massage therapy can help to target the muscles and source of low back pain, leading to better overall well-being.

Improve Sleep
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) state that a lack of sleep is associated with a number of chronic conditions. Improving your sleep may help combat against cardiovascular disease, obesity and mental-health conditions. Overall, massage therapy has been shown to improve sleep in children and adults, those living with chronic conditions, the elderly and more.

Decrease Chronic Neck Pain
If you work in an office or spend a lot of time on the computer, chances are that you have experienced neck pain. Because pain medications can cause unwanted side effects, many people find themselves searching for alternative options. Consider massage therapy to help decrease overall neck pain and other problems.

Increase range of motion
If you suffer from muscle or joint stiffness, massage therapy may help alleviate your symptoms. Massage therapy can help increase your range of motion, reduce swelling, reduce muscle tension and promote muscle relaxation.

REFERENCE: American Massage Therapy Association. “25 Reasons to Get a Massage”. Amtamassage.com, accessed September 12, 2024. www.amtamassage.org/find-massage-therapist/25-reasons-to-get-a-massage/.