“Massage is so much more than a luxury. It’s a health choice.”
This is an adage I use on a daily basis in practice and is one that I adamantly stand by. Here’s the “why” behind it and the science to back it up.
1.) NATURAL STRESS REDUCTION: While this might be one of the more commonly known side effects of massage, it is not to be understated. In a world where “crazy busy” is rampant (and sometimes worn like a badge of honor), we could all use a little more down time. Scheduling a massage ensures that you take those 60 minutes for you, and you alone. We absolutely cannot be the best versions of ourselves if we don’t take care of us. Taking time for ourselves makes us better partners, parents, children and friends. It is effective for treating all kinds of physical ailments, but does just as much for the space between our ears.
2.) IMPROVED SLEEP: Massage increases Delta brain waves which helps improve sleep overall. More restful sleep improves pain syndromes and treatment outcomes for numerous conditions.
3.) PAIN RELIEF: Eight out of ten people will have debilitating back pain at some point in their lives. While this is certainly a common complaint in a chiropractic office, massage has been used effectively to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, post workout soreness, fibromyalgia, and many other painful syndromes. It effectively reduces inflammation, flushes toxins, promotes healing and improves cell oxygenation. All without the negative visceral effects of “safe” over the counter pain relievers.
4.) HEART HEALING BENEFITS: Scientific research has shown the benefits of massage therapy as treatment for anxiety, cancer pain, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, post-operative recovery and more. Recently, several studies have indicated the benefits of massage therapy for heart health. A 2008 study found that a 45-60 min. massage helped drop blood pressure by 10 mg Hg and heart rate by 10 beats per minute after just one treatment. A study in early 2013 extended these findings; patients with mildly elevated blood pressure received a 15 min massage three times a week for ten sessions and were compared to a group that relaxed for the same amount of time. Blood pressure fell in the massage group, and remained lower for several days. Another study this year indicated that massage not only reduced blood pressure but also reduced inflammation markers significantly, suggesting that massage has global, full body healing effects.
5.) IMPROVED CHIROPRACTIC OUTCOMES: Chiropractic treatment can produce incredible results for a variety of conditions. Adding massage therapy addresses both components of the musculoskeletal system, and can put a stop to recurrent spinal conditions by relaxing surrounding muscle tissue. Conversely, adding chiropractic to a massage therapy protocol can oftentimes address the source of the muscle tension thereby ensuring proper innervation and blood supply to that muscle.
These are just a few of the many benefit of massage therapy. If you haven’t found some of these effects with your massage experience, you probably haven’t had the right massage therapist. At AWC, we have incredible, experienced, high quality therapists versed in a variety of massage techniques. To learn more about our therapists click here. To learn about the techniques they practice click here.
If any of this resounds with you, or if you have any questions about what you’ve read here, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are never too busy to help you and your loved ones. Please call 843-416-8218 to schedule or learn more; we look forward to working with you!
