How is Massage Therapy a Powerful Tool For Stress Relief?
Massage therapy is a time-tested and powerful tool considered a part of integrative medicine for stress relief and it has been practiced for specific centuries across various cultures. Some people see it as a luxury for a healthy and wealthy life, as it promotes physical and mental health.
In general terms, massage is used for rubbing, pressing, and manipulating your muscles, skin, ligaments, and tendons. The range of pressure may vary from light stroking to deep pressure.
Massage is used along with standard treatment for a wide category of medical conditions, such as:
| Anxiety | Arthritis | Chronic Back Pain | Postoperative Pain And Swelling |
| Scar Tissues | Depression | Sports Injuries | Nerve Pain |
| Circulatory Disorder | Insomnia | Digestive Disorder | Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ) |
Various Types of Massage Therapy Techniques
Here is a list of common techniques and approaches for treating sports injuries.
Swedish Massage
It is a popular and widely practiced therapeutic massage that originated in Sweden. It involves smooth and long strokes, circular movements, kneading, friction, and tapping, all performed rhythmically and systematically. It is used to promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension.
Deep Tissue Massage
It focuses on reaching the deeper tissues of the muscles and connective tissues in the body. It involves applying slow strokes and firm pressure to the area of discomfort. Massage Therapists use their fingertips, hands, elbows, and forearms to manipulate and release adhesions, tightness, and muscle knots.
Sports Massage
It is designed to enhance athletic performance, prevent injuries, and aid in the recovery of soft tissues and muscles after intense physical activity. It involves a combination of stretching, deep tissue technique, and targeted pressure to alleviate muscle tension, promote blood circulation, and improve flexibility with Sports Injuries Physiotherapy.
Trigger Point Massage
It is a specialized form of therapeutic bodywork that targets localized knots or “trigger points” within muscles that cause discomfort. These trigger points are sensitive areas that can radiate pain to other parts of the body. The massage therapist uses manipulation techniques to alleviate pain, restore range of motion, and improve muscle function. It’s a highly effective approach for those dealing with muscle tension, injuries, or chronic pain.
Myofascial Release
It is a specialized manual therapy targeting the fascial system, a network of connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs. It involves applying a gentle hands-on technique to release restrictions within the fascia that reduce pain and increase mobility. Fascial restrictions can result from poor posture, trauma, and inflammation, leading to limited movement.
While providing massage therapy to the client, therapists will use a combination of these techniques to target the area of pain or discomfort, and the range of pressure applied will vary according to the client’s preference.
How Does Massage Therapy Reduce Stress?
Massage Physiotherapy makes use of psychological and physiological effects that contribute to reducing stress. Here’s how it does so;
Relaxation of Muscles
Massage therapy will trigger relaxation responses by manipulating the muscles and soft tissues of the body. It will help reduce muscle spasms and relax tense muscles, which are often associated with stress.
Release of Endorphins
Massage therapy triggers the release of endorphins (natural chemical hormones that act as painkillers and mood elevators). It reduces stress levels and creates a sense of well-being.
Reduction of Cortisol Level
Cortisol is a natural hormone released in the body in response to stress and high levels of it can contribute to various health issues, including anxiety and increased stress. Massage therapy has been effective in decreasing the cortisol level in the body. Lowering cortisol levels helps manage anxiety and stress.
Improved Circulation
Massage therapy increases blood circulation throughout the body. Better circulation inside the body ensures that proper oxygen and nutrients reach the cells more efficiently, which ultimately promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Regular massage sessions have been recognized to lower blood pressure. The physiological mechanism underlying this effect soothes the body’s muscles and nerves As the tension is released from the body’s muscles, it will also reduce the level of anxiety that is often linked to high blood pressure.
Enhance Sleep Quality
Stress levels disrupt the sleep cycle of the body. Massage therapy improves the quality of sleep by reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, thereby enabling individuals to get better rest. Having a good sleep cycle can significantly reduce stress.
Stress Reduction Through Human Touch
The human touch provides a comforting and calming effect. During the massage, the physical touch provided by the therapist provides emotional support and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.
Stimulating Parasympathetic Nervous System
Massage therapy stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps the body take proper rest. It is responsible for the body’s “digest and rest” mechanism, slowing down the heart rate, promoting relaxation, and slowing down the heart rate. Additionally, massage therapy also counters the effect of the sympathetic nervous system, which is activated during the body’s stress response.
Mind-Body Connection
Massage therapy can stimulate mindfulness in several ways.
- By encouraging individuals to focus on their physical sensations.
- It enhances sensory awareness, pressure, warmth, and awareness of touch. This heightened sensory awareness encourages individuals to fully experience sensations without making any judgments.
- This concept of mindfulness is used to reduce stress levels.
Soothing Environment
The ambiance in which the massage therapist will perform their action is designed to be relaxing, creating a serene atmosphere that helps promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Alleviate Mental Fatigue
The soothing effects of massage therapy extend to the mind, help to alleviate mental fatigue and improve cognitive functions. By promoting mental clarity, individuals can approach challenges with a more balanced and relaxed mindset.
To conclude, it’s important to note that individual responses to massage therapy may vary. Some people may find it more effective in reducing stress and anxiety levels than others.
At Vital Physio, our massage therapists are highly trained and professional. If you would like to know more about our services, Please go through our website or feel free to get in touch with us at +1 604-503-8022
