Benefits of Massage
Massage therapy supports many health goals. People seek massage for help with specific pain points, injury recovery, pain management, or to support a defined goal — like preparing for surgery, complementing physical therapy, or staying active during and after pregnancy. Other folks receive massage to support an already well-functioning body and healthy lifestyle.
Massage works on numerous levels and is much more than just moving muscles around. Manual manipulation can boost circulatory and lymphatic system function; stretch, hydrate, and un-stick tissue; align scar tissue in a more resilient structure; and strengthen the immune system to help reduce inflammation which speeds repair and recovery. More subtly, massage helps your nervous system reestablish balance, which has cascading positive effects throughout the body. Massage supports the endocrine system in regulating hormone levels, leading to an enduring relief from stress. Emotionally and psychologically, massage can bring a sense of comfort and relaxation.
“Byron really helped me with my tense neck and shoulders. He even noted a few areas in my posture and walk where I can improve my alignment. After a massage with him, I always had much relief from neck tension.”
An overall excellent summary of the benefits of massage is Massage Therapy in Integrative Care & Pain Management, published by the American Massage Therapy Association in 2018.
A non-exhaustive list of the benefits of massage.
Pain. Pain is fairly mysterious, when it comes down to it, but we are learning more and more. There has been a lot of promising research on the efficacy of massage for many kinds of pain (chronic, cancer, surgical, and low-back, to name a few) and massage is a being widely recommended as an alternative to opioids.
Headaches and Sleep Disorders. Massage can relieve the muscle tension and emotional stress at the root of tension headaches. It can also work wonders for some migraines. One study showed that massage led to less frequent migraines and improved sleep for weeks after the massage intervention.
Arthritis. Massage supports dampening the pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as relieving the stress and strain from the compensatory use patterns in the body.
Stress. Massage works to alleviate the effects of stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system for some much needed rest and repair. It also helps address the more fundamental causes of stress by allowing the nervous and endocrine systems to rest in a more neutral state.
Pre- or post-surgical care. Massage can meaningfully support your surgical outcome on both ends. Before an operation, it helps prepare the body — improving circulation, reducing baseline tension, and working alongside any physical therapy exercises to strengthen and hydrate the target area. After surgery, once initial healing has occurred, massage can decrease post-operative pain and anxiety, reduce scar tissue adhesion, and help restore range of motion. If you're planning a surgery or working through recovery, reach out before booking so we can build the right plan.
Scar Tissue Management. Massage techniques, specifically cross-fiber friction, encourages scar tissue to form in a stronger and more flexible pattern, as well as improve the appearance of a scar. Scar tissue work can be uncomfortable in the moment, but the long-term gains in range of motion and function are real and worth it.
High blood pressure. For cases of high blood pressure stabilized through medication, regular massage can result in a sustained drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Hypertension is a precursor to many cardiovascular diseases and a large contributor to stress. Give your heart a break! Massage is not appropriate if you have hypertension but it isn’t managed under supervision of a doctor. Please see a doctor and do not substitute massage for medications!
Digestive trouble. Constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive disorders respond well to massage because it stimulates peristalsis: the body’s natural intestinal muscle contractions.
Relaxation. Arguably underrated as a health outcome in itself. Your nervous system needs downtime to repair and regulate. A good massage delivers that in a way very few other things can.
Sassy likes massage too!
If you're looking for massage therapy in Wheaton or Silver Spring to support surgical recovery, complement your physical therapy, or get through pregnancy more comfortably, that's exactly what I focus on. See my services →