During these stressful times, you may have noticed that you’re carrying more tension in your neck and back than normal. Navigating the holidays during a global pandemic will do that to a person. Or perhaps you’re trying to overcome an injury or the soreness you feel after working out. Whatever the case may be, getting regular massage therapy can help.
For those of you who are not familiar, massage therapy is delivered by a licensed massage therapist (LMT) and is one of the leading holistic methods of treating soft muscle tissue and ligaments. This is accomplished by applying varying degrees of pressure using a refined technique.
Although there are plenty of at-home back massagers and massage therapy guns on the market, they don’t even come close to what an LMT can do.
When is the Right Time to Get Massage Therapy?
Most people think of massage therapy as a way of treating themselves every once in a while. Or they get it when pain and stress become too much to bear, sort of like a “break in case of emergency” situation.
The most common uses for massage therapy are treating pulled/strained muscles or to relieve tension in the upper and/or lower back. Many office workers who sit with poor posture end up having lower back problems.
Massage therapy is amazing when it comes to relieving pain and tension, however, the benefits are most evident when it’s being received on a regular basis.
The following are for areas that massage therapy can help with if you’re getting it on a regular basis (once or twice per week).
Pain Relief
Pushing your body too hard or engaging in physical activity that you’re not quite ready for can lead to pain. Some people think that sore and tense muscles are the cost of doing business when talking about exercise, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
By getting regular massage therapy, you can effectively prep your body for physical activity in addition to rehabbing your muscles once physical activity is over.
Since massage therapy is a holistic practice, that means you’re going to be less reliant on prescription pain medication as well as over-the-counter medications. Additionally, if you are trying to recover from an injury, massage therapy has proven to be beneficial in that arena as well. Some doctors recommend massage therapy to their patients as part of their recovery plan.
Get Better Sleep
Some of us struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, and it seems like no amount of sleep medication or an upgrade in mattress helps. Either your sleep is cut short and you’re waking up hours before your alarm, or you find yourself waking up throughout the night for no particular reason.
A bad night’s sleep is ultimately going to affect the way you function throughout the day. Just think of how you operate on five hours sleep compared to the full eight hours you’re supposed to get. It’s a big difference, right?
By getting massage therapy on a regular basis, you’ll find that you’re able to get to sleep quicker, stay asleep longer, and you feel more rested once you wake up. This is because massage therapy helps with the release of serotonin, which is perfect for those who want to get a good night’s rest without the aid of medication.
Handle Stress and Anxiety While Improving Your Mood
Handling the holidays and all the regular challenges of work can really crank up the stress. Add a global pandemic into the mix and it’s no wonder that everyone is feeling more anxious and stressed out than normal. Massage therapy is often associated with pain relief, however, it works wonders in the stress and anxiety department.
Since massage therapy helps with the release of chemicals like endorphins, serotonin and dopamine – all your “feel good” chemicals – you’ll notice that stress and anxiety seem to melt away after only a few minutes on the massage table. If the stressors of life are getting to you, nothing cuts through the negative vibes quite like a professional massage.
Book Your Massage Therapy Appointment
Now that you know some of the core benefits of getting massage therapy on a regular basis, the next step is for you to book an appointment for yourself. Massage therapy in your area should be widely available. Simply Google the term “massage therapy near me” to kick off your search, and be sure to check the ratings and reviews of clinics before booking. They are huge indicators of the quality of massage you can expect.
To get the maximum benefit from massage therapy, get it at least once per week. And consult with your licensed massage therapist during your first appointment.
