Wondering if a massage might help with a sore neck and shoulders or an achy, tired back? Everybody knows that a good massage can have a soothing and calming effect, especially if you’re feeling stressed or anxious. But what are the other benefits of massage?
Sports Therapist from our Epsom clinic, Beth Sanders incorporates deep tissue massage in her sessions. Having worked with Harlequins Rugby, British Athletics, and British Triathlon for their competition preparations and recovery, she has seen the value of massage for sports injury and also its other many benefits. She shares her experience here.
How does massage work with other therapies?
Sometimes a combination of therapies is helpful. For instance, when the muscles are very tense and tight, a massage can help osteopathy to be more effective. Or when one of our practitioners advises an exercise programme to strengthen muscles, a massage can support the return of muscle tone. Our therapists are trained to give massages within an overall, comprehensive treatment protocol.
What are the benefits of massage?
Massage has been used for centuries, as an effective way to relieve muscle tension and relax both body and mind. But that’s not all it can do for you. Here are 5 benefits of massage that might surprise you.
Reduces stress and boosts mental health
A build-up of chronic stress can impact your health in various ways, according to research. Massage can help you relieve some of that accumulated stress before it overwhelms you.
Its beneficial effects on the nervous system have been documented. A 2018 review published in 2018 in Focus found that in those with psychiatric symptoms, massage may affect brain circuitry, autonomic nervous system activity, and hormonal and immune systems in people with psychiatric complaints.
Improved skin tone and circulation
The friction of a massage warms your tissues and enhances the flow of oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood. increasing circulation boosts the delivery of this nourishment to muscles, connective tissues, and skin. This extra nourishment can enhance physical performance and support injury recovery.
Boosts your immune system
Massage also helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, supporting your body to eliminate toxins and strengthening your immune system.
It can also reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines and cortisol in your body, returning it to better balance. Some research shows that regular massage can manage symptoms in those with autoimmune diseases.
Relieves tired and stiff joints
Recent evidence supports the effectiveness of manual therapy, including massage, in sports injury rehabilitation and general pain management for those with chronic conditions.
A meta-analysis published in August 2022 in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that manual soft-tissue therapy can relieve chronic neck pain through lowering inflammation and relaxing the nervous system. And according to a meta-analysis in that journal, evidence shows that massage may ease pain and stiffness in those with arthritis in the knee.
Stress can exacerbate pain, so if massage therapy helps you manage your stress levels, it follows that this can result in better pain relief.
Sports recovery
Research shows that muscle soreness is relieved by massage after exercise. In a meta-analysis, it was found that massage reduced inflammation and alleviated muscle damage, boosting recovery rates.
And another study in BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine found that massage improved flexibility and eased muscle soreness after exercise.
How does massage speed sports injury recovery? The effect of massage in enhancing blood flow to the tissues surrounding a sports injury provides the nutrients it requires for repair. It also removes waste products from the site. Massage also loosens and works through scar tissue and adhesions, supporting mobility around stiff joints.
Make an appointment for massage today
Make an appointment with Beth in our Epsom clinic for massage that delivers multiple health benefits
