Our bodies work hard every day to keep us safe and healthy, carrying past traumas and stresses in muscle fibers, articulations, and even organs, and sticking with us through everyday wear and tear. When the time comes to give back to our bodies, regular massage is the best option to help us maintain good health and wellness.

It's easy to see why massage is considered by most to be a luxury; it makes you feel incredible! After all, there aren't many other things that promote deep relaxation, release endorphins, and allow your body to heal itself all at once. However, regular massage is much more than a "treat" to be indulged in occasionally. Everyone needs regular massage therapy to help maintain a healthy body and mind, for a variety of reasons.

Health benefits of regular massage therapy

No matter who you are or what you do for work, your body is constantly being subjected to stressors. Repetitive routines, sedentary lifestyles, and even the rhythmic motions of today's fitness programs are incredibly taxing on your body. Small stressors always accumulate to cause bigger problems, making your muscles feel stiff, sore, and achy. But there is a solution! Massage helps increase blood flow and allows your body to heal, dispelling your symptoms. It's like pressing a "reset" button on your tired and aching muscles and joints! 

However, the benefits of massage aren't only physical. Keep reading to learn the many ways in which regular massage therapy can change your life.

1. Pain management

   People have seen great success in using massage to reduce ordinary and even chronic pain, as it improves local circulation and reduces tension in painful muscles, tendons, and joints. Additionally, massage might actually "close the pain gate" by impeding pain messages in nerve pathways to and from the brain. 

   While people using massage sporadically certainly experience these benefits, studies have shown that regular and more extended sessions have the power to relieve chronic pain much better than infrequent and short ones.

   
   

2. Improved posture

   Poor posture is often caused by a muscular imbalance in the core and back, resulting in muscle tightness, joint stiffness, and chronic pain. Massage helps improve posture by relaxing tight muscles, which promotes balance and stability in the back muscles. 

   This benefit is more evident in people who undergo regular massage therapy sessions, as everyday wear and tear worsens the problems surrounding poor posture. A one-time massage session is beneficial for a few days, whereas a long-term commitment to regular massage helps to improve posture and spinal health continuously.

   
   

3. Improved sleep

   Massage increases brain serotonin, the happiness hormone. Serotonin is an essential component of the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps us function during the day and get a good night's sleep. Therefore, regular massage therapy might be the perfect natural remedy for those who have insomnia. This improved sleep quality leaves clients feeling more rested, less fatigued, and happier.

   
   

4. Increased flexibility

   With age and sedentary lifestyles, our muscles and joints begin to tighten, restricting our range of motion and leading to more frequent muscle injuries. Regular massage elongates the muscles, opens and lubricates the joints, and decreases swelling in the body, increasing and maintaining flexibility and range of motion and making you less injury prone. 

   
   

5. Increased energy

   Regular massage therapy reduces the impact of those symptoms that drain our energy, such as anxiety and physical pain, and improves sleep quality. This results in an increase in energy levels and a decrease in feelings of sluggishness and "brain fog".

   
   

6. Increased blood flow

   Poor circulation can lead to various discomforts, including fluid pooling in the extremities, fatigue, cold hands and feet, and an accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles, causing achiness and pain.

   Massage improves blood flow and circulation because the exerted pressure moves blood through congested areas, increasing the oxygen levels in our cells. This, in turn, can lead to fewer symptoms of fatigue, keeps your brain sharp, helps to heal wounds faster, and even improves your complexion. Furthermore, people who engage in regular massage therapy experience lower blood pressure and improved body function.

   
   

7. Improved mood

   Stress and anxiety can be overwhelming, significantly impacting your mood. Regular massage increases serotonin and dopamine levels, considerably improving mood and reducing anxiety, mood swings, and depression.

   
   

8. Better immunity

   Research has shown that receiving regular massages supports a healthy immune system. This happens because massage decreases stress levels, flushes toxins, and promotes healing. Furthermore, it boosts the activity of white blood cells, which help our body fight off diseases.

   
   

9. Headache relief

   Headaches and migraines often result from stress and poor circulation, addressed during massage therapy. Studies have shown that people suffering from frequent tension headaches may experience relief in as little as one week of regular treatment.

See for yourself: Book your next massage therapy session with Bigtoe!

With Bigtoe, we bring the massage to you with our mobile massage program. This saves you valuable time and allows for a zero-fuss approach to massage therapy. Are you interested in learning more? Download the Bigtoe app to book your next massage session!