It’s well known in the medical world that a massage has an array of therapeutic advantages. It’s especially good for athletes and people with chronic health conditions, but anyone can benefit from going for massages regularly. Massages promote good health by:
- Relieving stress and anxiety: When you get a massage, the brain releases “feel good” hormones and neurotransmitters (chemicals in your brain) like endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, all of which have been shown to be relaxing.
- Aiding physical recovery: Massage therapy helps muscles heal, which is particularly important for professional and amateur athletes, but any person with physical injuries can benefit from a massage.
- Reducing pain: Between relaxation and improved recovery, massage therapy can alleviate soreness in people with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or those experiencing temporary pain.
- Boosting the immune system: The motions a massage therapist uses stimulates lymphatic fluid movement around the body. This liquid contains white blood cells which are essential for fighting infections.
- Improving cardiovascular health: Massage therapy also encourages increased blood flow, which means blood can move more freely and more oxygen is carried to your cells.
How Massage Helps Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which inflammation causes pain in the heel area. More specifically, the discomfort results from swelling in the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. The condition is commonly characterized by a stabbing sensation that occurs early in the morning when you start walking and after long periods of standing or sitting. While its causes aren’t fully understood, we do know that the pain can be alleviated through a variety of treatments, including physical therapy and massage.
Stretching and massaging the affected area can reduce pain, as those motions promote blood flow and circulation to and around the painful region. Stretching can also help relax the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the sore spot. Therapeutic exercises help strengthen the connective tissues around the bone, which reduces pressure and minimizes discomfort.
Guests with plantar fasciitis can perform these massages, stretches and exercises at home, but it’s a good idea to consult a massage therapist first to determine which treatment may work best for you. Massage therapists can also perform highly specialized intensive deep tissue massages to relieve aches and pains.
How Massage Improves Immune Function
Our immune system is a complex network of different cells, organs and fluids that work together to stave off disease and keep us healthy. We all know that regular exercise, a balanced diet, less stress and good sleep are essential for staying in good physical and mental shape. But, did you know that massage therapy can help us maintain our health by boosting our immune function, too?
Our bodies contain a liquid called lymph fluid which contains white blood cells (also called leukocytes) that fight viruses, bacteria, parasites and other pathogens. Massages help circulate this fluid around the body, and it stimulates leukocyte production.
Stress raises our cortisol and adrenaline (two types of hormones involved in the famous “fight or flight” response) levels, and they can have a negative impact on our health if they’re sustained too long because they suppress the immune system. Massage therapy reduces these molecules, thereby giving our immune system a chance to recover.
Through massages, our bodies return to homeostasis: the optimally balanced state we need to stay healthy and perform at and feel our best. If you’re interested in helping people improve their well-being, consider enrolling at a Denver massage school!
