Massage Tulsa is a way to touch the body and relax muscles, tendons and ligaments. However, it shouldn’t replace other medical interventions that are necessary to treat an underlying health condition.
There is strong evidence that massage reduces anxiety in clinical trials and some anecdotal reports that it helps people who are suffering from depression. There are also several other unproven but likely benefits.
Stress is integral to our survival, but if it remains switched on continuously it leads to a host of negative health conditions such as muscular tension, high blood pressure, chronic pain and even depression. During massage therapy, the body’s fight-or-flight response to perceived threats is deactivated through stimulation of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (HPA) resulting in reduced cortisol levels and increased endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters offer stress relief by calming the body and mind, reducing anxiety and improving your mood.
When paired with a healthy lifestyle, massage offers a holistic stress relief solution that builds on immediate results and enhances long-term benefits. Regularly scheduled massage sessions encourage the adoption of a wellness routine, promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle that promotes resiliency against life’s daily stresses.
While the type of massage you choose depends on your personal needs, all types of massage therapy promote relaxation and help the body cope with physical or emotional trauma. The gentle and calming techniques of Swedish massage, for example, soothe the nervous system through rhythmic pressure and soothing motions. This type of massage also increases circulation, releasing tight muscles and allowing for the elimination of metabolic waste that can build up with injury or overuse.
Another technique that reduces stress is lymphatic drainage, a process of stimulating the lymphatic system to remove waste more efficiently. This can be beneficial in reducing stress post-injury as the buildup of metabolic wastes can lead to swelling, muscular fatigue and weakness, restricting movement and inhibiting healing.
Incorporating massage into your regular self-care regimen is an excellent way to manage and reduce stress. Not only does it stimulate the release of feel-good hormones, but it can help increase your energy by promoting a better night’s sleep, reduce inflammation by enhancing the immune system and flushing toxins from the body, boosting your overall health and wellbeing. In addition, incorporating massage into your weekly schedule can promote a healthier relationship with yourself by encouraging you to take the time for yourself regularly, fostering a positive and empowering self-image in the face of stressful circumstances or life challenges.
Pain relief
Massage has been found to be effective in relieving chronic pain. However, it is important to remember that pain relief from massage is not a replacement for medical intervention to treat an underlying health condition. Regular or semi-regular massages can help reduce pain and tension in many parts of the body. It can also be combined with other treatment approaches to maximize results.
Many of us experience muscle pain from overuse, injury, or simply everyday living. These painful bundles of tissue can lead to restricted range of motion and joint dysfunction. When the muscles and connective tissues are massaged, blood flows in and out of the area, and toxins are flushed away. This improves flexibility and reduces the build-up of inflammatory substances that cause inflammation and pain.
The nervous system plays a key role in how we perceive and manage pain. According to the gate control theory, non-painful input closes a ‘gate’ in the central nervous system, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. Massage therapy stimulates large nerve fibers that compete with pain signals and may block these gates, reducing or eliminating sensations of pain.
Other forms of massage can include aromatherapy (using essential oils), reflexology, and shiatsu (an oriental technique that involves working specific points on the hands, feet, face, and ears). These techniques vary in intensity from light touch to deep pressure.
A massage is most effective when it is tailored to the needs of the individual client. This is why it is important to talk with the therapist about their goals and concerns before starting any treatment plan. The therapist can then suggest what type of treatment would be most beneficial for the client and guide them through the session.
A massage can have a profoundly positive impact on a person’s emotional and psychological state, as well as their physical health. It can help with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and relieve the stress and sadness often associated with long-term pain. In addition, massage can help boost self-esteem in people with chronic conditions such as disability or terminal illness.
Improved sleep
Many people struggle to get restful sleep. Insomnia is one common sleep problem that can lead to a host of physical and mental health issues. Massage may be able to help improve sleep. The key is choosing the right type of massage and the best time to perform it. The ideal time is 30-60 minutes before your planned bedtime to allow the body and mind to fully relax. Adding a calming massage routine into your evening can help you get the restful sleep you need.
The way massage impacts sleep is through its effect on the body’s production of serotonin and melatonin. These chemicals are precursors to sleep and regulate the body’s wake/sleep cycle, known as circadian rhythms. Research has shown that massage can increase levels of both of these hormones, resulting in improved sleep.
This is because the brain responds to touch by stimulating pressure receptors under the skin. These nerves send messages to the brain that cause the muscles and other parts of the body to relax, leading to better overall sleep. It is also thought that massage may reduce cortisol, a stress hormone, which is another factor that can lead to poor sleep.
If you have a specific sleep problem, such as chronic pain or insomnia, talk to your doctor before beginning a massage regimen. They can let you know if certain techniques are too intense or not recommended for your condition.
Almost any kind of massage can benefit your sleep, though certain types work better for this purpose than others. For instance, Swedish massage uses a combination of long, flowing strokes and kneading to help relax the muscles. It is a gentle, relaxing form of massage that can help lower cortisol and increase serotonin, preparing the body for restful sleep.
Deep tissue and sports massage are other vigorous types of massage that can benefit sleep by relieving muscle tension and reducing fatigue. They can be especially helpful for improving sleep in those with back problems or other musculoskeletal conditions that cause stress and pain, which can interfere with sleep.
Better circulation
A healthy circulatory system allows blood, oxygen and other rich nutrients to flow throughout the body, carrying out vital functions and removing waste products like carbon dioxide. It also ensures that every cell receives the necessary fuel to function properly.
Massage enhances the circulation by stimulating the release of histamine, a neurotransmitter that increases the permeability of blood vessels and promotes vasodilation, or widening of the blood vessels. This process is facilitated by the compression, friction and manipulation techniques employed during massage. When your blood can move freely, it delivers essential nutrients to your muscles and tissues, helps reduce fatigue and soreness, speeds up recovery from exercise, and more.
It also helps in the delivery of oxygen to cells, which is required for cellular metabolism and tissue repair. Enhanced oxygenation improves the function of organs and tissues and reduces lactic acid buildup in muscles, contributing to faster recovery. Regular massage also stimulates the lymphatic system, a key component of the circulatory system that transports metabolic waste and other toxins away from the tissues.
Lastly, proper circulation lowers your blood pressure, which is also beneficial to your heart health. High blood pressure puts unnecessary strain on your veins and arteries, which can lead to blood clots and other cardiovascular conditions.
The improved circulation resulting from massage also helps prevent the formation of blood clots and minimizes the damage that can occur when they do form. In addition, the increased oxygen supply to cells and tissues helps boost your immune system, which is another important factor in maintaining a healthy body.