Health benefits of massage

Massage therapy may be beneficial for anyone but has been noted to help those who various conditions like cancer, heart disease, stomach problems and fibromyalgia. You should make sure you talk to your therapist about any medical issues prior to your first session. Here are some of the benefits of massage therapy.

Reduces stress and anxiety

That feeling of calm after a massage can aid in reducing stress and anxiety, a study found. Your body has two nervous systems: a sympathetic nervous system that drives your “fight or flight” response in stressful situations and a parasympathetic nervous system that focuses on routine and day-to-day operations that lead to relaxation and rest. A massage is thought to increase your parasympathetic response, which can decrease feelings of anxiety.

Improves sleep

Getting a massage can decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters known to stabilize your mood. Studies have shown that massage therapy is beneficial for those who have insomnia related to menopause and congestive heart failure.

Lessens pain and muscle tension

A variety of studies have looked into how massage may help lessen pain like acute back pain, neck pain, headaches and knee pain. The results show that relief may be short-term, rather than long-term and in some cases receiving a 60-minute massage multiple times per week had better results than fewer or shorter massages.

Improves immune function

Can a massage boost your immune system? A study suggests that regular massages increase your body’s level of white blood cells, which work to combat viruses.

Relieves constipation

A study shows that for those dealing with constipation after surgery, an abdominal massage may help with bowel movements.

Lessens fibromyalgia symptoms

From sleep, memory and mood, studies have shown that using massage over the course of five weeks may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic illness that causes muscle and joint pain and fatigue.

Relieves cancer pain

For people undergoing cancer treatments, the physical and emotional toll is great. Many have turned to massage to help lessen cancer pain, increase relaxation and improve quality of life. There have been a variety of studies, some that say massage therapy doesn’t improve cancer pain and others that show a positive impact.

Massage therapy is and always should be about health and wellbeing in a safe environment. This includes a comfortable environment before, during and after the massage, as well as privacy while changing and the right to remove clothing only to their level of comfort for the massage.

It’s important to understand the nature of therapeutic massage. AMTA wants people to know what to expect from both their massage and their massage therapist.

What to Expect From Your Massage Session

• Mutual respect, courtesy, professionalism, confidentiality and dignity between you and the massage therapist
• Being draped appropriately by a sheet, towel or blanket, with only the area being massaged exposed
• A licensed/registered/certified professional massage therapist, working within their
  scope of practice and in an ethical manner. Expect them to be a member of a professional association with a code of ethics.
• A health intake conversation about your medical conditions and your expectations for the massage
• The right and option to ask questions of the massage therapist and receive professional responses
• The right to determine if there will be conversation, music or quiet during the massage
• An explanation of the nature of the massage and techniques to be used before the start of the massage
• The right to consent to the massage techniques and approaches, including the level of manual pressure, used in the massage and the ability to request adjustments to pressure at any time during the massage
• The right to stop a massage and report anything they feel is inappropriate during the massage. 

Preliminary Information

• Your massage therapist will ask preliminary questions to determine your overall health and your health and wellness goals.
• The massage therapist will consider information about your physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress levels, medications and any areas of physical pain that could affect your massage therapy outcome.
• This information will help the massage therapist structure the session to achieve your health and wellness goals.

Privacy

• Before your massage, you’ll be asked to remove clothing to your level of comfort.
• The massage therapist will leave the room while you undress. Take off only as much as you are comfortable removing.
• Lie on the massage table, underneath the provided sheet or towel, which will cover your body except for the part being massaged.
• Chair massages, which often are offered in public spaces and workplaces, are an exception. A specially-designed massage chair lets you lean forward and supports the front of the body. You remain clothed and no oil or lotion is used. Seated massages typically last from 10 to 30 minutes.

Environment

• Music might be played. If you find music distracting, tell your massage therapist. The same goes for talking during your session.
• Your massage therapist should check on pressure and comfort throughout your appointment. If you’re uncomfortable at any time, tell your massage therapist.
• The massage table is padded and may have extra attachments or cushions, such as a face cradle, which allows you to lie facedown without turning your head or neck.

Massage Therapy Session

• Massage therapists often use oil or lotion. If you’re allergic to oils or lotions, tell your massage therapist beforehand.
• If you’re receiving a hot stone massage, make sure you’re comfortable with the temperature of the stones, and always tell your massage therapist if you are uncomfortable.
• Depending on your needs, the massage therapist will massage either the full body (except private areas) or only specific areas that need attention, such as especially tight muscles.
• Remember to breathe normally.
• Table massage usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.
• After your massage, the massage therapist will allow you to slowly get up and get dressed in privacy.
• Depending on the environment, tips are appreciated to recognize outstanding service, but not required.

Follow Up

• The benefits of massage therapy are cumulative, so work with your massage therapist to customize a plan to meet your health and wellness goals.

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