4 Reasons Why Massage Therapy is Vital to Your Health
Learn the health benefits of massage therapy and why it’s so much more than a "day at the spa."
Why is massage therapy more than a luxury?
A comprehensive review done by The National Library of Medicine states that "massage therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects on many different groups and conditions."
Yes, Anchorage - it's true!
From prenatal depression to fibromyalgia to cancer, the benefits of massage therapy have been proven time and time again.
That's why Anchorage Massage Therapies aims to evolve and improve massage therapy's reputation and reveal why it's so much more than a luxury.
In fact, it's healthcare!
Anchorage, when it comes to massage therapy — it’s time to put to rest images of women in white robes mulling around a day spa, not to mention permanently retiring the term “massage parlor.” Cringe!
In today's blog, we'll review the reasons why regular massage therapy is an incredible asset to your health.
Are you ready to learn about what massage therapy can do for you? Let's dive in!
Massage Therapy Can Improve Your Physical Health
We've all heard about why it's important to eat well and get exercise.
Regular massage therapy also does incredible things for your body that help keep your systems in tip-top shape.
It makes sense, right? Why wouldn't having a professional therapist strategically massage your muscles be beneficial?
You can stretch at yoga class and get cardio benefits from a run on the Anchorage Coastal Trail, but only a massage therapist can safely and effectively help you reach muscles you can’t access on your own.
Regular massage therapy helps to:
Improves Circulation
Massage therapy physically manipulates your muscle tissue, increasing your blood flow and giving your tissues more oxygen and nutrients. This aids in healing and the overall performance of your circulatory system.
Boosts Immunity
Did you know studies have shown that regular massage therapy helps to increase your white blood cell count? White blood cells fight off infection, which helps you stay healthy and works to combat viruses.
Enhances Flexibility
By working on your tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, and muscles, your massage therapist helps increase your body's flexibility. When you get a massage, your body produces a natural lubricant between your fibers, which helps to prevent injury and keep you feeling great.
Stimulates the Lymphatic System
Your lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from your body. Regular massage therapy helps keep your lymphatic system in excellent shape, which can be especially beneficial for those recovering from surgery, illness, or lymphedema.
You receive so many benefits every time you get a massage in Anchorage or anywhere else — no matter which kind of massage you book.
Now that we've touched on the basics of physical health — let's discuss why each massage therapy session also leads to improved mental health.
2. Massage Therapy Can Improve Your Mental Health
A recent report published by Alaska Public Media states that "Alaska has one of the highest rates of binge-drinking deaths in the United States."
It’s clear that Alaskans are struggling with their mental health. And it makes sense — the dark, cold winters can take a toll on all of us.
Although prescription medication is one of the most common treatments for mental health, studies have shown that massage therapy can also have a profound impact on your mental health.
Here's why massage therapy should not be overlooked as a potential treatment to improve your mental wellness:
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Massage therapy helps lower your level of cortisol – your body's primary stress hormone. Massage also increases your serotonin and dopamine levels, which are neurotransmitters that are often low in people suffering from depression and anxiety.
Balancing the hormones that communicate messages to your brain is a big reason why massage therapy is beneficial in stabilizing your mental health.
Helps You Sleep Better
Massage therapy helps you relax, leading to improved sleeping habits and patterns.
Getting enough sleep improves cognitive function and promotes emotional resilience, which means you can tackle life's stressors with more peace of mind.
Improves Your Mood
Regular massage sessions can enhance your mood by stimulating the release of your endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. This can be especially helpful if you're struggling with depression or another mood disorder.
Supports Recovery from Substance Abuse
Massage therapy can be a supportive treatment to help reduce anxiety and stress during recovery from substance abuse, contributing to emotional stability and helping to manage cravings.
At Anchorage Massage Therapies, we treat each patient holistically, covering both the mind and body aspects of during each and every session.
Some of our clients book massage therapy sessions entirely for the mental health benefits and report feeling more relaxed and optimistic immediately after their session is over, with benefits lasting for several weeks.
3. Massage Therapy Can Alleviate Key Health Conditions
Now that you know why massage therapy stimulates positive changes in both the mind and body, let's discuss some of the specific health conditions massage therapy can address and why.
Regular massage therapy can help treat:
Chronic pain
Massage has been shown to reduce discomfort from conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Massage therapy releases the hormone serotonin, which can instantly relieve pain.
Headaches and migraines
Massage can ease tension headaches and migraines by relaxing muscle spasms and trigger points. By relieving muscle tension in the neck, scalp, and shoulders, headache pain can be lifted.
Digestive disorders
Abdominal massage can relieve symptoms of digestive issues; plus, the mental health benefits can calm anxious thoughts and concerns, which often lead to stomach problems like IBS.
Soft-tissue strains or Injuries
Massage speeds up recovery from sprains and injuries by improving circulation to the affected area. It also helps to send more oxygen and nutrients to the injured area of your body to promote healing.
Postural problems
Massage addresses imbalances in your body's structure caused by tight muscles. By using techniques to lengthen and stretch your muscle fibers, your posture can be improved.
Post-surgery rehabilitation
Massage facilitates quicker recovery by enhancing your circulation and reducing swelling. If you're recovering from surgery, we highly recommend booking a Lymphatic Drainage Massage.
Circulatory Problems
Massage enhances your blood flow, which helps lower your blood pressure and improves your body’s function. Massage also helps decrease cortisol levels and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate your body’s circulatory system.
When it comes down to it, massage therapy has fundamental benefits that can help improve any health condition.
The fact that massage therapy also feels good and helps you relax… is icing on the massage therapy cake.
4. Massage Therapy May Be Covered By Your Insurance
By now, you may be starting to see massage therapy more like we do – as healthcare.
And here's some good news: More and more primary care providers are starting to see it that way, too.
Did you know your health insurance may cover your massage in Anchorage? If you have a referral from an MD< your massage treatments may be covered!
At Anchorage Massage Therapies, we need a referral from your MD, and then we can check your insurance benefits. From there, we take care of the billing so that you can focus on healing. Our Anchorage massage clinic accepts Aetna and Blue Cross insurance plans. Contact us for more information!
Start Your Wellness Journey With Us
Now you can see all of the reasons why massage therapy shouldn't be considered just something you get when you've had a rough week or need a pick-me-up (although those are great reasons, too!).
A massage in Anchorage can benefit complex physical and mental health problems.
Anchorage Massage Therapies is dedicated to working with our clients to achieve outcomes that improve and enhance their lives.
If you need help figuring out where to start, book a massage therapy appointment or contact our office for more information. We can help you choose the therapist that's best for you.
From head to toe, massage therapy can help you feel better, heal faster, and get back to living your best life.
Now, that's truly luxurious.