Massage sometimes has the reputation of being a leisure activity which people partake in while staying in a luxury resort. While it does have the benefit of inducing relaxation, massage can also play an important part in everyone’s muscle health. Massage has often been prescribed to help athletes recover from injuries, and if you suffer from common lower back conditions such as sciatica, degenerative disc disease, or a slipped disc, it can help alleviate your back pain. Whether you are suffering from severe and chronic back pain, or just the occasional tightness caused by muscle tension, massage can improve your overall health in myriad ways.
Increased Blood Flow and Circulation
When your blood circulation levels are sub-optimal, your muscles and organs aren’t getting enough blood for them to operate in peak condition. Circulation problems can lead to muscle soreness and muscle strain, making physical activity painful. Massage sessions have been shown to normalize circulation levels and increase blood flow, allowing your muscles to recover more quickly from soreness and strain. Your heart works overtime to pump blood throughout the body, so it’s crucial that the blood is able to easily get to all of your muscles and organs.
Decreased Muscle Tension
These days, most of us spend the majority of our waking hours sitting at a desk. It’s no secret that this is bad for your back, but massage is one way to offset some of the tension that builds up from sitting. Even if you lead a very active life, muscle tension can develop from a strenuous workout, or overuse due to lifting heavy objects. Relaxing the muscles through massage helps improve flexibility and lessen the pain caused by muscle tightness.
Increased Endorphin Levels
Endorphins are chemicals that are released by the brain for the purpose of combatting pain and stress. While it is widely known that regular exercise increases endorphin levels, massage can also trigger the release of these neurotransmitters. Some of the benefits of an increase in endorphins include:
- Feelings of euphoria
- Reduced stress
- Regulated appetite
- Enhanced immune response
Improved Sleep
Millions of people suffer from common sleep disorders, and they may be affecting you even in ways you don’t know. Sleep is the time our bodies use to recover from the stresses of the day, and not enough or poor-quality sleep can lead to a number of serious health problems if left untreated. Many insomnia patients have shown improved sleep patterns following regular massage sessions.
Reduced Scar Tissue
If you’ve had surgery that resulted in scar tissue, you know that it can be difficult to get rid of. Our bodies have an amazing ability to heal themselves, but the tissue that reforms after surgery doesn’t conform the original contours of the muscle. Frequent massaging of the scar tissue can help alleviate the problem.
Combine Massage with Chiropractic Care for Optimal Benefits
When preparing to undergo a chiropractic adjustment, it helps to relieve as much muscle tension as possible in order to see the most desirable effects. Combining massage with your chiropractic care can provide the best possible relief for your back pain. See how chiropractic massage can help you lead a healthier life and keep your muscles feeling great.
