Some of the Health Benefits Of Massage

With experts estimating that nearly ninety percent of disease is stress related now more than ever it's imperative that Americans make the most of selfcare options available today to help decrease and manage stress levels. The application of soft tissue manipulation techniques to the body has shown to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. 

Massage helps to decrease anxiety, enhance sleep quality, provide energy, improve concentration and more. For the everyday American who sufferers of chronic conditions this translates into a proven method for managing pain and stress. There are more than 80 types of massage therapy and in all of them therapists apply pressure and movement with the use of their hands, forearms, elbows and fingers. 

One of the most popular and well known is Swedish massage. This technique  uses long strokes kneading and finger pressure on tight or knotted muscles. 

Trigger point massage utilizes deeper more focused pressure on knots that form in muscles. 

My favorite is deep tissue massage which is an excellent technique to increase circulation and flexibility. 

Increased circulation in between the muscle fibers allow nutrients to reach the cells and for toxins to be carried away more efficiently. Dehydrated muscle fibers also cause a lack of circulation which leads to a decrease in oxygen to the muscles. Professional massage combined with adequate hydration 8 to 10 glasses of water per day can revive areas of pain and increase flexibility.

How often you get a massage depends on why you're seeking massage. In dealing with the general tension of everyday commutes, computer work, and time demands, a monthly massage may be enough to sustain you. On the other hand, if you're seeking massage for chronic pain, you may need regular treatments every week or two. Or if you're addressing an acute injury or dealing with high levels of stress, you may need more frequent sessions. Your situation will dictate the optimum time between treatments, and your practitioner will work with you to determine the best course of action. In general, experts say "regular" is preferable, but how regular depends on your situation. While daily massage would be delightful, practical considerations such as cost, time, and physical need likely determine the frequency of treatments. Whether you get a massage weekly, monthly, or just every once in a while, the following habits can maximize and extend the afterglow of treatment. One bit of advice you'll hear over and over again is to drink plenty of water after a massage. Massage -- no matter the particular modality -- releases toxins, such as lactic acid and carbonic acid, that need to be flushed from the body. Massage also promotes circulation, increasing blood flow and oxygen and stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps rid the body of pathogens. After-massage hydration supports these functions, helping to eliminate released impurities, sooner rather than later. You can follow this blog at BodyWorksMassageGroup.com. BodyWorks Massage Group is located at 1101 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville TN. I can be reached at 865-223-2362.