10/19/2025
Massage therapy offers a wide range of physical and mental benefits. Be good to yourself!
Physical benefits
- Reduces muscle tension and stiffness, easing aches and soreness
- Relieves pain (back, neck, shoulders, some types of chronic pain)
- Improves circulation, helping oxygen and nutrients reach tissues
- Enhances range of motion and joint flexibility
- Speeds recovery after exercise by reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
- Promotes lymphatic drainage and may reduce swelling/edema
- Helps break down scar tissue and adhesions (with appropriate techniques)
- Can lower heart rate and blood pressure temporarily
Mental and emotional benefits
- Lowers stress by reducing cortisol and increasing relaxation hormones (e.g., serotonin, dopamine)
- Reduces anxiety and symptoms of depression for many people
- Improves sleep quality and helps with insomnia
- Boosts overall sense of well-being and relaxation
Other possible benefits
- Reduces frequency/intensity of tension-type and some migraine headaches
- May support immune function when used regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle
- Can complement rehabilitation after injury or surgery (with clinician guidance)
Common types and when used
- Swedish massage: general relaxation, circulation, stress relief
- Deep tissue: chronic muscle tension and scar tissue (uses firmer pressure)
- Sports massage: injury prevention and recovery for athletes
- Lymphatic drainage: post-surgical swelling or lymphedema management
- Prenatal massage: relieves pregnancy-related aches (therapist should be trained)
- Trigger-point therapy, myofascial release, shiatsu, etc., for targeted problems
Safety and precautions
- Generally safe, but avoid or modify massage if you have: fever or infection, deep vein thrombosis/blood clots, uncontrolled hypertension or serious heart disease, certain cancers (check with oncologist), severe osteoporosis, recent surgery or fractures, skin infections/open wounds, or if you’re on blood-thinning medication—always tell your therapist about medical conditions and medications.
- Pregnant people should see a therapist trained in prenatal massage and get medical clearance if high-risk pregnancy.
- Communicate pressure preferences and pain during a session; drink water afterward and avoid alcohol.
Practical tips
- Typical sessions run 30–90 minutes; frequency depends on goals (one-off for relaxation, weekly/biweekly for chronic issues).
- Choose a licensed/qualified therapist and check reviews or referrals.
- Be clear about goals (relaxation vs pain relief) so the therapist can use appropriate techniques.
If you’d like, tell me your main concern (stress, back pain, pregnancy, athletic recovery, etc.) and I can recommend the most suitable types of massage and frequency.
Book now, Don’t let your benefits slip away! 403-843-4964
