Massage used to be the preserve of high-end spas and health clubs. Some people considered it a luxury for the wealthy or a code word for illegal activities. Today, massage is widely available and seen as an important tool in promoting mental and physical health.

Massage is a general term for the pressing, rubbing and manipulation of the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage can range from light stroking to deep pressure. It’s generally considered to be part of integrative medicine.

Massage is increasingly being offered alongside standard treatment for a wide range of conditions and situations. If you have never tried massage, read on to learn about its many benefits.

A common misconception about massage is that it’s just part of a spa day and that it’s for pampering yourself. While this may be true for some people, it is most often a tool for reducing stress and relieving pain.

Some specific conditions that massage can help with are

Anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia, nerve pain, post-operative care, scar tissue, soft tissue strains and injuries, sports injuries, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Physical benefits:

For most patients, massage therapy is an important part of specific medical treatment plans to help them return to daily activities. For example, massage therapy is helpful after joint replacement surgery or injury.

Physical benefits of massage therapy include

Improved circulation, reduced muscle stiffness, reduced joint inflammation, improved sleep quality, faster recovery between workouts, improved flexibility, reduced pain and soreness, strengthened immune response.

Mental benefits:

Massage also has many mental health benefits. Even people who focus on the physical benefits say they feel less stressed after a massage.

Other mental benefits include

Reduced stress levels, Improved relaxation, Improved mood, Reduced anxiety, Increased energy, Increased sense of well-being.

After a massage:

It’s common to feel relaxed, tired or even sore after a massage. This is because your muscles are being worked by the massage therapist. After a massage you may feel as if you have had a workout. It is possible to have a headache or nausea after a massage.

Some people think that a massage has to hurt to help. But a massage doesn’t have to hurt to be effective.

If your massage therapist pushes too hard, ask for less pressure. Sometimes you may have a tender spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. It’s likely to be uncomfortable while your massage therapist works on it. But if it becomes painful, tell them. Most serious problems are caused by too much pressure during the massage.

Finding a massage therapist:

As with choosing other health care professionals, it’s important to be an informed consumer when choosing a massage therapist.

Don’t be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist questions such as

~Are you licensed, certified or registered?
~What is your training and experience?
~How many massage therapy sessions do you think I’ll need?
~What’s the cost?

A skilled therapist has a large toolbox of techniques that can be incorporated based on your needs, and he or she will respond to and modify these techniques based on your feedback.

Massage therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages. It’s not just a feel-good way to pamper yourself. It’s a powerful tool to help you take control of your health and wellbeing, whether you have a specific health condition or are looking for a way to relieve stress.