Those who have experienced a massage know how satisfying it can feel to their muscles and minds. It provides you with relaxation and even some light therapy benefits. However, there are also cons of massage therapy that patients should be aware of before committing to a full-body session at a massage clinic. Here's a rundown of both pros and cons:
Massage therapy is used to improve the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It eases tension in the tissues surrounding your muscles, which can help you feel relaxed and at ease. Increasing blood circulation also helps speed up recovery time for injuries through increased oxygenation of injured cells.
One study found that massage therapy could lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients after just five minutes. It's believed that the relaxation effects of massage are what help to achieve this benefit.
Massage therapy is a common treatment for pain relief. One of the main reasons people seek massage therapy is for pain relief. Massage helps to relieve pain by dispersing the fluid build-up that can cause inflammation and tension in the muscles. It also releases endorphins, which are hormones that have natural painkilling properties.
Massage therapy increases blood circulation and breaks up any fluid build-ups in the muscles. As a result, it gives you more energy and stamina to tackle the day ahead. Studies show that massage therapy has been linked to an increase in the energy levels of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments. In fact, a majority of them reported feeling more energetic after their massages.
It's no secret that massage therapy is excellent for reducing stress levels. A study found that just a single session of massage was enough to reduce cortisol (a hormone that's released when you're stressed) and mood-related symptoms.
Massage therapy has also been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine, two hormones commonly associated with anxiety and pleasure and happiness, respectively. This can help reduce depression levels and improve your mood, which is excellent for those who suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD).
Along with reducing depression levels, massage therapy has also been shown to help reduce anxiety levels. In fact, a study found that massage therapy was able to decrease anxiety levels by up to 68%.
Massage therapy has been shown to improve sleep quality in adults. A study found that massage therapy was able to enhance the quality of sleep and duration for those who suffered from chronic pain, anxiety, and fatigue.
Massage therapy has also been shown to boost cognitive function in adults. A study found that massage therapy helped participants do better on cognitive function tests after a single massage session.
In addition to the mental health benefits, massage therapy has been shown to provide long-lasting pain relief. One study showed that women with chronic pain who received massage therapy for ten weeks significantly reduced pain and disability.
Side effects associated with massage therapy are rare. However, they can include nausea, headaches, soreness in the muscles being massaged, bruising or bleeding in some cases, fatigue, dizziness, mental/emotional discomfort (anxiety), fainting, and skin irritation.
Massage therapy can be expensive, depending on the therapist you go to and the type of massage you receive. If you have insurance, it's likely that at least a portion of your massage therapy costs will be covered, but if you don't, it can be pretty costly.
Massage therapy is not always available. Although it's becoming more popular, it's not as widely known as other treatments like medication or surgery. If you don't live near a therapist, you may have to travel long distances in order to receive treatment.
Massage therapy can be time-consuming. Depending on the type of massage you receive, a session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. If you're short on time, this may not be the best treatment for you.
Some people find massage therapy to be uncomfortable. If you're not used to having someone touch your body in a certain way, it can take some getting used to.
Massage therapy requires much effort on the patient's part. You have to show up for your sessions regularly and stay committed in order for it to be effective. If you're not able or willing to make this commitment, massage therapy may not be the best treatment for you.
Though rare, there is a risk for minor injuries such as bruising or pulled muscles if you're not careful. Tell your massage therapist if you're pregnant, have any medical conditions, or take any medication before your session to avoid potential injuries.
Though it has been shown to provide many benefits, massage therapy isn't effective for everyone. Some people may not see any changes in their mood, stress levels, or overall health after a session.
Though it's rare, some people find that massage therapy is too painful to bear. If you have a low pain tolerance or are dealing with chronic pain, make sure your therapist knows this beforehand so they can adjust their treatment accordingly.
Massage therapy isn't meant to be the cure-all for all of your health problems. It takes time and patience to see the benefits, so don't expect instant changes after just one session.
Massage therapy can provide a number of benefits for your mental and physical health, but it's not suitable for everyone. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons before deciding if this is the proper treatment for you.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to inform people about the benefits and drawbacks of massage therapy, not to provide medical advice or replace the counsel of your physician. This article serves as a general overview of what to expect when receiving massage therapy. Please note that individual experiences may vary.
I hope this article was helpful to you! Thanks for reading! If you have any questions about the cons and pros of massage therapy, please leave them in the comments below or email us at [email protected]!
Do you want to feel better? Grande Prairie Physiotherapy & Massage has exactly what you need if your answer is yes. We offer a wide range of services that will help improve the quality of your life and make it easier for you to enjoy all the things that are important to you. From massage therapy in Grande Prairie, AB, we can help with everything from muscle pain relief and injury rehabilitation to stress management and relaxation techniques. You'll be amazed at how much more energy you have after just one session!
So if you're looking for an alternative way to manage pain or reduce stress levels without medication or surgery, contact us today! Our massage therapists are highly trained professionals who will work closely with patients to achieve their goals as quickly as possible. And our comfortable atmosphere makes it easy for people of all ages and backgrounds – including children – to relax while receiving treatment. We even have free parking available on site! What could be better than that?
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