Massage therapy follows the fundamental principle that the body can heal and regulate itself. The main focus is on the muscle systems of the body. In the event of muscle imbalances, shortenings, or tightenings, opposing muscles can become strained. As a result, you may experience pain, weakened circulation, and other problems. Massage therapy increases range of motion and reduces stress by stretching and softening muscle groups. Discover the benefits massage therapy offers in your daily life.
Massage Therapy Increases Range of Motion
Massage therapy often provides an increased range of motion. Motion is restricted, and pain increases when joints and muscles are stiff. Massage therapy helps to loosen muscles and, as a result of relaxed and flexible muscles, joints can move more freely. By stretching the muscle fibers, flexibility increases throughout the body.
Furthermore, massage enhances muscle tone through the stimulation of muscle reflexes. The fibers of the muscle adhere together when they aren't moving correctly and consistently, causing "knots". As a result, the range of motion becomes restricted. In addition, the muscle cannot function properly if adhesions build up and the muscle is less flexible. These adhesions or knots can be prevented from forming between the muscle fibers through transverse strokes.
Massage Therapy Improves Recovery
The most common cause of muscle damage is injury, surgery, or overuse. Damaged muscles activate the body's natural healing process, which aims to repair them. However, a build up of tension, swelling, and poor circulation reduce healing, resulting in slower recovery. To recover from an injury, you must increase your flexibility and strength. Adding massage therapy to the recovery process can provide benefits including improving circulation, reducing stress, relaxing muscles, helping to transport nutrients and oxygen to vital organs and tissues and making injured areas more flexible, resulting in a quicker recovery.
Massage Therapy Promotes Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Massage therapy relaxes muscles by increasing blood circulation and temperature. When friction is applied to the skin, temperature increases. An increase in temperature results in blood circulating more easily through the muscles, removing waste products and relieving tension. In addition, massage therapy releases endorphins, which provide stress reduction and calm the nervous system. Relaxation and calmness are conveyed when massage stimulates feel-good hormones called endorphins. As endorphins are released, stress-related hormones decrease, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
Where Can You Find Massage Therapy?
Known throughout the Newnan community for its chiropractic services, Healthy Life Chiropractic also offers massage therapy. Massages are a great way to relax and reduce stress. Together, chiropractic care and massage provide measurable, long-term benefits. Contact us today for more information about how chiropractic and massage therapy can benefit you and your family.