How Massage Works: Health Benefits And Beyond

How Massage Works: Health Benefits And Beyond

Massage is not just a luxury indulgence – it can also provide significant physical and mental health benefits. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, trying to reduce stress and anxiety, or simply looking for a way to prioritize your well-being, massage can be a valuable tool in your self-care toolkit. 

Today we want to look deeper at how massage works from a health-benefit perspective while exploring the benefits of different massages. We’re passionate about self-care as more than an indulgence; the massage benefits we explore in this article can enhance your health and help you be more present for your family and yourself. 

So, whether you’re a massage aficionado or a newcomer to the world of bodywork, read on to learn more about the benefits of massage and how you can incorporate it into your self-care routine. (Then, if you live in the River Region, book your massage near Montgomery, AL at our gorgeous spa.)

Different Types Of Massage And Their Benefits

Massage therapy comes in many different forms, each with its own unique set of benefits. Here are some of the most common types of massage and their benefits:

Swedish Massage Health Benefits

  • Uses long, smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the topmost layers of muscles.
  • Promotes relaxation, eases muscle tension, and improves circulation.
  • Can be a good choice for those who are new to massage or who have sensitive skin.

Deep Tissue Massage Health Benefits

  • Uses slow, forceful strokes to target deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.
  • Helps with chronic pain, limited mobility, and recovery from injuries.
  • Can be uncomfortable at times but results in lasting relief.

Sports Massage Health Benefits

  • Designed for athletes and active individuals.
  • Helps with injury prevention and recovery, improves flexibility, and enhances performance.
  • Can be tailored to specific sports or activities.

Prenatal Massage Heatlh Benefits

  • Designed specifically for pregnant women.
  • Helps with back pain, joint stiffness, and muscle tension associated with pregnancy.
  • Can be done safely during any trimester with a qualified massage therapist.

While the different types of massage can be used to address specific conditions, this article aims to explore massage health benefits a little more in-depth. Speak to your masseuse about the massage technique best for your unique circumstances and health concerns.

Massage For Pain Relief

Woman holding back who could use massage near Montgomery, AL for pain relief

Woman holding back who could use massage near Montgomery, AL for pain relief

Chronic pain is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether you suffer from lower back pain, arthritis, or fibromyalgia, chronic pain can be debilitating and negatively impact your quality of life. Fortunately, massage can be an effective way to alleviate chronic pain and promote healing in the body. Here’s how:

  • Reduces Inflammation: Inflammation is a leading cause of chronic pain, and massage has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. By promoting circulation and lymphatic drainage, massage can help flush out toxins and reduce inflammation, which can lead to a reduction in pain.
  • Promotes Relaxation: Chronic pain can lead to stress and tension in the body, which can exacerbate pain symptoms. Massage promotes relaxation by releasing endorphins – natural painkillers – and reducing stress hormones like cortisol. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, massage can help alleviate chronic pain symptoms.
  • Improves Range of Motion: Chronic pain can lead to stiffness and limited range of motion, which can further exacerbate pain symptoms. Massage can help improve range of motion by releasing tight muscles and improving joint flexibility. This can help reduce pain and increase mobility.
  • Triggers the Relaxation Response: The relaxation response is a natural response of the body that promotes healing and reduces pain. Massage can trigger the relaxation response by slowing down the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and promoting deep relaxation. This can lead to a reduction in pain symptoms.

According to a 2016 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, massage was an effective treatment for chronic low back pain, with participants who received massage reporting significantly less pain and improved function compared to those who received usual care. Other studies have shown that massage can effectively reduce pain symptoms in conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.

 

Mental Health Benefits Of Massage

Happy couple walking who have mental health benefits from massage near Montgomery, AL

Happy couple walking who have mental health benefits from massage near Montgomery, AL

In addition to the physical benefits, massage therapy can provide various mental health benefits. Here are some of the ways that massage can help support your emotional and mental well-being:

Reduces Stress And Anxiety

Massage has been shown to help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. The relaxation response triggered by massage can help lower cortisol levels – a hormone associated with stress – and increase the production of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters.

Improves Sleep

Poor sleep can hurt both your physical and mental health. Massage therapy can help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension. In fact, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that massage therapy helped improve sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia.

Boosts Mood

Massage therapy can help improve mood by reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participants who received a 45-minute massage experienced significant improvements in their mood and levels of anxiety compared to those who received a placebo treatment.

Helps with Depression

Massage therapy can also be an effective complementary treatment for depression. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massage therapy helped reduce symptoms of depression in patients with chronic pain.

The mental health benefits of massage can help support your overall well-being and quality of life. Incorporating regular massage therapy into your self-care routine can help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve your mood.

Additional Physical Benefits Of Massage

Athletic man who uses health benefits of massage near Montgomery, AL.

Athletic man who uses health benefits of massage near Montgomery, AL.

Boosts Immune System

Massage therapy has been shown to boost the immune system by increasing the activity level of white blood cells. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participants who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced an increase in lymphocytes – a type of white blood cell that helps defend against disease.

Improves Posture

Poor posture can lead to chronic pain and muscle tension. Massage therapy can help improve posture by releasing tension in muscles and increasing flexibility in joints. This can help alleviate pain and improve overall body mechanics.

Enhances Athletic Performance

Massage therapy can help enhance athletic performance by improving range of motion, reducing muscle soreness, and promoting relaxation. A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that massage therapy was effective in reducing muscle soreness and improving range of motion in athletes.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Massage therapy can help lower blood pressure by promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones like cortisol. A 2013 study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that participants who received a 10-minute hand massage experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure compared to those who received no massage.

Overall, regular massage therapy can provide a range of physical benefits that can help support your overall health and well-being. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve performance or simply looking to enhance your immune system and posture, massage therapy can be a valuable tool in your self-care toolkit.

Benefitting From Massage Heatlh Benefits Near Montgomery, AL

At AMS Studios, we opened our doors because we are passionate about self-care. We created our VIP Massage Membership to help you incorporate massage therapy into your routine for a price that can’t be beat. To learn more and start enjoying massage health benefits near Montgomery, AL click here.

 

Top Five Health Benefits Of Massages In Prattville

Top Five Health Benefits Of Massages In Prattville

Are you wondering whether treating yourself or a loved one to massages in Prattville can enhance your health and boost your wellness? The answer is that massage therapy absolutely increases well-being in various ways. Whether you’re looking for lowered stress, pain relief, or other health benefits, there’s a type of massage in Prattville that suits your needs.

Different Types Of Massage Therapy In Prattville

Not all massages are the same, and it’s essential to understand their differences so you can book the service that best fits your needs. 

Swedish 

A popular massage technique that’s perfect for relaxation, the Swedish Massage technique involves kneading, creating friction, and gliding strokes. Your massage therapist will apply different pressure levels depending on your preference and goals for your session. 

Swedish Massage in Prattville Is Best Suited For:

Anyone searching for pain relief and relaxation.

Lymphatic 

This gentle massage technique aims to remove lymph fluids and promote detoxification. Detoxing is an essential component of resetting your system and maintaining health.

Lymphatic Massage In Prattville Is Best Suited For:

People who want gentle support during a cleanse or detox or to prime their body for overall healing and harmony.

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage helps treat any musculoskeletal issues resulting from injuries. This technique is more intense and applies more pressure than Swedish Massage. Massage clients should always stay hydrated before and after a massage, but hydration is especially crucial for deep-tissue massages.

 

Deep Tissue Massages In Prattville Is Best Suited For: 

Anyone seeking healing from injuries or long-term tension release.

Prenatal

Expecting mothers undergo insurmountable changes when getting ready to give birth, and prenatal massage is a great way to relieve the pain, discomfort, and soreness of being pregnant. 

 

Prenatal Massage In Prattville Is Best Suited For:

Expecting mothers who need mental and physical pressure release.

 

Benefits Of Massages In Prattville

While different types of massage therapies in Prattville deliver various benefits, massage is a significant wellness booster regardless of your choice. Taking the time to enjoy a massage is a powerful way to connect with self-care. Making massage a part of your routine only enhances its many benefits.

Lowered Stress Levels

Human contact, essential oils, relaxing music, and time just for you: it’s almost impossible to come out of a massage without lower stress levels than when you went in. The damaging effects of stress levels are widely known at this point: increased heart rate, cortisol, inflammation, and increased risk for various health concerns. 

Thankfully, at the right spa and with a skilled massage therapist, you’ll undo the damaging effects of stress that build up over time.

 

Boosts Immunity

This is particularly true for lymphatic massage techniques. At our spa in Prattville, we are passionate about helping our clients relax and increase their overall wellness, and having a robust, healthy immune system is a massive part of that. 

Improved Circulation

Your blood delivers nutrients and oxygen to every part of your body. When you have poor circulation, your body is not receiving what it needs to maintain cell health and balance. A massage wakes your circulatory system, delivering the support your body needs.

 

Detoxification

Air, water, food, and cleaning and grooming products all contain toxins that enter your system, even if you practice the cleanest living. Cleansing and detoxing to reset your system is a great way to keep your body as clean as possible. Booking the best massage in Prattville is a powerful complementary detoxification method.

 

Faster Pain And Soreness Recovery

Whether you’re an athlete continually pushing yourself to your physical limits or you’re feeling tight and sore, a massage will do wonders for relieving your pain. 

 

The Best Way To Enjoy Massages In Prattville, AL

At AMS Studios, we’re passionate about making it as easy as possible for you to enjoy the best massages in Prattville. We know carving out time for self-care can be a challenge. However, we’ve created a no-brainer way for you to put fill up your cup so you can better pour into others’.

 

Introducing the AMS Studios Prattville VIP Massage Club!

 

We’ve designed this luxury membership without a luxury price tag so that making self-care time a priority is a regular part of your routine. 

 

When you sign up for our VIP Massage membership in Prattville, you will receive:

  • A once-monthly massage – choose between 60 or 90 minutes
  • Free premium add-ons including:
    • Hot-stone
    • Reflexology
    • Hot towel
    • Aromatherapy
    • Sugar Scrub
    • Massage Gun

 

  • Gratuity is included in your monthly membership fee – just float out the door after your massage!

 

Learn more and sign up here!

The Top 5 Add-Ons To Enhance Your Massage Near Montgomery, AL

The Top 5 Add-Ons To Enhance Your Massage Near Montgomery, AL

Are you feeling chronically stressed? 

Do you feel constantly tired from taking care of your family, business, and other obligations?

Have you noticed that the busier you get, the more you neglect your self-care?

If you answered yes to any, or all, of these questions, you would benefit from a therapeutic massage. However, many of our guests have admitted that they feel like they “should” be doing something else instead of spa treatments or massages (like cleaning the house, doing something for the kids, or working on their business). 

We like to offer a different perspective.

Self-care is caring for the ones you love. 

Self-care helps you show up as the vision held of you by your creator. 

Self-care is putting on your oxygen mask so you can be fully present with your children, love your spouse, and be fully expansive in business. 

Self-care helps restore clarity in spiritual, religious, and mental matters.

That being said, the benefits of massages include pain relief, stress reduction, and better sleep. To enjoy enhanced benefits, you can elevate your massage with luxurious add-ons (that don’t break the bank). 

One of the best things about massage therapy is it’s fully customizable. Your massage therapist wants to know exactly how you want to feel when you walk out of the spa so they can offer you services and add-ons to deliver your desired experience.

Every spa is different, but as an example, when you visit our spa for a massage near Montgomery, AL, our expert massage therapists ensure your entire experience, from check-in to leaving, is serene, supportive, and relaxing. 

Additionally, knowing your options can help your massage therapist deliver the elevated experience you deserve, which is why we want to share our favorite add-ons for the best massage near Montgomery, AL.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is a highly popular add-on option where your massage therapist places hot stones on your body. This could be on your back, stomach, arms, shoulders, neck, palms, or feet. Not only will the added pressure and weight increase your comfort during your massage, but you’ll also enjoy the following benefits:

  • Enhanced muscle pain and tension relief
  • Better sleep
  • Boosted immunity
  • Anxiety reduction

Reflexology

We’ve included reflexology as one of the top add-ons for your massage near Montgomery, AL, because many of our guests have the same response after receiving it.  They almost always feel more vital and energetic afterward.

Reflexology applies pressure to specific spots on feet, hands, and ears so that the guest receives certain health benefits associated with those pressure points. The philosophy is rooted in Chinese medicine, which aims to increase a patient’s energy circulation. While studies rooted in traditional medicine yield vague findings about the benefits, Chinese practitioners have used this method for centuries to help patients increase their energetic circulation. The pressure points influence different areas of the body, and many people swear by reflexology as a complementary treatment for a variety of health issues, including the following:

  • Stress
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Boosting your immune system
  • Restoring hormonal imbalance
  • Treating nerve issues

Sugar Scrub

What sweeter way to elevate an already restorative self-care ritual than with a rejuvenating sugar scrub? They remove dead skin cells and give your skin a beautiful, healthy glow. 

Aromatherapy 

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to enhance a massage session (essential oils are potent oils derived from herbs and plants with various healing abilities). Aromatherapy works because what you smell is attached to your limbic system, which helps regulate emotions and influence hormonal activity. 

Your massage therapist will select the appropriate essential oil based on your goals for massage therapy. For example, if you’ve booked your massage near Montgomery, AL, our massage therapists might use lavender or sandalwood essential oils for stress relief.

Other essential oils that might be used for aromatherapy during your massage appointment include:

  • Eucalyptus
  • Rose
  • Clary sage
  • Ylang-Ylang
  • Neroli
  • Chamomile

Hot Towels

A seemingly simple touch, hot towels add instant relaxation during your massage near Montgomery. Your massage therapist might apply the towels to the legs, shoulders, face, or arms to help ease you into the beneficial effects that you came for in the first place. 

Not only does it help you switch gears into massage mode, but it also opens your pores and increases circulation, increasing overall massage benefits.  

How To Enjoy Luxury Add-Ons For Free For Your Massage Near Montgomery, AL

At our spa near Montgomery, AL, located just a short drive away in Pratville, we’re excited to announce the launch of our VIP Massage Club. Members enjoy an exclusive monthly price,on their massages – and receive all five luxury add-ons featured in this article free of charge!  

 

Sign up for our VIP massage program and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of massage today!

***It’s important to note that your massage therapist can not guarantee medical results or administer medical advice.