The Physiological Effects of Monthly Massages

Sure, it feels great to pop in and see a massage therapist every now and then.  It’s a great way to pamper yourself and relieve stress during a particularly crazy time.  Self-compassion and the idea of splurging on yourself for once, otherwise known as “Treat Yo-Self,” means that it’s actually really great for you to spend a little time on self-care.

However, have you considered regular, monthly massage appointments?  Besides having one day set aside each month to treat yourself with a relaxing spa session, you will actually start to see some physiological effects of regular massages as well. 

Here are a few short-term and long-term ways you may start to notice your monthly self-care trip is benefiting your health.

What You’ll Feel After Three Months of Routine Visits to Your Massage Therapist:

·        Lowered Anxiety and Stress Levels: Even after your first massage, you will start to notice that you feel more relaxed, which can be a major plus if you suffer from stress and anxiety.  When our bodies experience stress, we tend to tense up our muscles, which leaves our bodies feeling fatigued and sore.  Just one massage helps loosen up these muscles, increase blood flow, and lower stress and anxiety.  

·        Reduced Chronic Back Pain: A study found that after 10 weeks of regular massage, people experiencing chronic back pain felt less discomfort, and even needed fewer painkillers to manage their symptoms.  Cut down on the number of trips to your medicine cabinet with regular trips to see your massage therapist.

·        Help with Insomnia: Massages increase your serotonin levels, which aides in your ability to not only fall asleep, but also stay asleep.  Unlike other sleep aids which can be harmful or addictive, you’ll experience no negative side effects from a massage, and you’ll find yourself able to fall asleep a little easier – especially after an evening massage.

What You’ll Feel After Six Months of Regular Monthly Massage:

·        For Clients with Diabetes: If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, regular massage could impact your blood glucose levels.  Especially when massages happen at the injection or site of absorption for insulin, there have been marked improvements observed in lowered blood glucose levels.  Additionally, increased blood flow as a result of your monthly massages can help with neuropathy symptoms that accompany diabetes, such as nerve pain.  

·        Reduced Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Even after your first massage, if you experience the pain of fibromyalgia, you will notice decreased pain, but with regular massage, you will start to notice the following benefits as well:

• Better sleep (especially after evening sessions)
• Improved muscle strength and function
• Headache relief
• Decreased stress and anxiety

·      Focus for ADHD: Studies have shown that massage has been helpful in increasing focus and decreasing the stress and anxiety that can accompany ADHD, especially in children.  While immediate improvements were shown in their ability to focus and be less squirmy and more attentive in class, continued massage therapy has also shown long-term behavioral improvement in the classroom.  There was also an uptick in confidence as well.

What You’ll Feel After Twelve Months of Regular Monthly Massage:

·        Continued Improvements for Patients with Diabetes: A year of regular massages, especially at the insulin injection or absorption site, can help Type 2 patients not only see lowered blood glucose levels, but actually close to normal blood glucose levels.  Additionally, you may also notice a reduction in the amount of inflammation you are experiencing.

·        Lowered Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can leave you at risk for stroke and other major health complications, but it’s actually been proven that the relaxation or regular massage lowers your blood pressure.  

·        Additional Health Benefits: Other ways that regular massage can help improve your overall health:

o   With improved blood flow comes improved immunity, making you less likely to pick up to cold that might be floating around your office, or at your kids’ school.

o   After an extended period of regular massages, you may also begin to notice an increased range of motion.

o   Improved mental clarity is another great “side effect” that regular massage can provide as a result of lowered stress.

It’s important to consider that regular massages are so much more than just one day a month to splurge on 60-90 minutes of pampering.  Regular, monthly massages will leave you feeling healthier and happier, and truly make a difference in your overall well-being. 

Learn more about our monthly massage membership packages, and read FAQs here.

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