We all know that a massage feels great, but professional massage therapy can do so much more than that. In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at massage therapy to learn what it is, its benefits, and how it works to treat injuries and provide relief for other conditions.
What is Massage Therapy?
According to the Mayo Clinic, massage therapy is a manual form of therapy that works to manipulate the soft tissues in your body. When performed by a licensed massage therapist, this type of therapy offers a range of health benefits, including quick pain relief, reduced stress and anxiety, and even improved mobility.
While massage therapy hasn’t always been acknowledged as a legitimate treatment for physical injuries, that’s no longer the case. Massage therapy is backed by evidence, and it can work to treat problems concerning your muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissues, and even your skin.
What are the Different Types of Massage Therapy?
When you’re looking for the best chiropractor in Colorado, ask if they offer massage therapy, and if they do, ask what type. Massage therapy is a catch-all term for various massage therapies, each of which uses a distinct technique to treat different injuries. Swedish massage therapy, for example, may be ideal for those new to massage therapy because it’s more gentle but may fail to address the pain in more severe injuries.
Some of the most common types of massage therapy include:
- Swedish massage: This is a gentle full-body massage that works well for people new to massage therapy or if you’re very sensitive to touch. A Swedish massage is ideal for a patient experiencing a lot of tightness and muscle tension as the specific movements here work to release this tension.
- Deep tissue massage: A deep tissue massage applies more pressure to effectively target the inner layers of muscle and connective tissue. It’s ideal for those recovering from a car crash or sports-related injury, as it can treat chronic pain, limited mobility, and muscle tension.
- Athletic recovery massage: This type of massage, which is also known as a sports massage, helps athletes recover from an injury and even boost their future performance. Athletic recovery massage is ideal for individuals who exercise frequently or participate in sports. A Denver sports massage therapist can help you get back on the field faster than before.
How Does Massage Therapy Work?
Massage therapy causes physiological changes that impact the body and mind, helping patients’ well-being in more ways than one. Essentially, massage therapy works via two specific responses: the relaxation response and the mechanical response.
The relaxation response is the state where your body begins to slow down and relax. In this state, heart rate and breathing gradually slow down, blood pressure decreases, and muscles begin to relax. This can also increase the level of serotonin in your body — the “happy chemical,” as it’s often called.
Then, there are the mechanical responses. The physical manipulation of a massage has two major physical effects on the body: improving blood circulation and allowing the soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc.) to relax and normalize. Moreover, it’s able to improve circulation by encouraging the body to release chemicals as part of the relaxation response.
Additionally, massage therapy relaxes tense muscles that may be compressing nerves, which offers pain relief. When this tension eases, studies suggest that they can more efficiently receive oxygen and nutrients to function properly. This quickens recovery as the higher levels of oxygen and nutrients work to repair damaged muscle tissue.
What are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
Massages certainly feel good, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what massage therapy can offer. So many patients opt for this type of care because there are so many health benefits for both your body and mind.
Some of the top benefits of massage therapy include:
- Reduced stress and better relaxation.
- Pain reduction.
- Easing of muscle soreness and tension.
- Improved blood circulation.
- Lowered heart rate and blood pressure.
- Improved nervous system functioning.
- A calmer state of mind.
Conclusion – How Does Massage Therapy Work?
Massage therapy is a holistic, safe, and non-invasive type of therapy that can effectively treat a range of health issues. Often used in tandem with other types of therapy, such as chiropractic care, a professional massage can relieve pain, improve mobility, boost your immune system, and even improve your mental health.
Denver Integrated Spine Center (DISC) is one of Denver’s leading full-service chiropractic care centers. If you’re recovering from an injury or car accident, or you’re experiencing chronic pain or joint stiffness, Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and start your journey to recovery with the best sports massage and spine therapy in Denver.