The benefits of massage are innumerable. Regular massages may enhance your immunity, circulation, and mental wellness, among other things. Here is a list of 8 types of people who should be scheduling massages in 2023.
Massage therapy can be beneficial for people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a safe and effective way to relieve stress, improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and enhance overall relaxation. If you are feeling stressed, have muscle tension or pain, or simply want to relax and unwind, you might consider getting a massage. Massage therapy can be especially helpful for people who have sedentary lifestyles, work in high-stress environments, or engage in physically demanding activities.
1. People who Suffer from Mental Health Challenges
If you’re dealing with anxiety or depression, massage can help to improve your mood and overall outlook on life. According to the CDC, “More than 50% [of Americans] will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.” Thankfully, a multitude of research is coming out in favor of massage therapy as a valid way to relieve mental health issues. The two main characteristics that contribute to massage’s ability to improve mental health are relaxation and human touch (American Massage Therapy Association). Massage therapy can help to improve mood and reduce feelings of depression by increasing levels of serotonin and decreasing levels of cortisol. It can also help to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety, which can be beneficial for people with depression.
2. People with Desk Jobs
If you have a desk job, you know that it can be easy to get caught up in a sedentary lifestyle. Desk jobs can take a surprising toll on your body. Sitting for long periods of time can lead to several health problems, including back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel, and headaches. Massage can help to alleviate these types of pain by loosening up the muscles and improving circulation, while preventing some of the pain that comes from sitting at a desk all day.
3. People with Autoimmune Disorders
Massage therapy may be beneficial for people with autoimmune conditions as it can help to reduce stress, improve circulation, and alleviate muscle tension and pain. Another benefit of massage is how it can reconnect you with your body. Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Kait Gardiner, states, “Chronic diseases also bring emotional issues. More ‘visible’ autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis can cause people to feel embarrassed. And even just the nature of an autoimmune disease can make people feel disconnected from their own bodies.” Massage can assist patients in relaxing back into their minds and bodies, after experiencing consistent and/or painful symptoms (Durand).
Certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, may cause inflammation and sensitivity in the skin. In these cases, a gentler approach may be necessary, such as light touch or gentle stretching techniques. It is also important to inform your massage therapist about your autoimmune condition and any medications you are taking, as these may affect your response to massage (Durand). Your massage therapist can tailor the massage to your individual needs and potential reactions.
4. Athletes or People with Active Lifestyles
You might be shocked to learn that massage can still help you even if you have an active lifestyle. Massage can help to prevent injuries by keeping your muscles loose and your circulation flowing. Massage can also improve athletic performance by alleviating pain, accelerating the healing process, and enhancing flexibility and range of motion. If you do have an injury, massage may also aid in speeding up your recovery.
5. People with Chronic Pain
By alleviating muscle tension and reducing inflammation, massage therapy can help treat chronic pain. Additionally, it can increase the range of motion and flexibility, which is advantageous for those who suffer from diseases like osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia.
6. People with High Levels of Stress and Anxiety
You might not be surprised to find that massage can assist if you continually feel stressed. By lowering cortisol levels, massage treatment can aid in relaxation and the reduction of stress. By raising levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin, it can also aid in lowering anxiety and enhancing mood. It has also been demonstrated that massage can help with sleep quality. All of these benefits combined can help to calm your nerves.
7. Older Adults and People with Disabilities
Elderly individuals and people with disabilities may especially benefit from massage therapy as it can help to alleviate muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve mobility. For older folks or people with physical impairments, who may have limited social engagement, massage can also enhance sleep quality and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. While an able-bodied person can always do some light exercise to increase their circulation, this is not the case for large groups of people (Ingraham). Whether you are elderly, disabled, or looking to increase your circulation in the most relaxing way possible, massage may be the answer.
8. Everyone!
The circumstances mentioned in this blog are causing misery for a lot of people. Anyone of any age or background can improve their wellness routines through massage therapy. It is a secure and efficient method to lower blood pressure, ease muscle tension, calm the mind, and promote relaxation. Since massage has so many advantages, almost everyone can benefit from it. Plus, you deserve it! So book your massage today, and make sure 2023 is your best year yet!
Works Cited
American Massage Therapy Association. “News: A Growing Body of Research Supports the Positive Impact of Massage Therapy for Mental Health | AMTA.” American Massage Therapy Association, 2021, www.amtamassage.org/about/news/research-supports-massage-for-mental-health/. Accessed 25 Dec. 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Learn about Mental Health – Mental Health – CDC.” Www.cdc.gov, 12 Dec. 2018, www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm#:~:text=Mental%20illnesses%20are%20among%20the.
Durand, Marcella. “Massage Therapy and Autoimmune Disorders | Massage Therapy Journal.” American Massage Therapy Association, 2019, www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/massage-autoimmune-disorders/.Ingraham, Paul. “Does Massage Increase Circulation?” Www.PainScience.com, 2021, www.painscience.com/articles/massage-and-circulation.php.
