Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
Andrea Cordeiro, Licensed Massage Therapist and Manager of Benefis Med Spa
beautiful and healthy woman lying on a massage table receiving back massage in spa salon . Traditional massage therapy and spa treatment.
When people think of getting a massage, they often envision being pampered in a luxurious spa. However, massage therapy has many benefits far beyond just pampering. Studies suggest that massages can actually help with a number of medical conditions.
• Anxiety, stress, and depression: We have all heard how relaxing a massage can be and there is a reason for it. Studies show that massage can help reduce anxiety, stress, and relieve depression by lowering the levels of the stress hormone cortisol by up to 50%. Additionally, massage also increases the release of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which help reduce depression.
• Chronic lower back pain: Studies have shown individuals with chronic lower back pain – lasting longer than three months – have better results from massage therapy than other alternative therapies. Individuals receiving massage therapy for lower back pain have also been found to need less over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and that they were able to function better than individuals being treated with just standard medical care.
• Sleep: It’s not surprising that message therapy has been shown to help improve sleep. When getting a massage, it’s easy and common to drift off to sleep. Studies show that massage can improve sleep for people of all ages.
• Headaches and migraines: There are many treatments for headaches and migraines ranging from over-the-counter medications and prescription medications to Botox injections. Massage therapy is another treatment for headaches and migraines that people enjoy and find effective. Massage for headaches and migraines is thought to work in multiple ways to reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines. One factor is that headaches and migraines can be onset by stress and as stated previously, massage can reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Massage also helps relax muscles that can cause tension headaches and can ease the pain much in the same way that you would rub your arm to reduce pain if you were to hit it on something.
The Benefis Med Spa offers a special 30-minute Cold Stone Migraine Therapy that combines custom-designed cold marble stones with strategic placement along key headache sites to quickly reduce the pain and pressure associated with migraines and other types of headaches. This is a fast, drug-free alternative for headache sufferers.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing pampering day or seeking additional relief from symptoms, the Benefis Med Spa has licensed massage therapists ready to help you feel better. Our therapists have unique training and offer customized massage therapy treatments to meet each client’s individual needs. Jessica Klette is a licensed athletic trainer in addition to being a massage therapist and provides a specialized approach to caring for common aches and pains. Amy Holmlund is classically trained in massage therapy and has additional certifications in Thai massage, Tuina massage, and other Eastern techniques.
The Benefis Med Spa offers a variety of massage services including therapeutic massage, chair massage, prenatal massage, and stone massages. Call the Benefis Med Spa at (406) 455-2845 to schedule your appointment today.
