10 Surprising Benefits of Massage You Need to Know

Information may not be reliable

Massages can be incredibly relaxing and relieve pain, but did you know they have amazing health benefits?. There are several types of massage that focus on different parts of the body and achieve different goals. 

Have you ever heard of the possible benefits of a massage? We’ve collected 10 things massage can do for you. However, you should talk to your primary care physician before booking a massage for a specific ailment, or a specialist you see for the condition in question. 

1. Massage can relieve tension headache

A tension headache is widespread and annoying. Scientists still don’t know why tension headaches occur but there is evidence that massages help alleviate pain caused by this kind of headache. Massage helps relieve muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders.

2. Massage can improve blood circulation during pregnancy 

Getting a massage during pregnancy can boost blood circulation. First, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before booking an appointment, and be sure to tell your massage therapist that you’re pregnant.

3. Massage helps with stress-related insomnia  

Massage can improve stress. Lower stress levels can help promote healthy sleep (though there are other sleep habits, for instance, having a bedtime ritual and reducing screen time before bed).

4. Massage helps relieve stress and promotes relaxation

One of the best benefits of massage is stress-relief. Medical experts need more research to figure out exactly how much massage therapy lowers stress-hormones like cortisol, but some evidence suggests that massages can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

5. Massage alleviates constipation 

If you have constipation or hemorrhoids or other digestive problems, a stomach massage is a good option for you as it can help reduce your discomfort.

6. Massage helps reduce joint pain linked to arthritis 

Arthritis is accompanied by swelling and pain in your joints. During the massage, blood flows to your joints providing temporary relief. Don’t forget to tell your therapist you have arthritis before your massage therapy session so that specialist can walk you through how you might work together.

7. Massage increases oxytocin 

Physical touch, including massage, can reduce blood pressure and increase the production of hormones like oxytocin making us feel good. Even if you don’t need a medical massage, if you have a partner and are looking to bond a bit, it’s not a bad idea to break out some massage oil and use it on them.

8. Massage relieves muscle soreness and strain 

If you have muscle soreness and inflammation, a massage can help bring blood flow to the area and speed up recovery.

9. Massage helps manage fibromyalgia pain   

Those who suffer from fibromyalgia experience chronic pain as well as sleep, memory, and mood problems. While massage therapy isn’t a cure for this health issue, it can effectively alleviate pain (along with medication and physical therapy). 

But remember that in some cases, massage therapy can exacerbate your pain. It’s a good idea to talk with a primary care physician about the possible benefits of massage for fibromyalgia and make sure to tell your massage therapist about your condition.

10. Massage helps manage myofascial pain 

Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic condition that’s accompanied by pain due to pressure on your muscles (sometimes in places that don’t seem related). Although this condition is incurable, some people do find benefit from massaging the areas where they’re experiencing pain to alleviate muscle tension.