Massage helps by increasing blood flow, loosening muscles and restoring mobility. Massage also helps treat chronic pain by increasing the release of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are a hormone- like substance that is produced in the brain and functions as the body's natural painkiller.
If you're suffering from muscle aches, Swedish and deep tissue massages can be especially helpful. Swedish massages aim to relieve tension with long, kneading strokes and rhythmic tapping, and deep tissue massages apply pressure to areas that are tight with stress.
Physical benefits of massage include:
Decreased muscle stiffness. Decreased joint inflammation. Better quality of sleep. Quicker recovery between workouts.
For individuals with chronic pain, weekly or biweekly massages are typically recommended. Regular sessions help manage muscle tension, increase circulation, and reduce inflammation, providing ongoing relief.
Actually, you can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you'll be able to determine the best frequency because your body's response is a large part of this determination.
The Risks of Painful Massage
This involuntary reaction can make the muscles tighter, counteracting the intended benefits of the massage. Injury Risk: Applying excessive pressure can cause bruising, inflammation, and even muscle or tissue damage. This can lead to prolonged recovery times and exacerbate existing issues.
Massage stimulates receptors that transmit sensory signals to the central nervous system, and this in turn causes the reduction in tension in muscles and the feeling of relaxation. Massage causes the release of endorphins which has been shown to reduce pain and muscle tension.
A range of massage types are appropriate to reduce swelling including sports massage and remedial massage. Techniques such as effleurage, deep strokes and lymphatic drainage are all regularly used to help reduce swelling.
The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.
People with Certain Medical Conditions. While deep tissue massage can be beneficial for many, it's not recommended for everyone. If you have certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, cancer, or blood clotting disorders, it's best to steer clear of deep tissue work unless your doctor gives you the green light.
Massage can hurt, and the level of discomfort will have a story to tell about current tissue condition. However, whether it hurts to receive deep tissue massage, or not is not an indicator of the effectiveness of treatment. The following paragraphs explain scenarios why massage does not need to feel painful.
1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.
Massage is proven to relieve everything from back pain and neck pain, as well as pain from fibromyalgia, cancer, osteoarthritis, and migraine. And unlike prescription painkillers, there are no risks or nasty side effects.
Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide. This Western massage utilizes the following techniques—effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic choppings)—for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience.
Side effects associated with massage therapy are rare. However, they can include nausea, headaches, soreness in the muscles being massaged, bruising or bleeding in some cases, fatigue, dizziness, mental/emotional discomfort (anxiety), fainting, and skin irritation.
Receiving a massage for chronic pain can also help improve recovery. Massage helps reduce pain and assists the body's self-healing process. Injury that causes pain can be reduced by healing damaged tissues and decreasing inflammation. Massage helps to speed up the recovery process and improve healing quicker.
Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.
If you have a busy lifestyle and seek relaxation after a long day of work and family commitments, an evening or before-bed massage can help you relax your body and mind. On the other hand, a morning or afternoon massage can increase your energy levels and help you face the day.
Tell the therapist if you have these conditions
Contagious skin conditions (boils, warts, or herpes) Other skin conditions (burns, rashes, or sores) Circulatory system issues (high blood pressure, varicose veins, or stroke) Digestive system issues (ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or colitis)
After a massage, lactic acid and metabolic waste products can be released into the bloodstream, causing flu-like symptoms and fatigue.