Why you should treat yourself to a massage

If a knot between your shoulder blades keeps coming back or stress is disrupting your sleep, a professional massage could be just what your body ordered.

According to a survey by the American Massage Therapy Association, nearly one-fourth of adults in the U.S. got a massage in the past year.

“Self-care couldn’t be more important that it is right now,” says Carrie Bartlett, a licensed massage therapist at Aurora Health Care. “Adding massage to your health and wellness routine will disarm your body’s alarm system. I often see people walk in feeling tense and walk out breathing freely. Over time that calm can translate into lower pain scores, better posture and even stronger immunity.”

Massage therapy as preventive medicine

Just one 60-minute Swedish massage can help reduce your heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels, according to studies.

Hands-on techniques, such as myofascial release and trigger-point therapy, help disperse scar-tissue adhesions and quiet overworked nerves.

For desk-bound workers, short weekly massage sessions on the upper back can reduce neck pain and improve range of motion within four weeks, Bartlett says.

Many people who receive massages also report deeper sleep and fewer nighttime awakenings – a bonus for your immune system and brain health.

Bartlett’s tips for making the most of your time on the massage table:

• Be honest about pain: Tell your massage therapist what hurts and how deeply they can work.
• Consider your posture: Make small changes to your daily routine, such as adding stretching, to maintain the release received from massage.
• Hydrate and move your body: Gentle walking followed by drinking water can help flush metabolic waste and reduce next-day soreness.
• Build a routine: If you have stress or chronic pain, get a 60-minute massage every two to four weeks. Consistency matters more than occasional massage “marathons.”

Massage is generally safe, but people with uncontrolled blood pressure, acute infections or recent blood clotting events should check with their doctor first.

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