Massage for Health and Wellbeing

When we ask people about their goals for wellness, it almost always involves the statement "I just want to feel better/good/well/etc". This statement is so honest and accurate for the human desire to be well in mind, body, and spirit.   The connectedness of the three is what allows us to achieve and sustain overall health, and massage therapy can play an important role in supporting this quest.

When people initially think of massage therapy, there is this misconception that it is a luxury service meant as a "one time treat" verses an ongoing wellness practice. However, we support the idea of integrative, mind-body medicine and wellness, and have not only been educated as to the incredible impact regular massage therapy can have on emotional wellbeing, we have seen it first hand with our clients!

If you haven't incorporated regular massage therapy into your health and wellness routine yet, here are some promising links between the effectiveness of massage therapy in aiding in the treatment of mental health symptoms.

In a recent study in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers concluded massage therapy could serve as an effective intervention in managing blood pressure, a major health concern for clients coping with anxiety. The study showed that the immediate results of lowered blood pressure lasted up to 72 hours after massage, and had a drastic impact on reported levels of stress and anxiety.

Research published in Military Medicine reports that military veterans indicated significant reductions in ratings of anxiety, worry, depression, and symptoms of PTSD after receiving massage therapy treatments. Analysis also suggests declining levels of tension and irritability following massage. We have seen first-hand at the practice the benefits of massage therapy for our clients experiencing intrusive PTSD symptoms.

There has been promising talk about the usefulness of massage therapy as a supportive additional practice for the treatment of bipolar disorder, in conjunction with other treatment options. Massage therapy can increase client's mindfulness practice, ability to tune in with their body's experience, regulate emotional imbalances, and reduce irritability and agitation.

Additionally, massage therapy can be useful to help cope with chronic depression, grief, mania, anxiety, chronic pain, symptoms related to autoimmune disorders, and PTSD.

Many insurance plans have wellness benefits included that can be used for massage therapy services. Contact us to see if your plan includes this, and to schedule your massage therapy intake appointment, where you and your MT will work collaboratively to discuss your goals  and wellness needs to create a individualized plan that best suits you.

Christine, our Licensed Massage Therapist can be reached at 978-660-3836. We currently have many new clients and package specials going on.

Be well!