Everyone! There are massage benefits for nearly everyone. Whether you are healthy, suffer from musculoskeletal injuries, are an athlete, or are in chronic pain, massage provides support for overall wellness. Swedish massage has been shown to produce stronger relaxation responses, and improved sleep. Healthy people receiving massage have a sense of energy and revitalization as well as improvements in immune system function. Studies have also shown that those with an overall status of health, have reductions in stress-related hormones.
Musculoskeletal injuries, such as muscle and tendon injuries, sprains, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis/golf elbow. Muscle and tendon injuries are usually related to overuse. Massage is a noninvasive way to successful recovery of this overuse. Sprains respond to massage and improvement in stability and balance can be expected from manual therapy. Massage for plantar fasciitis focused on the lower leg and feet and lends to longer relief from the symptoms of this painful condition. Future occurrences of plantar fasciitis can often be kept at bay with regular treatments. Carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis/golf elbow can all be helped with manual therapies. Relieve of pain and increases range of motion, as well as increases strength, are all benefits of massage therapy for these conditions.
There is some debate about whether massage is better before or after events when it comes to working with athletes. My personal belief is before, during, and after. Muscles can often become damaged due to overuse and massage can improve strength in those muscles. Massage can hep with recovery so training can ensue quicker and can help potentially reduce the likelihood of injury to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Following athletic competitions or events, massage can ease tired muscles and help with soreness.
We hear a lot these days about chronic and/or acute pain with the current opioid epidemic happening. Some of the most common complaints are back and neck pain, pain related to Fibromyalgia, and headaches. Using massage to treat pain is noninvasive and safe treatment. Massage used solely or complimentary can improve, control, and/or alleviate pain, increase range of motion, improve sleep and mood, along with a host of other benefits. Manual treatments, such as massage are a great way to potentially decrease or alleviate the need for pharmaceutical treatments, particularly opioids.
These are the most common categories in which people fall into that would benefit from massage and manual therapies. We always cater massages to the individual and aim to provide the best possible treatment to aid in overall and everyday health.
Reference: Werner, Ruth. “The Benefits of Massage.” Massage and Bodywork, 2019, pp. 68–72.