Benefits of Massage
Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of normalizing those tissues and consists of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement of or to the body.
1 in 3 Americans suffer from chronic pain issues. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:
- Decreased anxiety
- Enhanced sleep quality
- Greater energy
- Improved concentration
- Increased circulation
- Reduced fatigue
- Reduced pain
- Improved production
Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues:
- Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Ease medication dependence.
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Increase joint flexibility.
- Lessen depression and anxiety.
- Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
- Reduce spasms and cramping.
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
- Relieve migraine pain.
The primary reason people received massage was for health and wellness reasons.
- 42% of all massage consumers got their last massage for health and wellness reasons.
- Just 15% of consumers list pampering as their primary reason for their last massage, and 32% of consumers received a massage for pampering in the last year.
- 51% of consumers got a massage last year for relaxation or stress reduction.
- Men and women were equally likely to discuss massage therapy with their doctor or health care provider.
- In 2023, 43% of consumers who got a massage for health and wellness reasons stated it was part of a treatment plan from a doctor or medical provider.
*Research data comes from the 2023 AMTA Consumer Survey.
Don’t let pain keep you from doing and enjoying things in your everyday life.