You probably clicked on this article to learn more about the benefits of massage therapy. While reading this, you may be trying to determine why your shoulder’s hunch and neck are so tight that it might snap. You may also enjoy massages because you are one of those people. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a loving massage from someone you know or a professional massage therapy session; everyone enjoys a good massage now and then. But what counts as a massage, is there more than one type, and what are its possible benefits?
In this article, we will explain everything related to massage therapy, such as what it is, its types and how much it costs. Please keep reading so that we can show you more about this technique.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is a practice in which soft tissues in the body, including muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, and connective tissue, are manipulated manually. It is administered with the intent of maintaining healthiness by reducing stress, relieving muscle tension, and promoting relaxation. It is generally performed by massage therapists who have been trained in the technique. In addition, there are more than 80 pure massage therapy styles available today, varying in pressure, movements, and techniques. Usually, the hands and fingers are used for rubbing, squeezing, or manipulating muscles and other tissues. If necessary, elbows, feet, or forearms are also used.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Whether it’s for mental health, peak athletic performance, or post-surgical recovery, massage therapy can be helpful to patients at all points along the healthcare continuum. Besides, it is a great way to enhance your health and well-being. So check out these 10 reasons you should consider getting pain relief massage therapy.
Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy
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Improves Sleep
By getting a massage, you can decrease levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that regulate your mood.
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Lessons and Fibromyalgia Symptoms
In studies, massage has been shown to improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, a chronic illness that causes pain in the muscles and joints.
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Constipation Relief
Having a stomach massage might help alleviate constipation or other digestive issues. As well as moving their bowels and feeling better, abdominal massages helped people with postoperative constipation move their bowels.
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Increase Flexibility
The advantages of massage therapy include improved tissue elasticity, which lowers the risk of injuries to joints and tendons.
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Relieves Cancer Pain
The physical and emotional effects of cancer treatments can be profound for those who are undergoing them. Massage can help patients reduce cancer pain, increase tranquillity and improve their quality of life.
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Managing Myofascial Pain Syndrome
According to the Mayo Clinic, myofascial pain syndrome causes pain when pressure is applied to your muscles. Although it can’t be cured, some patients find relief from physical therapy and massage therapy to relieve muscle tension in the areas where they experience pain.
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Muscle Soreness and Strain
According to a 2015 meta-analysis study published in Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, full-body massage therapy can help bring blood flow to inflamed muscles.
Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy
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Stress-relief and Relaxation
Among the most effective methods of reducing stress, massage is preferred by Deery. Although research is needed to figure out exactly how massage therapy reduces stress hormones like cortisol, anecdotal evidence suggests that massage therapy can lower stress levels and enhance serenity.
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Sharpen Focus
With a good massage, your heart rate will lower and your nervous system will slow, allowing you to pay better attention and focus. Additionally, people diagnosed with ADHD can benefit from this program.
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Intimacy Between Couples
In a 2020 study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, researchers found that couples who give each other messages benefit both parties. Even if you aren’t seeking medical massages, if you have a partner and would like to bond, you could use some massage oil on them.
Different Types of Massage Therapy & Their Respective Benefits
In recent years, different types of massage have gained popularity. These are some of the most popular styles of massages and their benefits.
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Swedish Massage
There are several types of massage, but Swedish massage is the most widely used type, which involves kneading and tapping movements on the muscles on the surface. It is also combined with joint movement. Additionally, it relieves muscle tension and may even help after an injury by relaxing and energizing the body.
Benefits of Swedish Massage Therapy:
- Relieves muscle tension and stress
- Enhances blood circulation
- Improves flexibility
- Reduces anxiety
- Eases tension headaches
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Deep Tissue Massage
Using firmer pressure, this therapy helps alleviate chronic pain and tightness by reaching deeper layers of muscles and fascia. Typically, it is used to treat problem areas such as muscle knots and scar tissue. As well as relieving pain and inflammation, it can also improve range of motion.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage Therapy:
- Provides relief from persistent back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Reduces muscle tension and stiffness
- Helps in recovery from muscle injuries
- Improves posture and mobility
- Promotes deep calmness and stress relief
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Sports Massage
To help athletes train before, during, or after sports events, sports massage provides a variety of approaches to help their muscle systems. As well as promoting flexibility, it can help ease muscle strains and speed up your recovery after sports injuries.
Benefits of Sports Massage Therapy:
- Enhances athletic performance
- Speeds up recovery from injuries
- Reduces muscle soreness and fatigue
- Improves flexibility and mobility
- Prevents sports injuries
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Thai Massage Therapy
A Thai massage, also called Thai yoga, is conducted fully clothed on a padded floor rather than on a massage table. During a Thai massage session, the practitioner will be stretching by using techniques that help reduce tension and enhance flexibility.
Benefits of Thai Massage Therapy:
- Increases mobility and flexibility
- The flow of energy and vigour is improved
- Tension from the muscles and joints is easily released
- Reduces toxicity and improves blood flow
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Shiatsu Massage
A shiatsu massage is basically one where a physical therapy massage therapist applies rhythmic pressure to particular points on the body. These points are referred to as acupressure points, and they are believed to facilitate the flow of chi, the vital energy of the body.
Benefits of Shiatsu Massage Therapy:
- Restores energy balance
- Alleviates migraines and headaches
- Improves circulation and boosts the immune system
- Helps with digestive issues
- Alleviate stress and tension
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Lymphatic Drainage Massage
In this method, the lymphatic system is stimulated by a specially trained therapist. Stimulation of this system will help in enhancing circulation and reducing swelling. Lymphatic tissues and organs are parts of the lymphatic system, which provides a set mechanism to assist your body in removing fluid and waste.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy:
- Supports detoxification and the immune system
- Provides skin health benefits and reduces puffiness
- Accelerates recovery after surgery or injury
- Offering more tranquillity and stress relief
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Hot Stone Massage
Warmed stones are placed on specific body points during these types of massages. Further being used as tools for massage treatments, they can also be left on your body for a short period. Similar to the other massage techniques, the warm stones will feel very relaxing and soothing as they transfer the heat deeply into your body.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage:
- Soothes tightness and stiffness of the muscle
- Induces deep relaxation
- Eliminates poor blood circulation and increases blood flow
- Relieves pain
- Decreases stress and anxiety
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Aromatherapy Massage
In aromatherapy, the fragrance of an essential oil is used to treat and recover from illnesses. This is the reason why aromatherapy is usually done as a complementary therapy, as the nostrils may evoke emotions and memories, which help in relaxing the patient and reducing anxiety, hence soothing joint pains.
Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage:
- Feels good and enhances the mood
- Effortlessly relieves stress, anxiety, and depression
- Assists in sleep promotion and insomnia treatment
- Increases blood flow to the skin
- Relief from tension and headaches
Who Should Try Massage Therapy?
We can all reap the benefits of massage therapy for health reasons, to alleviate discomfort and back pain, and in the case of pregnant women.
There is no need to choose a particular style before booking an appointment because many massage therapists will perform several techniques to best suit each person.
According to research, massage helps support the specific conditions listed below, such as:
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Overall, if you have these conditions and you want to reduce these conditions, you should try massage therapy.
Who Shouldn’t Get Massage Therapy?
While massage therapy can be beneficial for some, not everyone is a good candidate.
“It is possible for massage therapy to worsen sensitive skin that is inflamed or irritated. Likewise, if you suffer from certain medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, or epilepsy, a hot stone massage may not be a good idea,” explains Dr. Luis.
Even though massage is generally safe for pregnant women, it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider beforehand. Also, discuss any question you have regarding special massage therapy safety with your healthcare provider to help manage a medical condition.
In any of these situations, you should probably avoid receiving a massage such as:
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How Much Does Massage Therapy Cost in Bangladesh?
Many factors can affect the cost of massage therapy in Bangladesh, including the type of massage, the location, and the level of service.
However, the average price starts at BDT 1,000 for shorter or basic treatments and can go up to BDT 12,000 or more for luxury spa packages or specialized therapies in high-end locations.
Additionally, to undergo a massage at a lower cost, you can check out a massage academy or contact a home-based massage therapist.
Health Risks Associated With Massage Therapy
Though the benefits of massage therapy are numerous, like any treatment, massage carries potential risks and safety concerns. Although most massage sessions are safe and beneficial, when the individual is aware of these risks, they can make informed choices with regard to their well-being.
Let us take a look at some of the potential risks of massage.
- Using improper techniques may cause injury
- Blood clots
- Allergic reactions to massage oils or lotions
- Transmission of Infections
- Bone fractures
- Emotional Discomfort/Trauma
- Inflammatory disease flare-up
While massage is a therapeutic resource that enhances one’s sense of well-being, identifying and addressing certain risks is essential to ensuring a positive and safe experience. Additionally, it is possible to minimize the likelihood of adverse effects and reap the full benefits of massage therapy by working with qualified and experienced massage therapists, communicating openly about health concerns, and practicing good hygiene.
How to Find a Massage Therapist
Whether newly introduced to massage therapy or a long-time client, it eventually happens that recipients will need to seek out a therapist. But where do you start? Can you rely on the phone book, or should you ask coworkers and friends for recommendations? Do you need to run ads in the newspaper, go online, or maybe go to a day spa? A few minutes of preparation and a telephone interview can save money, time, and effort.
The following steps will help you save both.
Step 1: Identify your goals and current health status. Also ask yourself why you want bodywork and write a short list of questions such as:
- Would I benefit from my therapy if I were rehabbing an injury?
- How can I relieve my physical or emotional stress?
- Does the massage promote general health and well-being?
- What kind of pain is being treated with the massage?
- Does my body feel stiff or painful in any particular area?
Once you have a solid list of questions, you can contact and interview massage therapists with confidence.
Step 2: Ask your prospective therapist a few questions. Because the more you can learn about them, the easier it is to tell the therapist will be right for you.
- Are they certified?
- How much do they charge?
- Are they physically located somewhere?
- Do they have any experience?
- Can they do the other techniques too?
Step 3: Finally, Identify your spa and begin your search. If you want to know where a friend or family member gets it done, you should ask them. It is often effective, but you have to travel quite far from home to do it. In addition, you can search for a spa near your home in the Yellow Pages.
What Are The Best Massage Therapy Spots In Dhaka?
There is no better place to receive massage therapy in Dhaka than the Zen Massage Spa, which offers various types of pure massage to relieve stress, improve blood circulation, and rejuvenate the body.
Whether you are looking for a traditional Thai massage, deep tissue therapy, or just a gentle full-body massage treatment, at Zen Massage Spa, you are going to get the right atmosphere and qualified professionals to guarantee a soothing experience.
Therefore, visit our massage therapy website to book an appointment with us for a personalized massage that will make you rejuvenated and fresh.
Why Choose Zen Massage Spa?
At Zen Massage Spa, massages are just the beginning of what you can experience. The following are some of the reasons why we are different:
A team of highly skilled professionals
During your Zen Massage Spa experience, you will enjoy a massage with a difference; the experts will melt tension away and soothe your soul.
Serenity in a peaceful environment
Take a moment to imagine yourself surrounded by calming fragrances, gentle lights, and melodious noises combined artfully to provide you with a sense of well-being.
High-Quality Products
We use premium oils and lotions that not only feel luxurious but are packed with natural goodness to rejuvenate your skin while you relax.
Renew, Restore, Repeat
Taking care of yourself regularly will make you feel great, not just once in a while. Our massages aren’t just a treat but part of the wellness routine that will leave you coming back for more.
A bespoke solution
Whether you’re looking for deep tissue muscles or aromatherapy body massage, we cater to your needs.
Conclusion
Having finished our informative guide about the benefits of massage therapy, we have to acknowledge that massage may be a way for you to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. For this reason, it is important to experiment with different types of massage and massage therapists to find the kind and provider that is best for you.
You should also make sure the massage therapist knows what exactly you are hoping for and expecting from the session. You should never feel hesitant to communicate if something bothers you. Furthermore, if you have any health concerns, consult your doctor before undergoing any massage.
Frequency Asked Questions
What is massage therapy used for?
Massage therapy may be employed for a variety of health conditions or to enhance overall well-being. It involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues, which was one of the earliest tools that people used to try to relieve pain, and massage has been practised in most cultures, both Eastern and Western.
Can massage relieve fibromyalgia symptoms?
Yes, there is strong scientific evidence that massage can reduce pain, anxiety, and depression associated with various aspects of fibromyalgia. Both physical and psychological factors will likely be involved in the mechanisms.
Does massage help cancer patients?
Massage therapy can indeed be beneficial to cancer patients both during and after treatment. In addition to countering the negative physical and emotional symptoms of cancer, it can also counter the negative side effects of cancer treatment for patients.
How is therapeutic massage different from massage therapy?
Massage therapy aims to maintain or restore relaxation and well-being, whereas therapeutic massage aims to treat or improve health issues or conditions.
Do I need to get massages regularly?
Various factors, such as personal preferences, individual needs, and budget constraints, influence how often massages are performed. It is recommended that you receive a massage every 4-6 weeks to maintain your well-being. In some cases, more frequent sessions are recommended if you suffer from chronic pain or suffer from high levels of stress.
