Massage therapy comes with a lot of benefits beyond just stress relief. Research has shown that massage can have positive effects beyond just relaxation, including helping with sleep apnea, heart disease, sciatica pain, and even tinnitus. The benefits of massage therapy can also be extended to helping with anxiety.
What is Anxiety?
Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people in North America. It usually develops gradually and can manifest at any age. People with anxiety worry persistently and excessively about any number of things, from health, to money, to family, to safety, to work, and more.
Symptoms of anxiety are varied, and can include:
- Sleep problems
- Muscle tension
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Being easily tired
- Feeling on edge
For some people, anxiety is mild and can be managed on a daily basis. For others, it can be debilitating and prevent them from enjoying social situations or trying new experiences. Treatments also have a wide range and often vary from person to person depending on their experiences.
Can Massage Therapy Help Anxiety?
Massage therapy is an alternative therapy that can can help to alleviate anxiety in some patients. Each person treating their anxiety has access to a number of options that can be paired together, including alternative therapies, medication, therapy, and self-care tools. Massage therapy is proving to be an effective partner in helping patients manage anxiety as well.
The Mayo Clinic has reported that a 60 minute massage can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) by up to 30% after just one session. Another study found participants who received regular massage therapy for 3 months had a 50% reduction in anxiety symptoms that remained even after the massage therapy finished.
In the short term, massage therapy can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, like helping reduce muscle tension and promoting better sleep.
A massage therapist can work as part of your healthcare team to help you manage your anxiety in the short and long term. If you’re looking for new ways to treat your anxiety, massage therapy may be a good option!
Book Your Massage Today!
Massage therapy boasts a whole host of benefits to our physical and mental health. If you’ve been under more stress than usual, feeling tired, not sleeping well, or suffering from anxiety, massage therapy can be a good addition to your self care routine.
Even just a 30 minute massage once a month can benefit mental health. Get in touch with Physio Art Hamilton today to book your massage therapy appointment!
