Massage Therapy Tulsa can be used to treat a wide range of problems. It increases serotonin and dopamine while reducing cortisol, adrenaline and heart rate, boosting circulation and decreasing pain.
The first step in getting started in a Massage Therapy program is to find the school that best aligns with your educational and career goals. To begin this process, contact the Admissions department.
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but it’s also nearly impossible to remove entirely. Fortunately, massage therapy is one of many ways to help manage stress and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Massage can be a great way to relax and relieve stress, and it is important to make it a regular part of your lifestyle.
Physiologically, massage helps reduce stress by lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and improving circulation. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which acts automatically to calm the body and brain during stress. Additionally, massage decreases cortisol levels and increases serotonin, the mood hormone that boosts happiness and well-being.
Another physiological benefit of massage is lymphatic drainage, which decreases swelling, muscle fatigue and weakness. The friction caused by massage increases the temperature of the muscles, which can improve flexibility and range of motion. This can help improve athletic performance and relieve pain caused by injury or overuse of the muscles.
Psychologically, massage encourages mindfulness and self-awareness. Being in the moment can help increase concentration and focus, which can improve mental health. Furthermore, it can help promote a sense of connectedness to others. This can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression.
There are many different types of massage, each with its own unique benefits. Choosing the right type of massage and therapist can significantly impact your stress reduction journey. Massage may also be combined with other stress relief techniques to create a holistic approach to wellness.
A good massage therapist will have the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding of human anatomy to provide a thorough and effective session. A massage therapist’s empathy and ability to communicate with clients can also play an important role in the effectiveness of a massage.
Massage is considered a form of physical touch, and it is often compared to an hour-long hug. A good therapist is able to convey a sense of safety and comfort to their client, helping them feel calm and relaxed. This can be a vital aspect in reducing stress and boosting the immune system. Make sure to schedule regular sessions with a certified massage therapist, and make it a priority in your life!
Relieves Pain
In a recent study, patients hospitalized with cancer experienced improved pain levels when massage therapy was integrated into their care. This integration included massage as an important part of the patient’s treatment plan, along with other therapies such as exercise, nutrition and psychosocial support.(2)
The results from this preliminary study parallel existing research showing that a combination of these complementary therapies significantly improves patient outcomes. This includes decreased anxiety, depression and fatigue, increased relaxation, sleep quality and ability to move, and reduced perception of pain intensity and frequency.(2)
Massage is a gentle, but effective technique to help relieve pain and discomfort from many conditions such as arthritis, back and neck pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic fatigue. It relieves muscle tension and stiffness, increases range of motion and flexibility, and reduces stress. It may also increase endorphins, serotonin and dopamine in the body which are natural feel good hormones that can help ease pain and reduce inflammation.
Inflammation and chronic pain go hand in hand, as the stress of living with a painful condition can make the symptoms worse. Massage can decrease inflammation by decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines which helps the body heal and reduce the symptoms of pain and discomfort. One study found that a one hour massage decreased the stress hormone cortisol by 31%.
Aside from the physiologic effects, the psychological and emotional benefits of massage are also important in relieving chronic pain. A regular massage promotes self-care and relaxation which can help alleviate negative emotions such as anxiety, depression and frustration and increase feelings of calmness, comfort and happiness.
Massage also triggers the relaxation response which helps the body shift from a ‘fight or flight’ sympathetic nervous system state to a more relaxed parasympathetic state. This reduction in stress hormones can also help to reduce a vicious cycle of chronic pain and tension. This is why it is so important for anyone dealing with a chronic pain condition to incorporate regular massage therapy into their care.
Increases Endorphins
The euphoric effects of massage are largely due to the release of natural painkillers known as endorphins. These neurotransmitters bind to the opiate receptors in your brain and spinal cord, blocking the transmission of pain signals from those areas. They also help to reduce anxiety, alleviate stress, and boost your mood. They are responsible for the “feel-good” sensations you experience after exercising, laughing, or receiving a great massage.
The physical pressure and heat from the therapist’s touch activate your pressure receptors, causing the body to release these feel-good hormones into the bloodstream. In addition, a good massage improves your circulation and increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the massaged area, thus reducing muscle stiffness and increasing flexibility.
Another hormone that is released during a massage is epinephrine and norepinephrine. These are the hormones that regulate your autonomic nervous system and influence your fight or flight response. High levels of these hormones can lead to hypervigilance and increased stress, while low levels can result in feelings of sluggishness or fatigue. Massage helps balance these hormones by lowering cortisol levels, which in turn can help you sleep better and cope with stress more effectively.
Massage can also elevate your levels of dopamine, a neurohormone that influences fine motor activity, intuition, inspiration, and joy. People who lack dopamine may exhibit clumsiness, poor focus, and difficulty concentrating. Moreover, massage can raise serotonin, another neurohormone that regulates our emotions by quelling irritability, boosting mood, and reducing cravings for food and sex.
If you live a relatively sedentary lifestyle, getting regular massages can be a powerful tool for maintaining health and reducing the risk of illness. If you have a chronic medical condition, it is important to discuss your massage therapy plans with your doctor. Your therapist will also want to know about any injuries or illnesses you have so they can modify the treatment plan accordingly.
Improves Sleep
Sleeping well is important for overall health, but it can be difficult for people with sleep disorders to get restful and quality sleep. Research has shown that massage improves sleep, especially for those with chronic insomnia and anxiety. Incorporating massage into your sleep routine is an easy way to get better rest, allowing you to feel more refreshed and energetic throughout the day.
Many of the causes of insomnia and other sleep issues are linked to pain and discomfort, and that’s where massage really shines. Techniques such as therapeutic touch and myofascial release relieve muscle tension and pain, allowing you to fall asleep easier and stay asleep through the night. Getting a regular massage can also help synchronize your natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to improved long-term sleep patterns.
The sedative effects of massage are largely due to the decrease in stress hormones and increase in serotonin and dopamine that it produces. When the body is calm, it is more able to produce the melatonin it needs for proper sleep. Increasing melatonin production is particularly beneficial for women in the postmenopausal stage, as it can reduce the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and insomnia.
In addition, massage boosts circulation and helps regulate body temperature. This can be helpful during the colder months, as poor circulation can cause cold extremities that interfere with sleeping. Moreover, a regular massage can increase your mobility and flexibility, thereby helping you to move more easily through the different stages of your sleep cycle without disruption.
Ideally, a massage should be given at the end of your day, at least an hour before you go to bed. This will give your body time to prepare for sleep and let go of the stresses of the day. Depending on the severity of your sleep disorder, regular massage sessions may be needed to achieve long-term results.
While it may seem counterintuitive to get a massage for sleep, a gentle or light massage is best. In general, stroking downward motions are most calming for the body. Start with the shoulders or neck and work your way down to the lower back, thighs and arms.