How Does Massage Therapy Work?

Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Massage techniques are most commonly applied by palms, fingers, palms, elbows, forearms, shoulders, feet or perhaps a hand-held device. The primary objective of massage therapy is usually for the relief of pain or body strain. Many folks feel that massage therapy is painful, but the reality is, although some people can feel taut and achy after a massage, others will actually report a wonderful sense of health after a massage session.

One of the main ways massage helps to ease tension is through the release of compounds within the body called endorphins. Endorphins are a natural,”happy” drug that makes us feel good and reduces the feelings of pain and tension. Massage therapy helps to release endorphins by stretching tight muscles, releasing muscle spasms, increasing blood flow, and stretching the skin and connective tissues.

Another way massage helps to relieve tension and stress is through relaxation. Relaxation is a process in which the individual receiving the massage calms their mind and body as they concentrate on relaxing the receiver. Massage therapists may create a soothing environment by gently rubbing and kneading knots in the recipient’s body. Kneaded knots are those that are tight and kneaded and can be caused by a muscle injury or excessive stretching.

Though some people may be scared of having a massage, others find the experience to be very enjoyable. Some people who get a massage from a massage therapist report being less touchy and have less anxiety about signature than they did before they had the massage. The procedure for receiving a massage has the ability to relieve stress because it helps to release tension and knots which may cause pain throughout the body.

When given by a licensed massage therapist, a massage can provide relief from chronic pain for many people. A massage may also relieve some of the regular aches and pains that result from everyday living. A massage may also provide relief from migraine headaches. For those who suffer with fibromyalgia, a massage can provide relief from chronic pain. Many folks who suffer with arthritis also find that regular massages help relieve their symptoms.

It’s important to remember that all kinds of massage can have different benefits for people who receive them. It is important to know what sort of massage you are getting and if there are some restrictions. It is not uncommon for someone who is receiving a Swedish massage to feel sore after the massage because the therapist applies deeper pressure to connect the muscle tissue with the nerves. In contrast, a deep tissue massage can actually lead to soreness as the muscles are stretched.


Massage therapy is safe for most people. Those who have a physical problem, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, might have to consult with a doctor before undergoing a massage. It is also important to note that massages aren’t always effective for everybody. If a person feels lightheaded or unsteady after a massage, they ought to discontinue the therapy or wait a day to find out if the feelings subside. Lots of people also choose to stop massage therapy if they begin to experience pain in the kneading of the massage.

In general, massage works on the whole body. The kneading movement provides traction for the joints and soft tissues of the patient’s body. The deep pressure applied in a Swedish massage works on the muscles and ligaments of the individual’s body. Finally, when the client is done, the therapist will help to relax the whole body. Overall, this sort of treatment works to restore mobility, relieve stress, reduce muscle tension and increase overall body relaxation.