Our bodies are complicated contraptions, aren’t they? One minute they seem to be working just fine and another minute they’re breaking down, caused by what seems like a million and one factors out of our control. When exercises and diet changes aren’t bringing about the change you need, you can always check out a massage therapy specialist. These professionals are well-versed in the art of stress and physiology, highly experienced in bringing tired and worn out individuals the relief they need to keep moving throughout the week.

What Is Massage Therapy?

If you’re new to the benefits of massage therapy, never fear. Medical massage is the act of reducing pain and encouraging positive physical change in individuals suffering from chronic neck, back and shoulder stiffness and injury. More and more Americans are turning to this form of physical therapy out of a desire to reduce chronic pain and put a dent in day-to-day stress. According to a consumer survey conducted by AMTA back in 2014, an average of 15% of Americans received at least one, if not several, massages in the span of a single year. Another 54% of those adult Americans received massage therapy for medical or health reasons such as pain management, rehabilitation for injury, general wellness and chronic stiffness. If any of these reason apply to you, that’s more than enough reason to consider investing in a massage therapy specialist!

What Causes Muscle And Back Pain?

There are many different contributing factors that lead to that agonizing stiffness in your neck or the painful spasms in your lower back. One of the most common are work-related injuries — lifting heavy objects day after day or sitting for very long periods of time with bad posture can cause serious long-term ramifications. Over 92% of respondents to a recent survey agree that massage can be highly effective in combating pain, both in the short-term and long-term. If you’re attempting to self-medicate your muscle strain with dead sea salt baths and exercise but aren’t seeing the results you need, a massage therapy specialist may be the ticket you need for change.

How Does Massage Therapy Work?

The 18th annual American Massage Therapy Association Consumer Survey found nine million people over the age of 55 having attended a whopping total of 39 million massages in the past year. How does this amazing treatment work, anyway? A massage session can last anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, depending significantly on the type of massage you’re looking for and what your schedule is looking like. Thankfully, a massage therapy specialist is familiar with the unique twists and turns of their patients’ busy weeks and will be more than willing to adjust to your needs.

What Are The Health Benefits?

Therapeutic massage is proven to significantly reduce chronic pain and tackle stress, for starters. A recent study in the International Journal of Preventative Medicine found researchers concluding that massage therapy works as an effective intervention, controlling blood pressure in both pre-hypertensive and hypertensive women mere days after receiving the massage. Reduced stress patterns can also lower your chances of getting sick and having trouble sleeping! If this sounds up your alley, continue reading to learn about contacting a massage therapy specialist.

Where Can I Get Started?

You don’t have to live with your back or shoulder pain. It’s easy to get used to these little frustrations and attempt to self-medicate, after all, and this can end up contributing to a worse physical state in years to come. There are many different massage techniques, all the better to suit your individual needs and bring out your very best. It’s best you get a massage treatment as regularly as possible, even if it’s just every other week, to reap the most consistent results. Speak with your local massage therapy specialist and see how they can fit you into their schedule. Chronic pain doesn’t have to be your reality — it can be reduced to a bad memory in just a matter of sessions.