Even if it had no direct physiological merit, massage therapy would still remain valuable for its ability to temporarily distract clients from the outside world.

Fowler says. That change in focus alone is a huge benefit. Clearly, stress is both physiological and psychological in nature—and so is massage therapy. To maximize stress relief for their clients, massage therapists must therefore pay equal attention to body and mind.

Being thoughtful about the following choices can be a good start:. Massage environment : Because she wants stressed-out clients to feel relaxed from the moment they enter her practice, massage therapist Jessica Ludwig, LMT, gives careful consideration to what they see, hear, smell and touch.

My table itself is memory foam. Comfort is so important that she even makes her own face cradle covers out of polar fleece fabric. I just add a few drops of essential oil to my massage oil for a really light fragrance. Nothing heavy.

Nevertheless, they can help clients relieve stress by giving them a safe space in which to talk about them. But if the client wants to share, I let them. Massage technique : Massage therapists can maximize stress relief by thinking carefully about where and how they touch clients.

Meanwhile, think about what activities cause stress—working, for example, and driving—and focus your massage appropriately. Education : Massage therapists can help clients by giving them tools and strategies to manage stress in between appointments.

Both Rissolo and Ludwig use social media for exactly that purpose. Ludwig, for example, uses Instagram to share wellness tips while Rissolo has a YouTube channel where she posts guided meditations. Or you might suggest some websites where they can read about sleep hygiene.

Massage therapists also can make referrals. Learn how massage therapy can help relieve stress by understanding the signs and symptoms, the underlying causes, and the way it affects the body. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

July Vaccarino, Viola, Zakaria Almuwaqqat, Jeong Hwan Kim, et al. November January March October It allows the cells and brain to get the oxygen and nutrients that they need to reduce physical and mental fatigue.

Massage also increases the number of white cells which are an important part of the immune system, leaving your body healthier and stronger to face the stress, giving you a great stress relief tool. Regular massage improves the quality of restful sleep.

During sleep, your body rejuvenates itself so your energy levels can be restored and instantly make you feel more rested. You hear it all the time, but for many, it's a daily struggle to achieve. One of the reasons why massage is so effective in stress management is as it enables you to achieve a high level of relaxation.

And for good reason: it then leads to a healthier and more energetic lifestyle. Regular massage is a great and effective way of taking care of yourself. You will often find more energy and time to tackle everyday chores.

The best parents, partners and workers are usually those who can look after themselves, find a stress relief through massage and other holistic therapies and create a healthy work-life balance. Alongside massage treatments, there are also other complementary therapies that can help such as counseling, yoga check out our recommended partner The Hot Spot Yoga , exercises or nutritional support.

Stress Relief Massage works best as a course as it has an accumulative effect. Regular sessions help to maintain the optimum level of your body and mind. A short consultation with your therapist or our on-site physiotherapist will help to create a treatment plan adequate to your needs and lifestyle.

Privacy Policy. We offer a free, no obligation phone consultation to find out how we can help you - contact us today:. Visit Massage Heights , schedule your next soothing massage and let us melt your stress away. Open Accessibility Menu. Home Blog How Massage Therapy Can Help Relieve Stress prev post next post.

The Mayo Clinic noted that stress could cause: Headaches Fatigue Sleep Problems Anxiety Irritability Inability to focus Depression And restlessness Massage therapy is a proven way for stress sufferers to seek relief. But how does massage therapy actually relieve stress?

Our stress relief comes from: The relaxing environment Aromatherapy And the healing hands of passionate practitioners Generally, massage therapy environments are made to encourage relaxation.

That causes them to tense up, according to Dr. Fowler, who says people with chronic stress may experience tension headaches and neck or back pain as a result of prolonged muscle tension. Cardiovascular system : Dr.

Guarneri says heart rate and blood pressure rise during times of stress because the heart is trying to get blood—and blood sugar—to muscles and organs quickly, giving you ample energy to remain alert and responsive.

Respiratory system : Dr. Fowler says stress causes your respiratory rate to increase for the same reasons it causes your heart rate to increase: Breathing faster allows your body to get the oxygen and energy it needs to respond rapidly.

This can lead to hyperventilation and shortness of breath. The impact of stress on digestion can cause constipation or diarrhea, she says. Appetite also can be affected.

Adrenaline, for example, suppresses appetite while cortisol stimulates it. Reproductive system : People who are chronically stressed have trouble reproducing, explains Dr. Fowler, who says a stressed-out body views reproduction in the same way it views digestion—as nonessential. In particular, stress can negatively impact erectile function and sperm production in men, menstruation and pregnancy in women, and sexual desire in all people.

Massage therapy is among them because of its positive impact on both body and mind, suggests Kennedy, who also serves as executive editor and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Its effect on the body is evident in measures like heart rate variability, she says. When the sympathetic nervous system is active, which it is during stress, heart rate variability is low.

When the parasympathetic nervous system is active, which it is during rest and relaxation, heart rate variability is high. A study from the University of South Florida, for example, showed that regular back massages significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with clinically diagnosed hypertension, a potential cause of which is chronic stress.

Benefits could be further enhanced with the application of heat, suggests Dr. Emmons, who says warmth has been shown to calm tense muscles. In fact, a study in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation found that the local application of heat to trigger points reduces neck and foot pain by increasing muscle relaxation and tissue blood flow.

The body may be able to influence the mind. The reverse also can be true. Emmons continues. Even if it had no direct physiological merit, massage therapy would still remain valuable for its ability to temporarily distract clients from the outside world. Fowler says. That change in focus alone is a huge benefit.

Clearly, stress is both physiological and psychological in nature—and so is massage therapy. Taking care of your body should be at the top of your priorities. By adding therapeutic massage to your routine now, you'll feel, look and simply be healthier far into the future.

In fact, stress relief alone can improve your vitality and state of mind. So what better way to prep for a long, happy life than a relaxing, therapeutic massage? If you're looking to add stress-relieving massage to your wellness program, a Massage Envy membership can be a powerful ally when combating daily pressures and anxiety.

In addition to stress relief, ongoing massage therapy can reduce pain, increase energy levels and improve overall physical and mental performance. Our experienced, professional therapists at Massage Envy locations nationwide customize every massage and stress relief session to address your individual needs.

Log out. Field, T. Massage therapy reduces anxiety and enhances EEG pattern of alertness and math computations. International Journal of Neuroscience, 86, Brennan, M. The effect of chair massage on stress perception of hospital bedside nurses.

Massage Therapy Journal 43, 1 , Job stress reduction therapies. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 3, 4 , MacDonald, G. Massage offers respite for primary care givers.