Benefits Of Massage Therapy

Content client receiving massage therapy

Massage therapy is growing increasingly popular as a way to boost your sense of well-being and relaxation. However, massage can also provide health benefits that you may not realize. The Praxis Institute in Miami, Florida, teaches a Therapeutic Massage Technician training program to help future technicians earn their certification. Here, we discuss the health benefits of massage therapy that our graduates learn to provide.

Pain Relief

If you’ve ever struggled with persistent pain or soreness, you know it can be hard to live with. It invades your mind, making it hard to focus. It keeps you from getting comfortable at night, interfering with your sleep. It may even slow down your recovery.

Massage therapy is a great way to relieve pain. Part of this is due to the gate theory, which suggests that the brain cannot fully recognize pain receptors when touch receptors are also activated. When massage therapists rub a painful area, they activate its touch receptors and soothe any discomfort. Massage also improves blood flow. This in turn reduces inflammation and leads to reduced pain and better healing.

Many people use massage therapy to relieve soreness after sports practice or a tough day of work. For others, massage may be an important part of treatment. It can reduce discomfort caused by arthritis or allow for a faster recovery after injury.

Stress Reduction

Physical pain isn’t the only discomfort that can be relieved with massage therapy. It’s also an excellent treatment for stress. Whether caused by a health crisis, family drama, or difficulties at work, stress is a common concern that can lead to serious health complications. Massage therapy does more than make you feel better; it can also help you stay healthier.

Massage therapy reduces levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and increases the production of dopamine, serotonin, and other hormones associated with positive emotional responses. This produces the calming effect clients look for at spas and resorts. It can also boost your mood to help combat anxiety and depression. Patients leave feeling less stressed and more prepared to face the day.

Increased Immune Function

As massage therapy reduces inflammation and pain, it can also improve your immune system’s ability to fight infection. Better circulation helps the body deliver disease-fighting white blood cells to the areas that need them. This allows for a stronger immune response and more effective healing.

While the research is still new, scientific studies have shown that massage therapy may increase immune function more directly. Participants in these studies had higher numbers of immune markers and white blood cells after receiving massage therapy than before, indicating that the massage prompted a boost of immune activity. A stronger immune system reduces the person’s likelihood of catching an illness and may also improve their healing from surgery, injury, or disease.

Discover the Benefits of Massage Therapy at The Praxis Institute

Are you a person who loves to help others? The Praxis Institute trains students to provide all these benefits through our Therapeutic Massage Technician diploma program. Students learn the fundamentals of delivering a full-body massage that relieves pain and improves well-being. Our Advanced Massage Program offers the same training with additional courses in therapeutical massage techniques, including:

The Praxis Institute has locations in Miami and Hialeah, FL, and trains students throughout the Miami region. Enrollment is open every week to help you get started, and class times are flexible to work around your busy schedule. We also offer competitive pricing and experienced teaching staff. Contact us with any questions about our programs or about the health benefits of massage therapy.