Massage and Stress

Prolonged periods of stress can negatively affect many systems of the body. Stress has been shown to aggravate, or even cause, such problems as heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, memory loss and decreased immune function. But it doesn’t just contribute to physical ailments. Stress can sap joy from your life, cause seemingly inexplicable fatigue, and leave you less able to enjoy your relationships and leisure activities.

Massage therapy is one of the best antidotes for stress. Massage boosts the body’s immune system, which can become compromised from extended periods of stress. Tension can build up in the muscles, causing a decrease in circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues. Manipulation of the soft tissue decreases muscular tension, increases removal of metabolic waste and promotes nutrient delivery to healing tissue. Knots in your muscles can inhibit your ability to perform regular, daily tasks. As other parts of body try to compensate for the ache of a tight muscle, they also start to become tight and uncomfortable. Before long, a tightness in the neck can trace to shoulder, down to the back and into the legs. Coupled with modest changes in nutrition and activity levels, massage can be the start of a profound change for better health and comfort.