Massage therapy is a holistic treatment commonly used to address lower back and neck pain, headaches, and body soreness. By manipulating the muscles and tissues, it helps support relaxation and pain reduction. As a bonus, it can even help enhance your mental wellbeing. If you're considering this treatment, here's what to know about it.

How It Works and What it Does 

Massage therapy promotes physiological changes in the body through mental and physical relaxation. The nervous system responds to the human touch by releasing endorphins that reduce the perception of pain while increasing feelings of positivity. This mechanical response results from structured and purposeful pressure on the soft tissues and muscles.

Due to the release of feel-good chemicals, this treatment provides various benefits, including improved mood, energy, and mental health. These perks are especially valuable for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, or stress. Additionally, massage therapy can lower your heart rate and blood pressure while improving immune function, circulation, and mobility.

Types of Massage Therapy

Swedish

This treatment is one of the most common types of massages, but the technique varies depending on the therapist. Still, it typically involves using pressure and friction of the whole hand, forearm, or elbow to loosen tight muscles. The long strokes return blood to the heart while the body enters deep relaxation.

Deep Tissue

For this treatment, a professional uses the pressure of their fingertips to reach deep layers of the muscle. This approach helps them eliminate knots and break down scar tissue. 

Many patients seek this therapy to ease chronic aches and pain found in the neck, upper and lower back, legs, and shoulders. It's also effective at reducing inflammation in the muscles and remedying postural problems.

Lymphatic

When the lymphatic system doesn't function as it should, you are more susceptible to diseases that affect the lymph nodes, spleen, or lymphoid tissue. To prevent such issues, you can turn to this type of treatment. Also known as lymphatic drainage, it involves a combination of slow circular motions designed to push trapped or slow-moving fluid through the system. 

Sports

Athletes who play sports that require repetitive motion will benefit significantly from this type of massage. This method targets specific muscles that get overused to speed up recovery times, enhance performance, and promote tissue repair. 

If you're experiencing chronic injury or neck and back pain, the professionals at North Pole Chiropractic can help. Since 2001, they have helped residents across Interior Alaska find solutions for issues such as body pain and spine misalignments. Whether you need a chiropractic adjustment or massage therapy, you can count on their expertise to deliver the best results. Learn more about their massage treatments online, and call (907) 488 -1885 to schedule an appointment.