Benefits of Massage Therapy in Oklahoma City, OKC

Massage refers to the practice of manipulating and applying different levels of pressure to different areas of the body, including skin, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. It is an important part of integrative medicine, often used in combination with more traditional treatment to ensure clients are getting full comprehensive care to address their needs.
 
The benefits of massage are extensive, including:
 
• Decreasing heart rate
• Improved circulation
• Improved immune function
• Increased energy and alertness
• Increased relaxation
• Lowering blood pressure
• Pain reduction
• Relief from muscle soreness and tension
• Stress reduction
 
Massage has also been shown to improve the symptoms associated with certain physiological and mood issues, such as:
 
• Anxiety
• Digestive problems
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Lower back pain
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Neck pain
• Nerve pain
• Soft tissue injuries
• Sports injuries
• Stress
• Temporomandibular joint pain
• Upper back pain
 
While many seek massage out for its benefits in treating certain conditions or symptoms, others seek massages out for their soothing quality. Massages produce feelings of calmness, comfort, and relaxation which makes them a popular choice for those wanting to practice self-care or who just want to enjoy the process.

Massage therapy relaxes muscle tissue, the result of which reduces painful contractions and spasms that may be the result of stress, injury, or nerve compression.
 
After massage, your heart and breathing rate slow down, your blood pressure decreases, and the amount of stress hormones in your body lessens. This relaxation response also increases the level of serotonin in the body, which is considered to be the “happy hormone” – responsible for feelings of contentedness and relaxation.
 
In addition, the physical manipulation of soft tissue that occurs in massage can also improve blood and lymph circulation. This improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells which allows the tissue to perform more effectively.

The answer is: it depends. Some people require a massage 1-2x a week, while others may book every couple of months. It’s best to talk to your healthcare professional about setting up a plan that fits your unique physical, psychological, and financial needs.
 
However, it should be noted that regular massages are an important part of proactive healthcare, helping you to prevent injury, relieve pain and tension build up in the muscles, and bolster your mental health. Many massage therapists will recommend that you get treatment at least once a month to keep your body healthy and relaxed and to safeguard your emotional well-being.

It’s difficult to predict how long the benefits of massage will last as everybody is unique and will respond differently to treatment. The longevity of your results is also dependent on the complexity of the issue you’re coming in to address, the type of massage you receive, and how well you adhere to proper aftercare.
 
On average, the benefits of massage usually last between a week and a month. However, it’s important to note that if you’re treating a medical condition then you may require more frequent treatment.
 
To ensure the benefits of your massage last as long as possible, prioritize post-massage relaxation by avoiding strenuous activities (such as working out), avoiding caffeine, icing sore areas, and/or taking an Epsom salt bath. Avoiding or reducing stress will make massage therapy effects last significantly longer.
 
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your mental and physical health, book in for a massage at Petra’s Massage Therapy & Weight Loss Clinic. We offer a broad range of massage therapy treatments to get you feeling your best now and in the future. Contact us for any questions that you have about our services, or you can also book an appointment online. Our team is ready and waiting to give you the spectacular care you deserve. We serve clients from Oklahoma City OKC, Midwest City OKC, Del City OKC, Valley Brook OKC, Forest Park OKC, Nichols Hills OKC, Bethany OKC, Spencer OKC, and Valley Brook OKC.