Feel Back to Normal—Reasons That You May Need a Massage

Oct 6, 2019

3 min read

Updated: Sep 3

When you feel a bit off or like you are not quite yourself, it's best not to reach for anything that will make you feel worse. Instead, notice the signs that reveal you need a massage to feel like yourself again. Here are a few reasons you might need to make an appointment for your next massage right away.

Back Injury

Back injuries can cause pain that alters your ability to go about your normal activities. Whether you suffered from a major injury years ago or a minor injury recently, back pain should be dealt with when it arises so it doesn't get worse. There are several contributing factors for spinal column injuries, but something that can aid recovery is getting a back massage. An experienced massage therapist will know how to offer a massage that lessens your pain and offers a multitude of benefits. A back massage can increase circulation and offer more flexibility. If back pain has kept you from getting a good night's sleep, a massage can assist with that as well. Whether your back pain is centralized in the upper or lower back, a massage can relieve the stress in your muscles and help you move freely again.

Stress

You may feel like after a hard day you are carrying stress throughout your body. That's because you likely are. This may feel like tightening of the muscles, headaches, or just an overall feeling of being very tightly wound. Massages help with stress because the pressure applied to the muscles helps release dopamine. Dopamine is a feel-good hormone known for relieving depression and anxiety, and you may feel your stress level lower as you're being massaged. Regular massages can help keep stress in check. If you wait until you already feel like the stress is taking you under, it's still not too late to benefit from a massage. Visit a professional and feel the tension in your body start to evaporate.

Insomnia

Sleep is important, and researchers are finally discovering just how important as most of us are getting less sleep than we need. People who have trouble winding down and resting at night can benefit from regular massages. It's important not to underestimate the devastating effects of lack of sleep. Those who don't get enough rest are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, age faster, and have a weakened immune system that opens the door to issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Receiving a regular massage is a simple way to reset your body so you will find it easier to sleep and receive support in overcoming your insomnia. This can have a profoundly positive impact on your body, mind, and spirit, leading to a better life on many levels.

There's no guarantee that you will be able to skip the doctor's office all the time, but a massage can heal what ails us quite often. Schedule an appointment if you are struggling with any problems a massage can solve or simply to feel better and enjoy the relaxing sensations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can massage help with back pain?

Massage may help reduce muscle tension, improve comfort, and make movement feel easier for some people with muscular back pain. It does not diagnose the cause of pain, and new, severe, or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated medically.

How often should I get massage for back tension?

Frequency depends on how long the problem has been present, your activity level, and how your body responds. Some people start closer together, then space sessions out as symptoms settle.

Should back massage hurt to work?

No. Stronger pressure is not automatically better. If your body is bracing against the work, backing off can often make the session more useful.

About the Author

Corey Richason, LMT, is the owner of Vital Kneads Massage in Surprise, Arizona. He has practiced massage therapy since 2001 and focuses on practical, results-oriented bodywork for pain, mobility, recovery, and stress. His approach is evidence-informed, individualized, and built around helping clients move and feel better without unnecessary hype.