Stressed, Anxious or Depressed? Try Massage Therapy
This is a guest post by Dan Carell, RMT, from the Georgian Professional Centre in Barrie.
The general or basic relaxation style of massage is usually called Swedish or Classic massage. Its history starts in Europe where gymnastic athletes would receive a massage after each workout. This unique style of massage become known as Swedish.
When performed correctly, a Swedish massage can help you to calm your busy mind and relax your tight muscles, leaving you focused and ready to face the rest of your day, or wonderfully serene and prepared for a good night’s sleep.
But does massage therapy really work? Yes, and here is some research that demonstrates how well.
When you manage your stress, everything else falls into place
In 2008, Chris Moyer published a study entitled Affective Massage Therapy. It discussed the research of Tiffany Field and the Touch Research Institute, who found that massage led to reduced anxiety, depression, and stress hormones. Moyer calls these “first-order” effects, and the subsequent change in sleep, mood, etc., “second-order” effects.
This is incredibly important, because when you look at the overall daily functioning of a person, when stress/depression/anxiety go up, things like happiness, focus, productivity, and a host of others, go down. This can directly affect your family life and relationships with co-workers or friends.
Work-related stress
In a 2009 study about workplace massage, we learn that, “Worksite massage therapy offered to employees may offer additional benefits in terms of increased positive employee outcomes related to both physical and psychological health, as well as increased employee productivity and job satisfaction.”
The massage sessions were only 20 minutes long, which is significantly shorter than the typical 60-minute massage appointment. This makes a good case for using a little time during your lunch hour to recharge, refresh, and stay positive for the rest of the workday. Or how about stopping off for a short massage after work? This could help you leave the stresses of work behind, allowing you to change into your more personal role and be present for your time with family or friends.
Dan Carell, RMT, graduated from Georgian College’s massage therapy program in 2010, and is a member in good standing of both the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and the Registered Massage Therapist Association of Ontario (RMTAO). He also serves on RMTAO’s Board of Directors. You can reach him at http://www.dancarellrmt.ca.
