Many people choose to get a massage for one simple reason: it’s relaxing. Whether you’re unwinding after a busy workday, or enjoying some alone time, a massage is a go-to calming method for many individuals. But massages don’t just feel good—they improve health and wellness.

Here are a few ways massages can improve health:

Soothes Muscle Pains and Aches

Whether you work in construction or sit in an office, chances are your body is hurting after a long week at work—in one way or another. Massages have similar pain-relieving effects as drugs like Aspiring, Advil, and Tylenol, which work to reduce inflammation. As muscles are massaged, they release mitochondria, which help muscles recover faster from energy. Massages are an especially effective way to relieve lower back pain, neck pain, and muscle strains in the thighs and calves.

Soothes Anxiety and Depression

The sole act of having a person pay attention to you can make a world of difference for people suffering from depression. According to a study conducted by the International Journal of Neuroscience, patients with anxiety and depression reported feeling relaxed, happy, and less stressed after a massage. Dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters in the body responsible for making you feel happy, are increased during a massage.

Improves the Length and Quality of Sleep

Most of the time, exhaustion and poor work performance can be related back to inadequate sleep. For some, the inability to sleep may be caused by muscle or joint paint, fibromyalgia, depression, or anxiety. Massages help patients sleep longer and deeper, allowing Rapid Eye Movement sleep to occur—the most important and nourishing stage of the sleep cycle.

Increases Range of Motion

For athletes, massages are extremely beneficial. They reduce pain and inflammation while improving range of motion and increasing soft tissue function. For athletes playing a sport where a great deal of flexibility is required, like soccer, rock climbing, or volleyball, massage is a great way to get ahead of your competitors.

Boosts the Immune System

With regular massages, you may find yourself skirting that winter cold that seems to be plaguing everyone at the office. Massages have been proven to boost white blood cell count—the cells responsible for keeping the body healthy and fighting off disease—and decrease inflammation. Massages will improve your immune system’s ability to fight off viruses, and keep your bones and muscles in top-notch shape.

With regular massage, you can keep sickness at bay, improve flexibility, and sleep better. At RelaxZone, our registered massage therapists are trained to give you the best massage possible. Contact us today to learn more about our services