Every year, between 47.1 and 59.5 million adults in the U.S. (that’s between 19 and 24 percent of the population) have at least one massage.

Whether they get them for pure relaxation or to help with aches and pains, it’s clear that people in the U.S. love massages.

Do you think you need a massage? Are you interested in getting one for the first time? Or, are you on the fence about the benefits massages have to offer?

Read on to learn about ten of the greatest benefits you can experience when you work with a licensed massage therapist.

1. Reduce Stress

Chronic stress is a serious issue in the U.S. today.

If you’re always on edge and worrying about your responsibilities at work and at home, you’re likely going to feel stressed out and anxious more often than not.

Chronic stress can lead to a whole host of health problems, so it’s important to find ways to tune out the world and relax.  

A massage can do just that for you. Spending an hour or two receiving a massage will help to put you at ease and give you a chance to recenter yourself.

2. Relieve Back Pain

One of the most common reasons people seek help from a massage therapist is to relieve their back pain.

If you struggle with back pain, especially lower back pain, you’ll likely experience significant relief if you work with a massage therapist on a regular basis.

A massage therapist can identify points of tension and help to loosen up stiff muscles. This, in turn, will minimize your pain and help you to improve your posture so the pain is less likely to come back in the future.

3. Reduce Joint Pain

Massages aren’t just for back pain. They can help to treat pain throughout the body, especially in the joints.

If you suffer from knee pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, or even pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, you’ll likely experience relief when you get a massage.

4. Improve Range of Motion

Anyone can benefit from a massage. Athletes and active individuals, however, can especially benefit from seeking more information about this type of therapy.

Massages can help to increase flexibility and joint range of motion, both of which are important for active people who want to perform to the best of their abilities.

Improved flexibility and joint range of motion will also help to minimize injury risk.

5. Relieve Tension Headaches

For those who struggle with chronic tension headaches, regular massages can work wonders. Often, when chronic tension headaches are an issue, the cause is tight muscles in the shoulders, neck, or upper back.

By getting massages on a regular basis, folks who struggle with tightness in these areas can loosen up and experience some relief from their discomfort. This is a much better long-term solution than relying on painkillers or muscle relaxers to address the issue.

6. Minimize Feelings of Depression

If you suffer from depression, getting a massage can actually help you to feel happier and more at ease.

When it’s combined with other treatments like talk therapy, massage can work wonders for those with depression.

Massage is especially beneficial when a person’s depression is related to health problems or issues like chronic pain.

When you feel better from a physical perspective and your pain is lessened, you’ll likely feel happier and experience fewer depressive thoughts.

7. Strengthen the Immune System

Massage can help to strengthen your immune system, too, and make you more resilient to colds, cases of flu, and other illnesses.

Research shows that getting massages on a regular basis can help to increase the number of cells in your body that fight off viruses and infections.

A massage won’t necessarily help you recover faster if you’re already sick (although it will still feel nice), but it can reduce your risk of getting sick in the first place.

8. Treat Insomnia

For those who have trouble falling asleep at night, a massage can be almost magical. Massages help you to relax and cast your worries aside so you can get a better night’s sleep.

When you sleep better, your health improves in a dramatic way. Quality sleep is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and many other chronic illnesses.

Even if they don’t get anything else out of their time spent on the massage table, many people find that their improved sleep — alone — is worth it.

9. Reduce Blood Pressure

Massage therapy can be a helpful tool for those who struggle with high blood pressure. Spending some time in a relaxing, peaceful setting can help to put even the highest strung people at ease. 

Research shows that the reduction in blood pressure associated with massage therapy lasts even after the massage is over.

One study found that people with high blood pressure who experienced a massage has significantly lower blood pressure readings 72 hours after the study massage was finished.

10. Improve Blood Circulation

Getting regular massages can help to improve your blood circulation, too. It promotes healthy circulation throughout the body, which can provide a number of health benefits.

For example, when you have better circulation, you’ll likely experience better organ function and improved muscle recovery since waste products will be removed from your muscles in a more efficient manner.

Improved blood circulation can also promote better-looking skin and reduce the signs of aging.

Do You Need a Massage?

Now that you know more about the benefits that come from getting a really good massage, are you a bit more interested in getting one yourself?

If you think that you need a massage, now’s the time to treat yourself and get one scheduled. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel after you take an hour or two for some one-on-one pampering. 

Do you want to learn about other steps you can take to feel better and improve your health? If so, be sure to check out the Health section of our site today.

You’ll find all kinds of advice here that will help you feel your best inside and out.