The phrase “massage therapy” is there for a reason. While a single session could make you feel amazing, regular treatments over time can have cumulative positive effects on your muscles, joints, and general wellness.

Massage therapy has several positive effects on our muscles, including easing tension, pain, and strain in those areas and promoting optimal overall health. However, keeping a routine can make a huge difference in how much of an impact massage has on our muscles.

Massage Enhances Memory of Muscle

When we consistently use specific muscles to do a physical activity over an extended period, muscle memory develops. The outcomes are the same whether we perform these activities repeatedly throughout our lives or just start doing them now. With enough repetition, the action can become second nature and require less effort. For instance, you probably still remember how to do it even if you haven’t ridden a bike in years.

Alternatively, muscle memory may harm our bodies if the frequent practice results in persistent pain. Poor posture illustrates this; when we sit or lie in a position that stresses our backs, the spine will naturally adopt this position, which can result in longer-term problems.

By repeatedly exposing our muscles to relaxation through skilled therapeutic techniques, the concept of muscle memory can be applied to massage to create a familiar sensation for your body. You might realize that your muscles are responding favorably to your more relaxed state rather than the frequent aches and pains you might experience every day. Messages that are frequently given will cause muscle memory to take effect, extending the duration of the sensations.

Massage Releases Tension

One of the main advantages of massage is its effect on muscles, although there are many other perks, such as improved mood and tissue relaxation. Pain and discomfort brought on by muscle spasms and stiffness might affect daily functioning.

When we have a massage, our body’s relaxation reaction kicks in: stress hormones start to drop, and tense muscles start to relax. Increased blood flow and circulation are to blame for this. Stretching out muscular knots or sore tissue areas in our bodies can help us feel less tense and improve the passage of oxygen to our muscles and tissues. This can expedite the healing process, lessen swelling, and drain any extra fluid that has accumulated. Regularly enjoying these advantages helps keep our bodies “ahead of the curve,” preventing the development of discomfort, tightness, and poor circulation.