7 Powerful Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy

There are many benefits of regular massage therapy, including reduced stress and anxiety, increased immunity, reduced pain, and more.

If you are seeking to improve your physical, mental, and/or spiritual health, you should consider massage a necessity not just a luxury because there are many surprising benefits of massage.

I have been getting massages regularly for 23 years – not as a luxury – but as a physical, mental, and spiritual health necessity. So I’m going to share some of the benefits of massage with you here today! 

benefits of massage therapy include relieving neck tension
7 Powerful Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy

Additionally, I have also included some information for you to consider if you are new to the massage experience. You will find lots of great information below. 

DISCLAIMER: I am not in the medical field and the information provided on this website should not be considered a personal consultation about your health. You should always consult with your health care provider about your health needs. Information contained in the articles on this website are based on personal experience and research only.


Related Article: What is Wellness and Why is it Important?


Top Health Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy 

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, “Massage therapy can be an important part of an integrative approach to health and wellness.” I absolutely agree with this statement based on my personal experience.  

AMTA reports that consumers are turning to massage to support their health needs now more than ever. The organization reports that 88 percent of individuals view massage therapy as a benefit to their overall health and wellness. This includes people who feel they receive benefits from massage for relieving pain, managing cancer symptoms, reducing depression, and much more.

Let me share some specific information about the benefits of regular massage therapy.

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Regular massage therapy improves mental health and wellness. It soothes anxiety, stress, depression, and PTSD.  It stimulates hormones that promote good sleep hygiene which directly impacts emotional stability and health.

Here’s a great article about the benefits of massage therapy for anxiety. According to the AMTA, “in the United States, almost half of adults will experience a mental health challenge during their lifetime.” An increasing amount of research indicates massage therapy is as beneficial for mental health issues as psychotherapy.


Related Article: 5 Best Types of Massage for Anxiety and Stress Relief


2. Decreases Negative Health Responses

Regular massage therapy decreases the negative health responses related to chronic stress often caused by our fast-paced, chaotic lifestyles. It lowers blood pressure and heart rate by reducing stress on the blood vessels.

Massage calms the nervous system to decrease heart rate, slow down breathing, and improve digestion; it increases endorphins to help reduce pain; and it stimulates brainwave activity that supports improved sleep hygiene.  

3. Increases Immunity

Regular massage therapy increases your immunity to help prevent illness. It improves your lymphatic system to promote cleaner blood flow that helps your body fight against infection.  And, it helps disperse waste products out of the muscles to relieve tension and pain.  Overall, massage improves your immune system and has a calming effect on your entire body.

4. Reduces Muscle Tension

Regular massage therapy reduces muscle strain and tension by increasing the production of hormones that relax your body. It stimulates fluids around the muscle to maintain elasticity which in turn helps reduce injury and ease sore muscles.

Increasing circulation to the tissues around the muscles helps maintain good muscle health and reduce risks of injury. Regular massage therapy also helps relieve tension headaches.

5. Improves Circulation

Regular massage therapy improves circulation and overall health and elasticity of blood vessels, which in turn increases oxygen throughout the body and promotes physical well-being. Improved circulation and healthy blood vessels also help to stabilize and lower blood pressure.

6. Improves Posture

Regular massage therapy improves posture.  It frees up tissue and allows the body to align more naturally.  Decreased muscle fatigue and tightness promotes healthier joints that allow the body to move and align more freely with decreased risk of injury. 

Regular massage also alleviates issues related to imbalance that can result from too much sitting or laying. Basically, regular massage therapy counteracts all the sitting that we do every day! 

7. Reduces Chronic Pain

Regular massage therapy helps you manage chronic body pain, such as post-operative pain, lower back pain, migraines, and pain from medical conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Sports massage can also help relieve chronic pain from sports injuries.

If you are in physical pain it will eventually impact all other parts of your life. But medication isn’t always the answer. More and more, doctors are advising patients to seek alternative therapies for chronic pain.

50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Massage therapy is a safe and effective alternative to medications that can be addicting for chronic pain.

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Overall, there are many benefits of regular massage therapy and you can improve your general feeling of wellness and your quality of life.  It allows your body to heal from the effects of common, daily stressors as well as chronic illness and pain.  In turn, you can live your best life and be your authentic self since regular massage supports your physical, mental, and spiritual health. 

The Mayo Clinic has a great article that provides a wealth of information about massage, too. As I was writing this article, I found it very interesting and helpful. You may also enjoy Massage: Get in Touch With Its Many Benefits. In closing it states, “…massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever.” 


Related Article: 12 Benefits of Mindfulness: Mind, Body, and Soul


regular massage therapy on the back improves posture
Regular massage therapy improves posture and frees up tissue to allow the body to align more naturally.

How Often Should I Get a Massage?

This depends on many factors such as your pain levels, physical needs, stress levels, and mental health.  A massage once a week, or every two weeks, is ideal for people who need the positive effects to improve their quality of life. 

However, budget often plays a role is how often one can get a massage. It may require you to make lifestyle changes (you know, that Starbucks daily coffee run and dinner out on weekends) to be able to get regular massages.  But the long-term benefits to your physical, mental, and spiritual health will be worth it!   


Different Types of Massage Therapy

There are many types of massage therapy that treat a variety of conditions and personal health needs. Massage therapists often specialize in certain types of massage and massage techniques based on their training and experience.

My personal experiences have been with deep tissue massage, myofascial release, hot stone massage, therapeutic massage, cranio sacral massage, shiatsu massage, Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, and even Couple’s Massage.  

For the purpose of this article, I focused on the kinds of massage that have given me the most benefit over the past 23 years – myofascial release, therapeutic massage, and cranio sacral massage. These different types of massage therapies focus on different parts of your body and different kinds of massage techniques. 

The massage therapist typically uses gentle pressure on trigger points and tight muscles to improve blood circulation and negative effects of anxiety disorder. They all provide stress relief, pain relief, and comfort by reducing cortisol levels.

Essential oils can he used in a variety of ways with each kind of massage.

In general, massage therapy is the practice of a trained massage therapist rubbing and kneading areas of your body, applying specific kinds of strokes and pressure to your muscles, joints, myofascial tissues, and soft tissues to manage health conditions and/or enhance overall physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.


Find a Massage Therapist

My wonderful certified massage therapist, Tianne Ellis – who has more than 25 years of experience – has helped me write this blog article so we can accurately represent benefits of getting regular massages – from my personal experience, as well as from her expertise.   

Tianne graduated from Baltimore School of Massage. She has furthered her education with extensive training by John Barnes of Myofascial Release Treatment Centers. Myofascial Release opens the spaces in the body to allow the flow of lymph, blood, nutrients, and energy throughout your body.

Cranio Sacral work helps to balance the fluids around your brain and spinal cord, which is especially helpful for migraine and neurological issues. Myofascial Release is considered the ultimate mind and body therapy. 

She offers a multifaceted treatment approach for ultimate results in your wellness and personal health care. She values building relationships with her clients and open communication so she can offer you an optimal massage therapy plan to promote improved health and wellness. 

Tianne strongly believes that regular massage therapy offers long-term physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. And I absolutely agree with her! 

Tianne is the type of massage therapist you want to find in order to get maximum benefit from your experience of regular massage. She offers a “multifaceted treatment approach for the ultimate results in your wellness and personal health care.” She is inspired by helping you find peace in your body, heart, and soul.

You can also visit Tianne’s website or Facebook Page to learn more from her!  She is now specializing in the therapeutic benefits of massage and has a wonderful blog on her website that provides a lot of information.

massage therapy is relaxing and keeps you grounded
Connecting with the energy found in the Earth, directly or indirectly, is a benefit of regular massage therapy.

Spiritual Benefits of Massage (BONUS)

Massage as an alternative therapy is based on spiritual principles that go beyond the physical and mental health benefits. In addition to physical and mental health benefits of regular massage, there are many spiritual benefits, as well.  Here are a few of those benefits:

Grounding – Being grounded means that you are connected to the energy found in the Earth and are fully present, or rooted, in your body. Grounding techniques can be a direct (ie: lying on the ground or wading in a lake) or indirect (clearing your mind and calming your emotions).  Regular massage can help you stay rooted in your body and reconnect to the Earth so you reap the benefits of its energy. 

Meditation – Regular massage therapy, in a calm and trusting environment, enhances your connection to self and helps anchor you in the moment. This promotes overall peace of mind.   

Love Your Body – The connections created through regular massage therapy help release your self-conscious mind and breakdown barriers you have about your body. 

Distribution of Energy – Regular massage therapy can help focus energy on areas of your spiritual wellness system that are out of balance. Alternatively, it can distribute energy throughout your body for uninterrupted flow of creativity and spiritual wellness. 

Although there is limited scientific research about the spiritual benefits of massage, there is little doubt about how the spiritual benefits support your physical and mental wellness.  In fact, I have personally received massage therapy as part of integrated medical treatment for several injuries over the years.

regular massage therapy helps relieve migraines
You can locate certified massage therapists near you and discuss their credentials with them prior to choosing a therapist to develop your personal massage care plan. Keep in mind the many benefits of regular massage therapy as you work with your massage therapist.

Final Thoughts: Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy

As discussed here, there are many benefits of regular massage therapy.  You should consider your wellness needs, research your options, talk with massage therapists, check their credentials, and schedule your first appointment. 

You should also be sure to provide your professional massage therapist with your personal health information so he/she fully knows how to provide you with the most benefit. Your licensed massage therapist will determine what you need during each massage session.

You will want to consider different massage techniques and whether you want to use a massage table or a massage chair. Do you want to use essential oils or lotions?

From that point, you should seek to develop a comfortable relationship with your massage therapist and determine with your therapist how often you should receive massage therapy to reap the greatest benefit.   The long-term benefits of massage are incredible if you give it time and choose the right therapist.

You may also be be interested in these related articles about wellness and self-care:

Don’t forget to take good care of yourself!  

Love to All! ~ Susan 

Do You Have Stories About the Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy?

What do you find is the best massage therapy? Please share your thoughts in the comments:)

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17 Comments

  1. My sister Reiley would like to try massage therapy since this will help address her muscle pain. Well, I also agree with you that this will help disperse waste products too. Thank you for sharing here that this will improve the person’s blood circulation as well.

    1. I cannot say enough about the significant health benefits I have experienced from getting regular massages. Thank you for the feedback. I really appreciate it! xoxo:)

  2. It’s great that you talked about things like improved mood and better immunity as benefits of regular massage therapy. Both I and my wife have been experiencing some pretty rough days lately with all the hectic holiday preparation, and this even causes us to catch colds easier. I’ll get us some assistance with this by having us visit a massage therapy parlor right away.

    1. I’m so glad you found value in my article about massage! I’m sorry you are experiencing rough days… and yes, massage therapy can help! Take good care of yourselves… happy holidays! xoxo

  3. my mom has been planning my sister’s engagement party but she has been so stressed about it lately. I do agree that massage therapy has a lot of benefits mainly in relieving stress or anxiety since it helps the body relax and alleviate tension. I think I might book her into several sessions with a reliable therapist before my sister’s wedding.

    1. Sounds like a wonderful idea, Claire! I remember planning my daughter’s wedding and I would have LOVED a massage:) Thank you for visiting! xoxo:)

  4. It’s cool that you point out that massage therapy can provide relief from lower back pain. I have suffered from chronic pain in my lower back for four years, so I’m thinking about trying massage therapy next weekend. I’m going to search for a good provider of massage therapy in my area that I can use.

    1. So glad you found the article helpful, Thomson! I have a massage appointment in a few hours and I can’t wait! I have stenosis in my lower back and it gives me great relief! Good luck! xoxo:)

  5. Thanks for suggesting trying out massage therapies for stress since this can alleviate body pain! My friend is interested in pursuing a new career, so he’s studying while working. I think he should consider finding a clinic that offers massage therapies that can help him deal with stress in the future!

    1. Your suggestion sounds like it would be great for your friend… thank you for stopping by Sassy Sister Stuff… I absolutely agree with the philosophies stated on your website about the benefits of massage and integrated therapies! xoxo:)

  6. I never knew that massage therapy helps improve your muscles while treating any problems related to your posture. I have a friend who has been working as a programmer for the past 6 months. I think he should consider trying out a massage therapy with his girlfriend as a couple session!

  7. Absolutely agree! I’ve also experienced the transformative power of regular massage therapy. The relief from stress and anxiety is remarkable, allowing for a clearer mind. The boost in immunity is an unexpected bonus, keeping illnesses at bay. Over the years, I’ve found that it’s not just a luxury, but a crucial investment in holistic well-being. The reduction in pain is a game-changer, enhancing overall quality of life. Kudos on 23 years of prioritizing self-care – your testament highlights that it’s not indulgence, but a necessity for physical, mental, and spiritual vitality. Thank you for sharing these powerful benefits!

    1. Thank you for your kind words… I just saw my massage therapist yesterday and we were talking about the many benefits I’ve received over the years… xoxo:)

  8. I can really see how a seeing massage therapist can differ from just trying to do the massage yourself. They’ll know a lot more about the types of oils and lotions that may make the treatment a lot better, especially if you want to treat a certain type of body pain. I’ll get that worked on when I find a massage parlor in the area that has a lot to offer me.

  9. I like that you pointed out how you could improve mental health and wellness with regular massage therapy. I’ve been quite stressed lately and it is making my body feel stiff. I need some help to relax, so I am thinking of booking a massage therapy session.

  10. My colleague is interested in trying out cycling tournaments this year as his yearly activity goal. I never knew that trying out regular massage therapy sessions could help him relax better and prevent injuries! Maybe we should find a local therapist where he can try this out someday.

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