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Massage therapy is often seen as a great way to relieve stress and refresh tired muscles. Many people see massages as a therapeutic recreational activity. However, a good massage is more than just something you get when you feel tired. A good massage from a licensed massage therapist in Portland can yield a wide range of health benefits and can work wonders for those who have sustained injuries from car crashes.
Painful injuries such as back pain, neck pain, and hip pain are common in the aftermath of a car collision. Even if there are cases where these injuries may not require immediate medical attention, they still can impact your daily life and get in the way of work and play. If you have recently been involved in a vehicular crash, it may be a good idea to see a massage therapist several times in the first few weeks of the incident on top of any medical treatment you may be prescribed by your chiropractor. Here are a few reasons why regular massages should be a part of your auto injury therapy plan:
- Massage Therapy Promotes Better Circulation of the Blood
One of the key health benefits of massage therapy is that it helps promote better circulation of the blood. Improved blood flow means your body is able to better deliver the nutrients to damaged tissues needed to start the healing process. This will help yield better results from other treatments that you may be already receiving. Additionally, this is also a good way to prevent further deterioration of affected areas because some injuries, such as whiplash, may not manifest immediately after a car crash.
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- Massage Therapy Helps Reduce Inflammation and Muscle Stiffness
Muscles and other soft tissues have a tendency to become inflamed and stiff after sustaining damage as a way to prevent further stress and strain and to begin the healing process. Unfortunately, this natural inflammation process often means that the affected muscles are painful. Massage therapy is well-known in the medical community in reducing muscle inflammation and stiffness naturally. It is a good alternative for those who are wary about using too much pain medication, especially with the growing painkiller epidemic.
- Massage Therapy Helps Production and Release of Endorphins
Physical injuries aren’t the only thing you should be worried about after a car crash. Many people develop anxiety and other emotional distress following the collision. This can negatively affect the quality of life for a person. Fortunately, research has shown that massage therapy can help the body produce and release more endorphins, also known as the “happy hormone” to alleviate emotional distress. Similarly, the long strokes of an effective massage also stimulate the production of melatonin, helping people achieve a more restful sleep.
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If you are planning to get regular massages as part of your recovery treatment plan, make sure you consult with a chiropractor first to pass along some important information to your massage therapist, like which areas to focus on and what to be cautious with.
