
There are a few risks that may arise if you get a massage. Find someone who specializes in prenatal massage to ensure that you receive a massage that’s healthy and safe for pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, your doctor or a massage therapist may discourage massage during your first trimester or if you have high blood pressure, a high-risk pregnancy, or have recently had surgery. Massages may not always be the safest activity if you have certain health conditions. The study also found that 15-minute massages during every hour of labor may also shorten the overall time spent in labor and reduce the amount of medication you need. PregnancyĪ 2010 study found that regular, light massage performed by someone at home or a massage therapist may contribute to a healthy mental state and reduced leg and back pain.Ī weekly 20-minute massage by a professional, or two 20-minute massages by someone at home, may be sufficient to reduce anxiety and stress as well as physical symptoms of pregnancy. This will relax you and improve your mental well-being. According to the Mayo Clinic, this could lower your cortisol levels by 30 percent and raise your serotonin levels by 28 percent. You may find that a massage once or twice a month helps calm anxiety and stress.Īccording to the American Massage Therapy Association, 66 percent of those who sought massages in 2018 did so to relax and manage stress.Ĭonsider a 60-minute massage tailored for relaxation. One study found that getting a 60-minute massage two or three times a week showed more benefit for those with neck pain than getting a 60-minute massage once a week or a few 30-minute massages weekly. Massage is a way to relieve neck pain in the short term, and getting frequent massages may be most beneficial. The American College of Physicians now lists massage as a treatment for low back pain that lasts up to 12 weeks. One study showed that deep tissue massage performed daily for 30 minutes for 10 days reduced pain in patients. Back painĪ regular massage may ease your back pain. You may need more frequent massages for pain relief, or you may find that less frequent but regularly scheduled massages for your emotional well-being are useful. Massage may help relieve specific painful symptoms or reduce stress and anxiety. You may be able to experience this type of massage at home by purchasing a massage chair, or you may find a place outside of your home where you can use one occasionally or regularly. You may find a massage chair provides relief from aching muscles or helps you relax.Ī pilot study found that healthy adults experienced positive benefits from sitting in a massage chair for 20 minutes at a time. You may seek this type of massage only occasionally, every few weeks, or monthly to help you feel more centered and less stressed. This type of massage promotes relaxation. Full-body massageĪ full-body massage is often called a Swedish massage. You may find a regular scalp massage helps you feel calm and improves your overall outlook. One study in Korea showed that women working in an office experienced these health benefits from 15- to 25-minute scalp massages twice a week for 10 weeks. Scalp massageĪ scalp massage can be very relaxing, and it may even lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Your massage therapist can recommend a frequency and duration to address the underlying health condition prompting this type of massage. You may seek deep tissue massages daily, a few times a week, or a few times a month for pain. This type of massage targets muscle damage from injuries.

Deep tissue massageĪ deep tissue massage uses slow, forceful strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. They can also train you to perform certain massage techniques by yourself.


Lymphatic drainage massage should always be performed by a professional.

You may need this massage daily at the beginning, but over time, you can try two or three times a week. It’ll prompt the flow of fluid in your lymph nodes and release fluid build-up. This type of massage is useful for draining lymph nodes that have been affected by a recent surgery or medical condition. Types of massage Lymphatic drainage massage
