By Gretchen Cellers, left, PTA, and Rob Jordan, PT, OCS, of Joint Effort Physical Therapy.

- If you spend your days hobbling painfully from your bed to your reclining chair and back, the notion of pursuing any kind of vigorous activity may be the furthest thing from your mind. The truth, however, is that getting active can vastly improve your health, your comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. Here are five activity suggestions from our physical therapist that you might genuinely enjoy adding to your lifestyle.

Activity No. 1: Walking
Walking is one of those ideal activities that requires no special equipment and makes perfect practical sense. If you have to make a short trip, why waste gasoline when you can get some fresh air and low-impact exercise instead? Walking gives your circulation a healthy boost without making excessive demands on your body. It also gets your weight-bearing joints moving -- and that's a huge benefit if you struggle with arthritis.

Activity No. 2: Running
Running is more demanding on the heart, lungs, and knees than walking, but these demands can turn to be very good for what ails you. The famous "runner's high" you may have heard so much about seems to offer its own pain-reducing benefits for chronic pain sufferers. The phrase "No pain, no gain" also seems to apply here. That routine you get from running could encourage your brain to step down its baseline pain sensitivity, making your other aches and pains seem less bothersome.

Activity No. 3: Cycling
Cycling gets you where you want to go while offering a number of health benefits. The aerobic workout can help you improve your heart health, while the simple act of operating the bike exercises your balance and builds leg strength. If you have back pain or knee problems, cycling is also lower-impact than running.

Activity No. 4: Swimming
If even walking hurts too much these days, maybe you should take a dip in the pool instead. Swimming is tremendously helpful for people with arthritis or extremity injuries because the water eases the forces of gravity on the body. Even if you can't swim, try some healthy walking or dog-paddling in the water.

Activity No. 5: Weight training
Lifting weights isn't just for "muscle-heads." Weight training can help you build the muscle tissue that helps to support your joints. Stronger muscles tire less easily and are less vulnerable to painful strains. Working with weights also helps you maintain your bone density and avoid age-related muscle wasting.
​
Part of your balanced physical therapy program
You can pursue any or all of these activities at your leisure, or you can ask our physical therapist about integrating them into a full-scale physical therapy program. The latter approach could prove especially wise if you're rehabilitating an injury, unsure of your exercise tolerance, or battling a particular chronic pain issue. Our physical therapist can evaluate your health and prescribe the right activities for your needs and goals. At the same time, you may be able to enhance the benefits of your activities with other safe, helpful modalities such as massage, ultrasound therapy, dry needling, cold and heat treatments, acupuncture or laser therapy. These therapies can promote tissue repair, ease inflammation, reduce pain, and increase your ability to keep moving and having a great time.
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This article was supplied by Joint Effort Physical Therapy.

​https://thenutritionwatchdog.com/the-horrible-things-that-happen-in-your-body-within-minutes-of-drinking-a-soda/

Susan Patterson
The Alternative Daily
I have people tell me all the time… “I can’t seem to lose weight no matter how much I exercise, I feel tired and I don’t know what is wrong with me.” Does this sound like you?
A good place to start uncovering issues is to consider the efficiency of the thyroid. Often, even if your test results say you are fine, the thyroid is struggling to do its job. Without a properly functioning thyroid, it is nearly impossible to feel and look well.
But, don’t dismay, there is a really simple, completely natural way to help your thyroid get back into the game.
Not The VillainOnce termed a villain fat armed to destroy, coconut oil is now being embraced as the healthiest saturated fat on the planet — and for good reason…
Coconut oil is truly a jam-packed therapeutic bullet that can tackle even some of the most health destroying conditions, including thyroid problems. It is rich in fatty acids, which support metabolism and provide energy.
Over 30 million people in America suffer from thyroid malfunction. As many as one in three women over 35 may be suffering from thyroid problems. Integrative medicine specialist Robin Miller, MD, co-author of The Smart Woman’s Guide to Midlife and Beyond, says that women are 10 times more likely as men to have a problem with their thyroid.
According to an estimate by endocrinologists, more than 40 percent of the U.S. population is affected on some level by low thyroid function, also known as hypothyroidism. This condition is actually an autoimmune disease, which makes over 80 percent of conventional pharmaceutical treatments ineffective (more on that to come).
FACT: Thyroid hormones are necessary for normal health and cellular activity, and if thyroid function is not normal, weight loss is next to impossible.
Are you exhausted, have memory lapses, thinning hair, body aches, irritability, depression, sleep problems, low sex drive, constipation and/or weight gain? Perhaps you don’t quite feel right but can’t put your finger on why?
It may be your thyroid — the butterfly-shaped gland that rests below your Adam’s apple, just along the front of your windpipe. Comprised of two lobes, connected in the middle by a bridge, the thyroid serves a major role in metabolism growth and maturation.

Signs Your Thyroid May Be Out Of WhackDo You Exercise, Eat Right And Still Can’t Lose Weight?Putting on a few pounds can be caused by many different things, so few physicians will consider this alone as a symptom of a thyroid problem. But if you aren’t eating any more than usual, exercise regularly and still can’t seem to lose those extra pounds, it could very well be an underactive thyroid.

EVERY CELL IN YOUR BODY CAN BE IMPACTED BY THYROID MALFUNCTION
Other Signs That Your Thyroid Is In Trouble
( Do You Have More Than 3 Of These?)Fluid retention/swelling
Frequent viral infections
Hair loss
Frequent bruising
PMS
Ringing in the ears
Sensitivity to cold/heat
Cold hands and feet
Insomnia
Irritability
Itchiness
Joint aches
Brittle nails
Tingling in hands and feet
Lack of concentration
Constipation
Depressed immunity
Dizziness
Headaches/migraines
Hoarse voice

 


How Does Diet Interfere With Thyroid Function?It is thought that diet plays a role in thyroid health. Although low iodine intake leads to low thyroid function, table salt does not appear to be the best option. Many foods eaten in Western culture contain what are known as goitrogens or iodine blockers. Two popular goitrogens are soybeans and peanuts.
A great amount of processed foods contains either or both of these. Grocery store items are full of polyunsaturated oils and many Americans still shy away from using saturated fat, preferring to cook with expeller-pressed or solvent-extracted oils. If you cook with vegetable oil, it is time to stop. These oils are only increasing inflammation.
With the industrialization of our agricultural system, soil has become iodine deficient, further compromising thyroid health. In addition, consumption of refined sugars and grains also negatively impact thyroid function.

Why Thyroid Medications Don’t WorkSimply gobbling up hormone replacement medication without addressing the root of the problem will not promote health. It is a band-aid solution that so frequently defines Western medicine.
Hypothyroidism causes a decrease in thyroid hormone and it is not as simple as replacing the hormone ( a very Western thing to do, of course). The underlying cause of the condition MUST be addressed.
It is important to understand what happens in an autoimmune disease. First and foremost, this condition causes the body to attack itself in the same fashion that it would attack a foreign invader, such as a virus or bacteria.
The attack causes inflammation which suppresses thyroid hormones and also decreases the responsiveness of thyroid receptors. You can pump all the thyroid medication you want into your body, but if your receptors are not keen, it won’t help at all.
In addition, the inflammation decreases the conversion of T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) to T3 (active form of thyroid hormone). Most of the synthetic hormone medicines (Synthroid, Unithroid, Levoxyl, etc.) are T4, and if you give this medication to someone who has inflammation, it won’t work at all because it can’t be converted to the active form.
The two root causes of hypothyroidism, immunity and inflammation, MUST be addressed in order to restore balance and health to the body.

It’s Time To Feed Your Thyroid…Perhaps you have always thought coconut oil was a bad thing… truth is, it is a really, really good thing. Considered one of the healthiest foods on the planet, coconut oil is extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts.
It also contains saturated fat — in fact, it is a whopping 90 percent saturated fat. Don’t let that scare you; although you may be convinced that saturated fat should not be touched with a 10-foot pole, coconut oil is healthy.
Although there have been over 60 years of negative public policy around healthy saturated fats, like those found in coconut oil, research and review of cultures that have used coconut oil for thousands of years tell a different story — healthy saturated fat can be highly beneficial.
Research demonstrates that the naturally occurring saturated fat found in coconut oil has some amazing therapeutic values:

Promoting heart health
Boosting the immune system
Providing immediate energy
Promoting healthy skin
Helping to regulate blood sugar
Boosting metabolism
Promoting weight loss

3 Fatty Acids That Your Thyroid CravesThe unique medium-chain fatty acid profile of coconut oil is what makes it stand apart from all other oils and gives it the ability to help the body self-regulate (something it is quite able to do).
These fatty acids, including lauric acid (found in a mother’s breast milk), are small enough that they can be gobbled up by the mitochondria in the cells. Because of this, they provide immediate energy for the body.
Lauric acid is converted to monolaurin, which is a potent antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal substance. Because monolaurin is a monoglyceride, it can destroy lipid-coated viruses including measles, influenza, HIV, herpes and a number of pathogenic bacteria.
Another fatty acid that coconut oil contains is caprylic acid, also found in breast milk. Also known 

as octanoic acid, this saturated fatty acid has a number of health promoting properties and the innate ability to treat yeast-like fungus in the intestines.
Capric acid is present in very small amounts in goat’s milk and cow’s milk, but is abundant in tropical oils, including coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
It is a medium-chain fatty acid that has potent antimicrobial and antiviral properties. In the body, capric acid is converted to monocaprin, a form that can readily fight viruses, bacteria, and the yeast Candida albicans.
Because of this unique combination of fatty acids, coconut oil suppresses inflammation and repairs tissue while inhibiting microorganisms that cause the inflammation in the first place.
Metabolism BoosterNot only can coconut oil keep infections at bay, it also helps to rev up your internal fat busters to help you maintain a healthy weight. Researchers have discovered that in cultures where unrefined coconut oil is a part of the everyday diet, there is less obesity and less lifestyle-related disease.
In fact, a culmination of studies done on coconut oil and metabolism has found that changing the oils you use every day can help you lose up to 36 pounds in a year. Yep… I said 36 pounds simply by switching unhealthy oils for coconut oil.
The shorter-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil burn quickly in the body. They are like small pieces of dry kindling added to a fire as opposed to a big damp log. The immediate transport of medium-chain fatty acids to the liver means the fat does not have to be transported through the whole body first and does not end up as fat in the blood, but instead remains accessible fat that can be used to power the body.
Medium-chain triglycerides also increase the rate at which the body burns fuel for energy. When you look at the lean and trim bodies of people living in the tropics — who make coconut a staple in their diet — this makes perfect sense.

A Word Of WarningI would be remiss not to mention the worst type of fat you should always avoid: trans fat, also known as partially hydrogenated oil. Often included in so-called “low fat” foods, this fake fat is highly dangerous.
The main sources of trans fats are processed, baked goods and fast foods. You must switch to a whole foods diet if you want to help your thyroid. So, sorry, no more Twinkies, donuts, candy-bars or other snack items.
These types of fats raise levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, while reducing levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. It is best to stay away from trans fats altogether — they offer absolutely no health benefits.
The inflammatory properties of these oils observed by some studies may well be due to the methods used in processing and packaging these oils, and not a property of the oils themselves.
The more natural a fat source is, and the less processing involved in its creation, the healthier it usually is. There are exceptions, such as the hormone-disrupting dangers of soybean oil. However, aside from these known “risk-factor foods,” when you choose natural, it is hard to go wrong.

How To Add Coconut Oil To Your DietAs I mentioned in an earlier post, I use coconut oil for everything. It can replace all of the other oils in your kitchen. Raw, organic coconut oil remains solid at room temperature and does not break down during cooking.
You can fry with it, bake with it, drizzle it on foods, saute with it — and also put it on your skin, hair, nails etc… There is no shortage of ways to how coconut oil can truly improve your health — you can even add a tablespoon or so to your morning coffee for a great energy boost!
The days of badmouthing traditional saturated fats are quickly coming to an end.
Other natural ways to improve thyroid functionIn addition to including coconut oil in your diet, try these other natural ways to balance your thyroid function.
Avoid chemicals like triclosan, which is commonly found in items like antibacterial soap, deodorant, lotions, and even in cutting boards.
Supplement with probiotics, as good thyroid functioning depends on a supply of healthy gut bacteria.
Take a high quality whole-food multivitamin, and make sure you’re getting enough iodine, B-vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, zinc and copper.
Limit exposure to fluoride and mercury — have a good water-filtration system for your home.
If you have reason to believe that your thyroid may be working only half time for you, make the switch today to coconut oil. Embrace a healthy lifestyle that includes tons of whole foods, a regular sleep pattern, and movement (every chance you get). Before long, you will not only feel better, but you may be surprised at how well your pants fit.

Firstly, not all coconut oil is created equal—some are better than others. As was the case when coconut oil was used heavily in the food processing industry years ago, there is still a lot of refined coconut oil in circulation. Obviously, the more processed the oil, the less health benefits it possesses.

Cold-pressed, expeller-pressed or raw—why it matters!
Coconut oil in capsule form—when it’s a good idea and when you should steer clear!
What processing methods ensure the nutrients you need remain in the coconut oil you buy!
Solid or liquid? Why both are beneficial!
And more!
Get The Coconut Oil Secret:


The Coconut Oil Secret: Nature's #1 Best Healing Superfood exposes the myths that have kept you from enjoying all of the amazing health-promoting benefits you've just read about!
Plus, it makes it easy for you to introduce healing coconut oil into your everyday life for the optimum health you deserve!

Islanders had dozens and dozens of uses for coconut oil! This special bonus report provides uses you've never heard of that have been in practice for decades - and can help make clean, healthy living so easy for you! Discover:
A simple, effective deodorant recipe!
Are you mosquito bait? Try this insect repellant recipe and stay itch-free!
Want beautiful nails? Do this every day!
Coconut oil in this beverage is tasty andincreases your energy!
Stop buying expensive cleansers! These recipes work better!
And dozens more useful ways to make healthy coconut oil part of your clean living lifestyle!

Coconut is not only healthy - it tastes divine! This bonus health report provides delicious recipes that you'll be craving after just one try! Healthy has never tasted so good:
Start your day with a blueberry coconut smoothie! Talk about an antioxidant double-whammy!
Coconut stir-fry vegetables! No one in your household will ever turn their noses up at vegetables again!
Coconut chicken - our personal favorite! It will become your family's favorite meal!
And many more delicious recipes that would even make a master chef jealous!
© 2020 The Alternative Daily
Extreme Fatigue. If you’re always tired, even after sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night, it’s a common sign that your thyroid hormone levels are low. Of course, fatigue and low energy are associated with many conditions, but if you don’t have enough thyroid hormone (TH) flowing through your body, your muscles aren’t receiving a signal to get up and get moving.
Brain Fog. If it feels as though you’re walking around in a fog all day, are having difficulty focusing, or forgetting things frequently, it could be that your thyroid is out of whack. Too much TH can make it hard to concentrate, while too little can cause memory problems.
Digestive Issues. Those with hypothyroidism often complain of constipation, as an underactive thyroid can cause the digestive process to slow. An overactive thyroid gland can cause the opposite problem, such as diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements.
Mood Problems. Mood swings, anxiety or depression can develop in those who have thyroid disorders. Anxiety and nervousness are linked to hyperthyroidism as the body is flooded constantly with a message to go, go, go, causing it to go into overdrive.
Many people may be suffering from minute imbalances that have not yet resulted in abnormal blood tests. If we included people with low-grade hypothyroidism whose blood 
tests are normal, the frequency of hypothyroidism would no doubt exceed 10 percent of the population.
What is of special concern, though, is that many people whose test results are dismissed as normal could continue to have symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Their moods, emotions, and overall well-being are affected by this imbalance, yet they are not receiving the care they need to get to the root of their problems.
Even if the TSH level is in the lower segment of normal range, a person may still be suffering from low-grade hypothyroidism.
— Arem, Ridha M.D., The Thyroid Solution, 1999, 2007 revised edition.
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet by eliminating processed foods and eating as many whole, organic foods as possible.
Take high-quality supplements, such as zinc, selenium, manganese, chromium, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E (cod liver oil is a good source of natural vitamin A).
Exercise — this is especially important to correct thyroid function. Walking briskly for 30 minutes a day is a good place to start.
Switch from iodized table salt to sea salt, as it has more minerals that help support better thyroid functioning.
Follow a gluten-free diet, which has also been shown to improve thyroid function. Research has found a link between wheat allergies and thyroid disease.
Practice stress reduction techniques such as meditation or deep-breathing. Chronic stress is said to be one of the main triggers of hypothyroidism.

By
 MayoClinic.org
 -
 
Massage is no longer available only through luxury spas and upscale health clubs. Today, massage therapy is offered in businesses, clinics, hospitals and even airports. It can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being.
What is massage?Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure. There are many different types of massage, including these common types:

• Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you.
• Deep massage. This massage technique uses slower, more-forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries.
• Sports massage. This is similar to Swedish massage, but it’s geared toward people involved in sport activities to help prevent or treat injuries.
• Trigger point massage. This massage focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse.

Benefits of massageMassage is generally considered part of complementary and integrative medicine. It’s increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.
Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.
While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for:

• Anxiety
• Digestive disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Insomnia related to stress
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Soft tissue strains or injuries
• Sports injuries
• Temporomandibular joint pain

Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection.
Despite its benefits, massage isn’t meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you’re trying massage and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have.
Risks of massageMost people can benefit from massage. However, massage may not be appropriate if you have:

• Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medication
• Burns or healing wounds
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Fractures
• Severe osteoporosis
• Severe thrombocytopenia

Discuss the pros and cons of massage with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or you have cancer or unexplained pain.
Some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day. But massage shouldn’t ordinarily be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn’t feel right or is painful, speak up right away. Most serious problems come from too much pressure during massage.
What you can expect during a massageYou don’t need any special preparation for massage. Before a massage therapy session starts, your massage therapist should ask you about any symptoms, your medical history and what you’re hoping to get out of massage. Your massage therapist should explain the kind of massage and techniques he or she will use.
In a typical massage therapy session, you undress or wear loose-fitting clothing. Undress only to the point that you’re comfortable. You generally lie on a table and cover yourself with a sheet. You can also have a massage while sitting in a chair, fully clothed. Your massage therapist should perform an evaluation through touch to locate painful or tense areas and to determine how much pressure to apply.
Depending on preference, your massage therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on your skin. Tell your massage therapist if you might be allergic to any ingredients.
A massage session may last from 10 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of massage and how much time you have. No matter what kind of massage you choose, you should feel calm and relaxed during and after your massage.
If a massage therapist is pushing too hard, ask for lighter pressure. Occasionally you may have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. It’s likely to be uncomfortable while your massage therapist works it out. But if it becomes painful, speak up.
Finding a massage therapistAsk your doctor or someone else you trust for a recommendation. Most states regulate massage therapists through licensing, registration or certification requirements.
Don’t be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist such questions as:

• Are you licensed, certified or registered?
• What is your training and experience?
• How many massage therapy sessions do you think I’ll need?
• What’s the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?

The take-home message about massageBrush aside any thoughts that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. To the contrary, 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. You can even learn how to do self-massage or how to engage in massage with a partner at home.

TIMESOFINDIA.COM

​Suffering from arthritis?Arthritis is a condition that results in often painful and chronic inflammation around the joints, ligaments and the tissues which surround the muscles in the legs or the hands.
02/6How to manage the pain betterWhile arthritis can simply arise out of normal wear and tear of the tissues or infections, the pain subsiding from the condition can sometimes become unmanageable and disrupt day to day activities, making it even difficult to simply move around. While the first line of treatment remains medication or surgery but often, alternate forms of therapy can come in really handy in relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.
If managing the symptoms is on your mind, here are some 4 ways you can stay in control of your symptoms and stop the condition from worsening.
03/6Tai ChiWhen you are stifled by pain, moving around and exercising can feel like the most difficult job and in the lack of this, you risk worsening your condition. According to experts, people suffering from any kind of arthritis pain should get the same amount of physical activity as those not suffering from it. If regular exercise and workouts scare you, Tai Chi is one form of low-impact workout which can benefit. It works by incorporating slow, fluid movements that are gentle on your muscles, release stress and tension and at the same time, improve flexibility, strength, and balance. A study conducted in 2013 also found that this exercise method was also beneficial in reducing pain and stiffness and reducing swelling.
04/6Massage therapyWhile massages are thought of just as a destressing medium, studies prove that stimulation and massage can relieve symptoms temporarily, improve mobility of the joints and the muscles. Massage therapists can work in sync with your issues and treat them accordingly. Depending on your condition and the symptoms you show, hot and cold therapy can come in handy to alleviate chronic symptoms associated with arthritis.
The benefits of hold and cold therapy work towards relaxing your muscles and at the same time, stimulating and promoting blood circulation, which often gets disrupted with swelling and inflammation. While cold massage numbs the pain, swelling and reduces flare-up, and hot therapy opens up the joints and improves flexibility. This therapy can also work towards preventing extra tissue damage.

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05/6AcupunctureThe ancient Chinese healing medium which requires the insertion of small, fine-sized needles into the skin at specific 'trigger' points works specifically in blocking the pain points. While the benefits and the efficacy of the same have not been entirely proven by science yet, there is no denying that acupuncture can work in relieving and managing symptoms. Complemented with traditional forms of treatment, it can also lessen the severity of your condition.
06/6Cognitive relaxation therapiesWhile traditional therapies help to target the triggers, psychological help can supply some essential coping mechanisms to deal and manage the pain and stress symptoms better. A therapist can work with you to identify the problems, offer support and help in the rehabilitative process too. Some of the most commonly used and effective relaxation techniques in treating arthritis include deep breathing, guided imagery, muscle relaxation. You can use one of them or try several methods together before finding the one that works for you

Unwritten
Partner
Health And Wellness
A massage can benefit you physically and mentally.
By Unwritten
Massage is a very effective way to destress, unwind, and relax after a long day. It’s also great for your physical health, since it helps relax muscles, release tension, improve circulation, and more.
Thanks to a massage, you’ll have greater flexibility and range of motion and you will be able to maintain that if you get massage therapy regularly.
In turn, this can help you stay limber and avoid injuries. However, what you might not realize is how important massage therapy is for your mental health.

1. It relieves depression and anxiety.Depression and anxiety are tough to handle and affects 67 percent of all Canadians. This has a negative impact on your life and can be hard to treat.
The good news, however, is that studies show that massage therapy can decrease such symptoms. Researchers in Taiwan reviewed 17 studies finding that massage benefits those suffering from depression and leads to a reduction in its symptoms.
Furthermore, researchers in Japan found that massage activates the sympathetic nervous system, which reduces anxiety and improves mood. So, if you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, a massage can be the way to go.
2. It lowers anxiety and stress.Massage therapy activates neurotransmitters in your body, which can lower your stress hormones and decrease anxiety. In fact, researchers have found a 30 percent increase in dopamine and serotonin levels in those who undergo massage.
If you’re struggling with anxiety or stress, then taking time out to get a massage may be exactly what you need — not only emotionally, but physically — to lower your stress. Schedule an appointment with your local massage therapist to find relief. 
RELATED: Buy Her A Massage! Women Have More Neck Pain Than Men, Says Science
3. It helps with emotions related to ongoing illness.A lot of people with a chronic illness feel helpless and aren’t sure where to turn. This can lead to anxiety, stress, and anger. Massage therapy has been shown to alleviate these symptoms in people with serious illnesses.
Moreover, people who receive massage had less anxiety, stress, and anger than a control group. They also had less of a neurotransmitter linked to depression.
However, make sure to see a medical professional in order to ensure massage therapy is appropriate for your health issues. For instance, those with blood clots should not receive a massage.
4. It helps with symptoms of PTSD.Veterans who come home from war with PTSD symptoms have trouble adjusting to life back home. Thus, massage therapy can be part of a comprehensive program that helps them learn to relax again and get the healthy sleep they need.
Furthermore, massage therapy has been shown to help veterans reduce pain, irritability, tension, worry, and anxiety. As part of a comprehensive transition program, massage therapy can make a big difference in the lives of those with PTSD.
5. Even a chair massage helps.Studies performed on healthcare workers who struggle with stress, tension, and even insomnia show that having a 10-minute chair massage once a week helps nurses with joint and muscle pain, fatigue, shoulder tension, and headaches.
Moreover, their sleep quality improved. However, don’t think that you have to get an hour massage to get the benefits. Even 10 minutes can make a huge difference when done regularly. 
Now that you understand the physical and mental health benefits of massages, you can see why massage therapy with a massage or physiotherapy clinic should be a part of your life. 


Unwritten is a website covering health and wellness, self-care, and mental health. For more of their mental health content, visit their site.