Are you suffering from headaches in Lexington? You are not alone. Headaches have become one of the most common and widespread aliments affecting Americans across the country. In fact, the New York Times recently calculated that as high as 73% of Americans suffer from at least occasional headaches. While there are many types of headaches, migraine and tension headaches have been found to be the most prevalent, comprising well over 50% of all headaches suffered. Sometimes headaches are only a minor annoyance, but many people are well aware that they can be a debilitating condition having a huge impact on their quality of life. Unfortunately, finding an effective treatment can be one of the most difficult and frustrating tasks for people suffering from headaches.
While many people resort to more invasive forms of health care such as medication and even surgery to solve their headache woes, research continues to show the effectiveness of massage therapy. The success of massage therapy at Eagle Creek Massage for treating headaches lies in the cause of the headaches themselves. As stress, both physical and mental grows in our lives, our body begins to adapt causing our muscles to go into spasm. As the musculature tightens, the blood flow and nutrition that is vital to the muscles proper function begins to decrease. This combination of events often contributes to the onset of both tension and migraine headaches.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
So what are the benefits of massage therapy for headaches? Massage therapy has been shown to help break the vicious headache cycle at two points; both before and during an episode of a headache. Through promoting improved circulation, decreased trigger points, and proper regulation of hormones such as cortisol and insulin, massage therapy has been show to decrease the occurrence of both migraine and tension headaches. After the onset of a headache, massage therapy helps to release built up tension and stress throughout the body by relaxing the damaged and irritated musculature. As the body transitions from a state of stress to relaxation, headaches are allowed to subside. Therefore, massage therapy can be viewed as both a treatment and prevention for headache sufferers.
Studies continue to show that the benefits of massage therapy extend beyond the treatment and prevention of headaches. Even people who receive occasional massages have experienced improved posture, increased circulation and joint flexibility, proper breathing and skin tone, as well as a more alert mental state and overall better quality of life. The deeper and biochemical changes stimulated by massage therapy help contribute to these positive improvements. Research has shown that massage therapy normalizes hormonal levels throughout the body including; cortisol, insulin, endorphins, and serotonin which all play a critical role in the development of headaches and pain. The benefits of massage therapy are unique to each individual, so call our clinic today to see how massage therapy can impact your quality of life.
Positive impacts of decreased headaches:
- A more positive mood and increased energy levels
- Higher level or productivity both at work and home
- Improved regulation of appetite and sleep
- Less susceptibility to depression, anxiety, and stress
Let us help you with your headaches in Lexington. Contact our team at Eagle Creek Massage today.
By Kristy Gallentine
