Reduce Anxiety With Massage Therapy

Anxiety seems almost like a normal way of life in today's society. In fact, over 40 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). However, only 37 percent of them receive treatment. Ironically, treatment is not widely sought scarce for anxiety, even though anxiety can interfere with everyday life. In its more severe forms, anxiety can be debilitating, resulting in the inability to function.

Anxiety, coupled with depression, can render people more vulnerable to illness. It not only can affect social functioning but can increase other risks as well. Anxiety is an underlying reason for job instability, and in the most severe cases, this disorder can even directly or indirectly cause death.

Although anyone can develop anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), there are a few identified risk factors, including a history of anxiety or depression. Commonly, life events or stress can be a trigger.

Some people will experience mental symptoms of anxiety, and some will have physical symptoms. However, most people will have a combination of the two. Some signs of anxiety include:

• Excessive worry

• Fatigue

• Fear

• Guilt

• Insomnia

• Irritability

• Nausea

• Poor concentration

• Restlessness

• Sadness

• Sweating

There are a wide variety of types of anxiety. These include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Panic disorder

• Agoraphobia

• Phobias

• Social anxiety disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

The Role of Massage Therapy in Treating Anxiety

The American Massage Therapy Association promotes massage for reducing anxiety and depression. Massage therapy is safe, unlike other anxiety treatments, such as medications. It has few if any, risks and potential side effects when used appropriately and administered by trained massage professionals.

When other therapies for anxiety disorders are indicated, massage may be useful in conjunction with these measures. Common treatments include medication and psychotherapy, typically cognitive behavioral therapy.

Past research conducted by the University of Miami School of Medicine’s Touch Research Institute on the use of massage to manage mental health conditions showed an improvement in mood and behavior among hospitalized depressed adolescents. Several more recent studies have documented massage therapy’s positive impact on anxiety and depression.

The Touch Research Institute has also concluded that massage therapy relieves anxiety and depression by acting on the body’s biochemistry. A series of studies were conducted with approximately 500 men, women, and children suffering from stress and depression. Researchers measured cortisol levels both before and immediately following a massage. Cortisol is a stress hormone that, when overstimulated, can negatively affect health, from elevated blood pressure and blood sugar levels to various other conditions. The researchers found that massage therapy lowered cortisol levels by up to 53 percent. In addition, massage increases the “feel-good” neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, hormones that help reduce anxiety and depression.

Significantly, an important study published in 2016 in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massage successfully treats generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms. GAD is a common disorder that affects an estimated seven million Americans and can result in many costly treatments.

Potential Benefits of Massage Therapy for Anxiety

Potential benefits of massage therapy for anxiety include alleviating typical symptoms. This results in the following:

• Reducing muscle tension

• Reducing muscle pain

• Reducing stress

• Improving sleep disturbances and insomnia

• Improving relaxation

• Improving emotional well-being

• Improving concentration

Research has also shown that many patient groups benefit from massage. Specific findings relevant to anxiety include but are not limited to patients suffering from:

• Psychiatric disorders–Massage has been utilized for patients with a variety of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

• Chronic pain–Massage has shown to be helpful for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis

• Cancer–Massage therapy received during chemotherapy can significantly reduce anxiety and acute fatigue

• GAD–Physical symptoms associated with GAD include those directly addressed by massage, such as muscle aches/tension; massage also promotes relaxation and stress reduction

• Pre- and post-surgery anxiety–Massage relieves the stress associated with surgery and is also believed to bolster and stimulate the immune system, thus helping the healing process

At Spinal Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, we are your massage therapy experts. This includes customizing treatment for various goals, including relieving anxiety. For more information on treatment or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.