I was inspired to write this post after I recently received an email asking if Be Well Boston works with clients who are “just coming in for stress relief”. My answer was a resounding “Yes, we do!”.
Stress is often overlooked as a reason to experience physical pain and discomfort, and brushed off as something that we all need to learn to “cope” with, but 1. No one is impervious to the negative affects of stress in their lives, even if only occasionally, and 2. The physical affects are real, and can become problematic.
Chronic stress has become one of the most significant contributors to poor health, especially more recently as most of us are bombarded with information, much of it not pleasant, through social media, news feeds, and even emails . It affects not only our emotional well-being but also our physical systems — from muscular tension and fatigue to sleep disturbances and immune dysfunction. Massage therapy offers a clinically supported method to help reduce stress and restore balance in the body’s physiological processes.
Understanding the Stress Response
When we encounter stress, the body activates the “fight-or-flight” response, releasing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. While this response is helpful in short bursts, prolonged activation can lead to elevated heart rate, muscle tightness, digestive issues, and impaired concentration. No doubt anyone who’s reading this has experienced at least a few of these stress related symptoms at some point.
Massage therapy helps counteract these effects by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of the body responsible for rest and recovery. This shift promotes physiological relaxation and helps regulate the body’s stress-related systems, getting us back to the always desired state of homeostasis.
the Benefits of Massage Therapy for Stress
A growing body of research supports the role of massage in reducing both the physical and psychological symptoms of stress. Clinical studies have demonstrated that massage therapy can:
Lower cortisol levels, reducing the body’s primary stress hormone, which when elevated contributes to inflammation.
Increase serotonin and dopamine, which promote mood stability and a sense of well-being.
Reduce heart rate and blood pressure, supporting cardiovascular health.
Relieve muscle tension, improving comfort and mobility.
These outcomes make massage therapy an effective adjunct to traditional stress management strategies such as exercise, mindfulness, and counseling.
Techniques We Commonly Used for Stress Reduction
Depending on individual needs, our therapists may incorporate a range of techniques to promote relaxation and balance:
Swedish Massage – Utilizes long, gliding strokes to enhance circulation and calm the nervous system.
Myofascial Release – Gently works on connective tissue restrictions that may result from chronic stress.
Trigger Point Therapy – Addresses specific areas of muscular tension often linked to emotional or postural stress.
Deep Tissue Massage - Works with the deeper tissue layers to release acute and chronic tension resulting from poor posture, repetitive strain, and chronic stress response
Integrating Massage into a Stress Management Plan
Massage therapy works best as part of a comprehensive wellness strategy. Regular sessions can help maintain lower baseline stress levels, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall mood regulation. For individuals managing conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, or tension-type headaches, consistent massage therapy may contribute to measurable improvements in quality of life. “Regular” and “Consistent” sessions can mean anything from weekly, monthly and even quarterly. Every individual’s needs are different, and we can tailor a specific treatment plan according to those needs.
Conclusion
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but chronic stress does not have to be. Massage therapy offers a clinically validated, non-invasive method to help the body and mind recover from the ongoing effects of stress. Through regular treatment, clients often experience improved relaxation, resilience, and overall well-being.
If you’re interested in reading more about the body’s physical response to stress, I recommend the book “Our Polyvagal World” by Stephen Porges, it’s an interesting and helpful read for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of the physical effects of stress.
As always, if you have any questions about our services, please email us at: info@bewellboston.com.
