Men are far less likely to get massages than women. In doing so they are missing out on a whole host of real health benefits.

Massages are not only great for your mental health, but for your physical health too. Here we dive into the reasons why men should book in a massage asap.

Muscle Tension Relief

Men can experience muscle tightness, just like women, due to factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, physical activity, poor posture, overuse, injury, and stress. Tight muscles can restrict movement, causing pain as well as increased stress and chance of injury.

Muscle tension can be a self-fulfilling prophecy – tight muscles in one area can cause you to maladapt, tightening other muscles in the process.

Regular massages can help loosen and relax these tight muscles. The massage therapists work increases the temperature of the muscles and soft tissue. This helps the tissues to stretch again and become more elastic.

This in turn can help to reduce potential injuries by increasing flexibility and motion range.

Improved Circulation

Improving circulation boosts muscle and organ performance. Fresh oxygen and nutrients are more easily accessible from the bloodstream, while toxic metabolic waste products are removed.

Massage techniques like stroking and kneading can help move blood through congested areas, allowing an easier path for fresh blood once the pressure is released.

Not only can better circulation improve overall health, but it can also aid in injury recovery.

Pain Management

Massage therapy can be used as a complementary treatment for some chronic pain conditions or acute injuries.

It can work by enhancing blood flow, reducing muscle tensions, and triggering the release of endorphins, which act as natural pain-relieving chemicals.

Massage therapists can work with a client’s medical team to treat a range of pain conditions. Their unique knowledge of muscles and soft tissues perfectly complements the knowledge of doctors, dentists, and surgeons. Massage therapists know how to manipulate muscles to relieve pain, something that a standard physician doesn’t have the knowledge or experience for.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, it is worth seeking a massage therapist who specialises in pain management, as it might just be the treatment you need.

Posture Correction

Many men work in industries that require them to sit at a desk for long periods of time, engage in repetitive tasks, or drive long distances. These can all contribute to poor posture, which can lead to muscular imbalances, discomfort, and pain.

Posture correction is important, as having poor posture can lead to chronic pain conditions as well as incidental injuries.

A massage therapist can target specific muscle groups to relax and relive tension, which can help to restore proper alignment.

Sports Performance and Recovery

Men who participate in sports can benefit greatly from regular massages.

As mentioned above, massages can improve blood circulation, increase range of motion, promote flexibility, and improve posture.

All these factors can help ensure less injuries, faster recovery times, and overall improved performance for your sport.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Alongside the great physical benefits of massage, men can also greatly improve their emotional and mental wellbeing.

Some of the benefits include:

• Stress reduction
• Anxiety and depression management
• Improved sleep quality
• Enhanced mood
• Increased body awareness

You can read more about these benefits here.

Types of Massages

Due to social stigmas, men may choose not to seek out help for the types of conditions which massage would benefit. If men do get a massage, it’s often because it’s doctor-ordered, or as a sport or injury recovery technique.

In doing so, men are missing out on the variety of massage types, all of which can benefit them. Some specific massage techniques which can provide the most physical benefits to men are:

• Sports Massage – treatment for injuries or repetitive strains and sprains that have developed in specific muscle groups and soft tissue.
• Deep Tissue Massage – targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues using slower, more forceful strokes, to ease chronic muscle tension.
• Swedish Massage – targets superficial layers of muscles using long, gliding strokes, kneading, and circular motions, to improve circulation and reduce tension.
• Trigger Point Massage – uses targeted pressure and cycles of pressure and release to locate and relieve tight knots within muscle fibers, alleviating pain and improving range of motion.
• Thai Massage – aims to improve flexibility, energy flow, and relaxation by using a dynamic combination of stretching, acupressure, and rhythmic compressions.

It is important to remember that everyone will respond to massage differently. Benefits seen by one individual may not be the same as benefits seen by another.

The best way forward is to speak with a massage therapist about your individual needs, and then book in an appointment!