The Connection between Massage and Improved Nerve Function

The human body is a complex organism, with organs and systems that work in harmony to allow it to function. The nervous system is no exception – the brain, spinal cord and nerves of an individual all work together to support our movement and control our responses in order to ensure we have a functioning life. The connection between massage therapy and improved nerve function has been long established, with the full benefits of 광주출장안마 therapy extending far beyond relaxation into areas such as mental health recovery, pain management, stress relief and injury rehabilitation. Here are the connections between massage and improved nerve function:

Reduced Inflammation

When an injury occurs, your body’s immune response is activated, with a rush of inflammatory cells coming to the affected area. These cells work to repair the injured tissue, but also release pro-inflammatory cytokines. The presence of inflammation is one of the causes of nerve damage and reduced nerve function. Inflammation has also been shown to correlate with the onset of fibromyalgia, which can be aggravated by chronic pain. Massage is great at reducing inflammation and encouraging cell repair. This is one of the many reasons massage therapy has been shown as a vital part of accelerated recovery following injury and surgery.

Reduced Cell Death

Cells need to die in order for new tissue to be formed, but at the same time dying cells also release chemicals that can cause pain and damage. Massage stimulates cells to “quench” these pro-inflammatory cytokines; this allows new cells to regenerate without pain or damage to the surrounding area. As a result, massage can help speed up recovery from tissue damage, and allow for a reduction of “cell death” pain.

Improved Circulation

Another factor in cell damage is the lack of nutrient and oxygen supply to cells in the affected area. Massage directly stimulates increased circulation and access to these vital chemicals, boosting cell function and encouraging healing where it’s needed most.

Increased Nerve Function

Nerves work by detecting stimuli (pain, pressure, heat, cold) and relaying it back to the brain where it’s processed and interpreted. This process is called sensation. Most nerve function problems arise because the neurological system has become damaged or otherwise compromised. Massage therapy has been shown to improve a patient’s nervous system function by increasing the density of neuronal dendrites. These are outgrowths on neurons that pass messages between the ends of neurons and their nerve endings. Increased stimulation of these dendrites is associated with improved nerve sensitivity and the sensation process.

Improved Brain Function

Massage therapy has also been shown to improve brain function by stimulating the release of growth factors; this causes nerve cell proliferation, which can improve learning and memory functions, as well as promoting positive mental health. As a result massage therapy is an important part of post-injury rehabilitation and can also be used in psychological and behavioral therapy.