One of the main reasons people feel more stressed nowadays is due to their job. Occupational stress has grown in people’s lives, especially in the lives of caregivers. To deal with occupational stress, massage therapy has become essential for caregivers to reduce daily stress and work pressure.
In Philadelphia, massage therapy is a great option for relieving occupational stress.
Massage therapy benefits our immune system, digestion, respiration, circulation, neurological system, muscular health, and other systems of the body.
Before we begin with how massage therapy can be effective for caregivers and help them reduce occupational stress, let us know why massage therapy is becoming so important for caregivers.
Why Is Massage Therapy Important for Caregivers?
It is true that when caring for others, one completely overlooks caring for themselves. We have also seen it happen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when medical professionals worked nonstop all day and night, neglecting their health.
Caregivers have a lot of obligations, whether they are taking care of aging family members or working in medical institutions. Their health may suffer from physical exertion, mental stress, and long hours.
How Can Massage Therapy Benefit Caregivers?
Physical Relief
Muscle Tension: Caregivers often engage in physically demanding tasks, leading to muscle tension. Massage therapy targets these tense areas, releasing built-up stress.
Improved Circulation: The rhythmic motions of massage stimulate blood flow, promoting better oxygen and nutrient supply to muscles and tissues.
Emotional Well-being
Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that massage therapy triggers the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. This helps alleviate stress and improve mood.
Reduced Anxiety: Caregivers may experience high levels of anxiety due to their responsibilities. Massage has been linked to lower levels of anxiety and improved mental well-being.
Better Sleep: Sleep is crucial for caregivers to recharge. Massage therapy has been found to improve sleep quality, helping caregivers get the rest they need.
Is Massage Therapy Really Effective for Caregivers: What Study Says
Massage therapy can be considered one of the best methods to relieve occupational stress. Through different massages, like therapeutic massage and Swedish massage, massage therapists in Philadelphia help caregivers reduce their stress.
A study was conducted to determine the effect of massage therapy on healthcare professions. This study was a clinical trial on 66 nurses, both male and female, who were working in the intensive care unit of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
General Swedish massage was performed in the experiment, and according to the results, it was said that massage is a beneficial noninvasive technique for nurses in critical care units to lessen stress, support mental health, and avoid a decline in the standard of nursing work life.
A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage therapy significantly reduced stress levels in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Another study conducted on emergency nurses shows that the aromatherapy massage used with music significantly reduces anxiety and stress among caregivers.
The Bottom Line
Massage therapy is an effective option to reduce stress, improve well-being, and increase relaxation, which is hard to find in professions like caregiving. If you feel stressed out lately due to occupational stress, sit back and book an appointment for massage therapy. Take a break from your stressful job and relax for a while.