There are endless reasons why massage therapy is required in the winter months. Still, for the purposes of this explanation, we will consider the top five. We aren’t talking about light, relaxing massages. Let’s consider the benefits of massage therapy to help maintain optimal wellness.

1. Massage Therapy Can Help Improve Your Immunity

Massage therapy increases lymphatic flow. The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from body tissues. Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up. In addition, the lymphatic system is essential for the optimal functioning of our general and specific immune responses. The lymph nodes monitor the lymph flowing into them and produce cells and antibodies which protect our body from infection and disease. This is particularly important during the winter months.

2.Improved Circulation

Massage therapy improves blood circulation, which is critical to healing and overall well-being. The cold weather causes our blood vessels to constrict, which decreases circulation; massage will allow for improved circulation. This is particularly important for those with circulatory issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.

3.Reduced Joint Pain and Stiffness

Massage therapy helps to relieve pain and eases the muscle stiffness associated with arthritis. It does this by improving circulation and helping to reduce inflammation. This translates to enhanced blood flow to arthritic joints, improved movement, and reduced overall pain. When our joints are stiff or painful to move, our mobility suffers. Decreased mobility can cause more harm to existing arthritic joints and poor health outcomes.

4.Fewer Migraine Attacks

Changes in barometric pressure paired with tense neck muscles from enduring cold temperatures can significantly increase the number of migraines experienced. Massage therapy can help loosen up tight muscles and ligaments in the neck, the skull’s base, and the jaw. This can reduce inflammation and aid in treating and preventing migraines or air pressure-related headaches.

5.Maintain Healthy Muscles

With shorter days, less indirect sun exposure, fewer social interactions, and reduced physical activity, it can be challenging to get enough movement into your day to remain in the required physical shape to remain healthy.

Alternatively, winter sports require a different set of muscle and joint use. Oscillating between seasonal sports requires additional support and a team of massage therapists and physiotherapists to ensure you are in optimal shape, thus reducing the potential for injuries.

The Bottom Line on Massage Therapy in the Winter

Generally speaking, massage has endless benefits in all seasons. The winter requires a separate set of guidelines because of the increased risks involved with falls, poor circulation, and the possibility of a more sedentary lifestyle. Additional exposure to colds and cases of flu requires a strong immune response, meaning we have to ensure we are doing what we can to remain as healthy as possible.

At Core Therapeutics Physiotherapy in Mississauga, we have an excellent team of RMTs and Physiotherapists to help you achieve your winter wellness goals.

As you have read, there are reasons why massage therapy is required in the winter.