Massage for your Heart
High Blood Pressure, Poor Circulation and the Benefits of Massage
Relaxation massage has been shown to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure with regular treatment sessions. Studies have shown that after a massage, the levels of cortisol (stress related hormone) in individuals are reduced. Lowered blood pressure facilitates Stress reduction by reducing one's risk for developing anxiety, depression and hostile feelings. It can control stress hormone levels and possibly lower the risk of having a stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure.
Poor Circulation: Friction created between skin and fingers encourages an improvement in circulation. With improved circulation of blood and lymph flow comes healthier, stronger muscles that are less likely to fatigue and weaken during any type of activity. Massage stimulates an increase in blood flow around muscles within the body. This increase in blood flow helps to rise muscle temperature, which improves the elasticity of muscle fibers allowing an increase in range of movement and decrease in restriction.
Improved circulation through massage can help increase relaxation. Relaxation can be restricted for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons for a lack of relaxation is poor posture. This contributes towards an increase in muscle tension and restricts movement. Increasing tissue elasticity and decreasing restriction enables muscle to relax and posture to return to normal.
Increased vasodilation through massage can also help improve circulation. Vasodilation is the process of widening blood vessels and bringing them closer to the skin’s surface.
As smooth muscles’ lining blood vessels relax, blood pressure is reduced, and restriction is decreased. Decreasing blood pressure and restriction, increases the blood traveling through the vessels, which improves circulation as blood is transported around the body at a faster rate.
"The therapy did exactly as I had hoped, it helped alleviate my shoulder pain, and stopped the numbness from creeping down my arm to my hand. The exercises I was shown had the added benefit of helping keep my neck and traps loose and not so tense all the time. A great experience that I would recommend to anyone needing physical therapy."
− C. Wesley
"William and I have been working out with Kristi on Saturday mornings for months now and we love it! We find the couples training so beautiful physically, mentally and relationally. Kristi not only challenges us with cardio and lifting but has introduced us to exercises that relate to balance and stretching. As we enter our 60’s we appreciate these balance routines and can see how it benefits our daily lives. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard William say, “I am not doing that, that’s a girl exercise!” and then later he’ll say “wow that was harder than I thought” or sometime that week he’ll bring up an exercise we do on Saturday and how it benefited him that day! Most importantly we have blast encouraging each other, competing with each other and having fun! We appreciate A2 and Kristi for providing a space for us to stay fit and have fun. We wish you all much success! Thank you"
− Pam and William
"A2 has been a game changer for me. I’ve had back problems my entire life from high impact sports and now sitting at a desk for work. Dr. Antone’s wellness program has nearly eliminated my stiffness and soreness that use to bother me throughout the day. I’d highly recommend him and his team for turning your health around. Thank you A2!!"
− Tony