Psychological benefits of Massage at Winchester sports and spine

Are you someone who struggles to switch off and relax? Maybe you struggle to keep on top of anxieties which exist in all of our lives. Are you an athlete regularly competing, or are you about to enter a big event like a marathon or triathlon and need to be in the best mental shape you can be.My name is Nathan, I am Sports Massage Therapist here at Winchester sport and spine and can help you with any of the issues mentioned above.How can massage benefit you psychologically?A great way to relax and unwind: I always try to ensure that my treatment room is a relaxing place to be, with a warm atmosphere and calming music gently playing in the background. It is only when you are completely relaxed that you can experience the full benefits that massage can bring. Afterwards you will feel like a new person with less tension in your body and able to tackle all that life throws at you.Massage can have a massive impact on your mood: Massage can release a number of chemicals that commonly occur within your body that can affect your mood in a positive way. For example a lack of serotonin within the body can lead to negative or depressive moods. Massage has shown to increase Serotonin levels by up to 28%. Dopamine, the naturally occurring feel good drug, also increases by up to 31% after massage. Massage has been proven to have real positive impact on someone’s mood.Mentally prepare for a big sporting event: As an athlete, to ensure you come out on top in whatever sport you are involved in, the difference could be in your mental preparation. This is where massage comes into its own. It allows you time out from life to concentrate on your sport.You can practise visualisation (i.e. making that perfect block in netball or that 10k PB record), or use the time as a way of thinking through your performance, anything you might change or do better than you did last time.  Book a massage with me today and discover the psychological benefits that massage can bringCall us now on 01962 843242 to book your first visit. ReferenceField, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C. (2005) ‘Cortisol decreases and Serotonin and Dopamine increase following massage therapy.’ [online] available from                          < http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207450590956459>