About Chiropractic and Osteopathy
17th June 2025
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- 02 9712 1736
- [email protected]
- 212 Great North Road, Five Dock, NSW 2046
- Open 7 days a week
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why a simple touch on your shoulder can instantly make you feel calmer? Your body isn’t just imagining it – there’s real science behind why massage feels so good and does so much good. Recent medical research is revealing that massage therapy isn’t just a luxury spa treatment; it’s a powerful tool that can genuinely improve your physical and mental health. Whether you’re dealing with everyday stress, struggling with sleep, or managing pain, your body might be telling you exactly what it needs: the healing power of touch.
What Happens in Your Body During Massage
When you receive a massage, your body experiences some pretty amazing changes. Recent research shows that massage works by stimulating pressure receptors under your skin, which then signals your nervous system to activate what scientists call the “rest and digest” mode—your body’s natural relaxation response. Think of it like switching your body from high-speed internet to a calm, steady connection.
During massage, your body produces more serotonin and dopamine (the “feel-good” chemicals) while reducing cortisol, which is your main stress hormone. This isn’t just temporary—these positive changes can last well beyond your massage session.
Pain Relief That Really Works
One of the most exciting areas of recent massage research focuses on pain management. A 2024 systematic review found that massage therapy has growing evidence supporting its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving quality of life across various health conditions. But here’s what makes these findings especially interesting: massage doesn’t just mask pain like some medications might—it actually helps your body function better.
Recent studies have shown massage therapy is particularly effective for conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic back pain. This research suggests that massage could significantly improve the quality of life for students dealing with sports injuries or anyone experiencing everyday aches and pains.
Your Mental Health Matters Too
Perhaps even more impressive is what recent research tells us about massage and mental health. A German study in 2023 found that even short massage sessions can “robustly reduce stress on both psychological and physiological levels” by boosting your parasympathetic nervous system—
The parasympathetic nervous system serves as your body’s primary source of relaxation.
The results are remarkable: people receiving massage therapy showed large reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms, plus moderate decreases in stress levels. For students facing exam pressure or anyone dealing with daily stressors, this suggests massage could be a powerful tool for mental wellness.
Better Sleep, Better You
If you’ve ever had trouble sleeping, recent research offers some hope. A 2024 study found that foot massage significantly reduced insomnia and anxiety levels in pregnant women with preeclampsia, while another recent study indicated that parent-led massage improved sleep patterns in infants.
Multiple studies have documented that people receiving regular massage therapy report improved sleep quality, along with reduced pain, depression, and anxiety. Better sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it affects your mood, your ability to concentrate, and even your immune system.
The Science of Stress Relief
When life gets overwhelming, your body gets stuck in “fight or flight” mode. Recent research measured how massage affects heart rate variability—a key indicator of how well your nervous system can switch into relaxation mode. The results indicated that massage helps restore this balance, essentially teaching your body how to chill out again.
A landmark study on people with generalised anxiety disorder found that therapeutic massage was significantly more effective than control treatments at reducing anxiety symptoms. This matters because it shows massage isn’t just relaxing—it can actually help treat clinical anxiety conditions.
Why This Matters for You
You don’t need to have a medical condition to benefit from massage. According to the latest industry data, 95% of consumers believe in massage therapy’s effectiveness in reducing pain and improving overall health and wellness. Interestingly, 61% of people now get a massage for medical reasons, while others seek it for mental health benefits.
The beauty of massage therapy is that it treats you as a whole person, not just isolated symptoms. Whether you’re an athlete looking to recover faster, a student managing stress, or someone dealing with chronic pain, the research shows massage can help your body and mind work better together.
Summary
Recent medical research has transformed our understanding of massage therapy from a simple relaxation technique to an evidence-based treatment that can genuinely improve your health. The science shows that massage effectively reduces pain, anxiety, and stress while improving sleep and overall quality of life. Your body’s positive response to touch isn’t just in your head – it’s a real, measurable physiological process that can help you feel and function better. As more healthcare providers recognise these benefits, massage therapy is increasingly being integrated into comprehensive wellness plans, making it more accessible than ever before.
Luis is an empathetic osteopath whose gentle approach has helped countless patients find relief from pain and discomfort. With his warm personality and expert hands, Luis creates personalized treatment plans that address both your immediate symptoms and long-term wellbeing. His patients appreciate his thoughtful nature and ability to explain complex conditions in simple terms.
Originating from over in New Zealand, Luis developed a love for osteopathy and manual care from a young age, due to its holistic nature. With a special interest in manual therapy, anxiety and related breathing activities. You will find the care you need with Luis.
About
Five Dock Osteopathic & Chiropractic is located in Canada Bay, in Sydney’s Inner West. Servicing suburbs including Burwood, Croydon, Drummoyne, Five Dock, Haberfield, Concord, Abbotsford, Chiswick, Leichhardt, Wareemba, Russell Lea, Summer Hill, Strathfield.
Clinic hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 7AM – 7PM
Wednesday, Friday 7AM – 6PM
Saturday 7AM – 2PM
Sunday 8AM – 2PM
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