Who hasn’t come home from a day at work in high heels or uncomfortable dress shoes and wished someone was brave enough to pull off those sweaty shoes and socks and give their feet a rubdown? But did you know a foot massage can do more than just ease muscle soreness? It can help with your mood, some specific conditions, even pain in other areas of the body. Here are 8 benefits of foot massage that might surprise you.
- Better circulation – It could be you are like most people who live fairly sedentary lifestyles, especially if you have an office job that requires you to sit in front of a computer all day. As a result, your foot muscles aren’t getting regular exercise and your circulation is impeded by tight shoes. A quick foot massage (10 to 20 minutes) as part of your bedtime ritual will do wonders for your circulation. If you suffer from diabetes, foot health should be at the top of your priority list, and nightly massage can help.
- Fewer or less severe headaches or migraines – Who would think that rubbing your feet could actually help with pain in your head? Reflexology massages can help alleviate headaches and migraines, according to a study conducted in Denmark. About 65 percent of participants had decreased headache symptoms after undergoing regular reflexology treatment on their feet.
- Relief for PMS and menopause symptoms – Daily foot massages during the week prior to menstruation (the week most women experience PMS symptoms) can be alleviated with daily foot massage. These symptoms include feelings of sadness, anxiety, tension, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, headache and mood swings. Menopause symptoms tend to be similar because of hormone fluctuations, so menopausal women can also benefit from daily foot massage.
- Less foot swelling for pregnant women – Edema, which is swelling from fluid retention, tends to happen to many pregnant women, especially in the third trimester. Pregnant women should couple daily foot massage with a good diet and plenty of rest to help bring down swelling in their feet and ankles.
- Lower blood pressure – Stress, unhealthy diet and genetic factors can all cause hypertension. A study done on healthcare staff in high-stress positions revealed that 10-minute foot massage, three times a week, reduced anxiety and lowered blood pressure.
- Better mood with less anxiety and depression – Studies on cancer patients have shown that frequent reflexology sessions can significantly reduce anxiety and depression.
- Fewer foot and ankle injuries – If you’ve ever stepped off the side of your shoe or missed a step, you’ll know how truly valuable this benefit can be. When regular foot massage is combined with foot and ankle exercises and stretches, it can prevent future injuries or help aid in the recovery of an existing injury.
- Less pain for people with plantar fasciitis and flat feet – If you suffer from chronic heel pain from plantar fasciitis (deterioration of the connective tissue that supports your arches) or general pain from having flat feet, it should be no surprise that regular foot massage can help alleviate the soreness associated with these conditions.
We at Medical Massage Specialties are here to help alleviate your discomfort. If you’ve been ignoring foot pain or associated issues, contact us. We’ll talk about the best approach to get you back on your feet.
This article is for informational purposes only. The products and services described on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please speak with a doctor before beginning any new health regimen.
