Why Physicians Are Paid Fairly

Whether you are just completing your Residency or you’re a seasoned attending physician, it’s important to be paid fairly. Access to good compensation data is key to understanding what fair pay looks like.

From a moral perspective, doctors are justified in refusing frontline COVID-19 work that they consider morally or psychologically unacceptable. Contact Baltimore Eye Physicians now!

A physician is a health professional who has been trained in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Physicians are also required to follow medical ethics and “best practices” as well as a prescribed code of conduct while treating patients. They must direct their care based on peer-reviewed evidence and the guidelines of accredited medical societies and public health authorities, but they may deviate from these guidelines if their judgment dictates that it is in the patient’s best interest.

While the precise number of lives that physicians save isn’t known, it is clear that they do help people live longer and healthier lives. A recent study found that primary care physicians can cut the risk of heart attack, stroke and cancer in half when compared to those who do not receive primary care.

Physicians work in some of the most demanding, stressful and unpredictable conditions. They must be able to tolerate the sights, smells and sounds of clinical care, such as blood, bodily fluids and surgical procedures. They are often on call for long periods of time, and they must be available at a moment’s notice to provide emergency services. They frequently see people in their most vulnerable and desperate moments, so they must be empathetic and compassionate.

The physical demands of the job can be overwhelming, and many physicians struggle with burnout and depression. Many physicians have been victimized by violence, and it is not uncommon for doctors to be threatened or attacked while doing their jobs. The trauma of such incidents can make doctors question whether they should remain in medicine.

Although becoming a physician is an incredibly rewarding career choice, it is not for everyone. Before pursuing a degree in medicine, it is important for prospective students to weigh the pros and cons. They should take into account their personal finances, work/life balance and ability to cope with stress. They should also talk to practicing physicians to get a better sense of what it’s like to be a doctor. It is important for students to be realistic about the debt that they will accumulate during training and consider loan repayment programs or scholarships.

Helps People Live Better

Physicians not only treat their patients, but also help to build and maintain healthy communities. They invest in their patients through health education and outreach, dispelling myths about different types of medicine, diseases and treatments. They mentor students that aspire to become doctors, giving them wisdom and guidance on continuing great patient care in the future. They also invest in their communities through humanitarian efforts, such as providing medical care in rural areas and overseas with organizations like the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.

Physician specializations allow them to focus on certain aspects, areas and functions of the body. For example, physicians may specialize in foot problems (podiatrists), digestive issues (gastroenterologists) or plastic surgery (plastic surgeons). Their expertise allows them to better understand the conditions that affect each individual and provide their patients with effective treatment.

A study published in the International Journal of Health Services found that primary care physicians increase their patients’ life expectancy, especially those living in poorer neighborhoods. These physicians help their patients access the resources they need to be healthy, including food, housing and transportation, while also ensuring that they’re getting regular screenings and adequate healthcare maintenance.

In addition, community partnerships with local churches and mosques and “third places” such as barbershops have shown to be powerful in helping to bridge the gap between health disparities and social determinants of health in underserved areas. Physicians can also integrate advocacy into their daily practice by learning how to recognize the social determinants of health, confront bias in their practices and develop processes that promote health equity.

While racial, gender and other health disparities are due to societal factors, a number of studies have linked these disparities to physician behavior and attitudes. Physicians must learn to recognize and address their own unconscious biases in order to advance health equity for all their patients.

While the benefits of a physician’s work are undeniable, the profession can be difficult and demanding. Physicians often work long hours, and must complete rigorous training and licensing requirements before they can begin their careers. They must also stay current with the latest advances in medicine and technology, and are liable for malpractice lawsuits if they don’t keep up to date with medical knowledge and best practices.

Contributes to Medical Innovation

The medical field is always changing, and physicians have a unique perspective on healthcare. They’re at the forefront of many innovations, such as advances in lab testing and treatment methods. They also have the advantage of being able to draw on shared knowledge in their networks, including colleagues from other hospitals and medical schools, nurses, PAs and pharmacists.

Medical professionals need to stay current with all new developments and technologies so that they can best serve their patients. There are a few ways that they can do this, including attending conferences and joining social networking platforms like Doximity. Medical professionals can also learn by watching others’ work, such as through a mentorship program with a successful innovator.

There are a number of ways that medical professionals can contribute to innovation, such as by serving on the board of a start-up or participating in clinical trials. They can also use their professional networks to identify potential solutions and partners. Finally, they can collaborate with peers to bring their ideas to life.

Medical innovation is a complex process, and there are many critical steps to take from ideation to commercialization. Those steps include engineering, design, protection of intellectual property and clinical testing, to name just a few. Creating these innovations requires the collaboration of physicians, as well as a deep understanding of medical needs and existing technology.

One of the most important things that physician innovators can do is to be open to change and recognize when a new idea is worth pursuing. Many of the most innovative ideas look promising in isolation, but they may not translate to the real world if they’re impeded by established protocols, patient preferences or regulatory barriers.

The best way for physicians to stay current with innovation is through cross-sector engagement, which can lead to more collaborative research and development activities. However, it’s important for medical researchers to understand the challenges that must be overcome to facilitate collaboration between physicians and industry. Several mechanisms are available to support this type of engagement, and it’s essential for all stakeholders to work together to increase their availability and effectiveness.

Many Opportunities

Physicians are not only able to diagnose and treat illness and injury, they are also able to provide preventive care such as vaccinations and health screenings. This helps to improve overall patient outcomes by preventing illness and injuries in the first place, which saves lives and money.

In addition to the medical aspects of their job, physicians also have other responsibilities such as administration, research and education. These responsibilities are crucial for the success of a health care institution and its patients. Physicians have the opportunity to shape the direction of a healthcare facility and can make a positive impact on society through their contributions.

Although many physician job seekers go into medicine fully expecting to practice clinically for three decades, there are a number who decide they want to branch out or change careers. According to 2022 CHG Healthcare research, 43% of physicians changed jobs and 8% retired during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift in the workforce was largely due to the significant increase in burnout and stress during the pandemic.

For those physicians seeking to transition into nonclinical work, there are numerous options available both as side gigs and permanent positions. Physicians can find work in the pharmaceutical industry, medical technology companies, insurance firms and even as consultants. Some of these positions may pay on par with a physician’s salary while others might be lower earning.

Nonclinical opportunities can also provide physicians with the chance to work flexible schedules and enjoy a less stressful environment. This may be important for those who are experiencing burnout, as they can have a more balanced life and focus on their mental health and wellbeing.

Finally, some physician job seekers are taking advantage of telehealth opportunities, which allow them to earn money while working remotely from home or the office. This allows them to be more flexible in their scheduling and provide patients with access to healthcare when they might not otherwise be able to get it, such as because of doctor shortages in their area or a physical barrier.

As the demand for physicians continues to grow, it’s important that healthcare organizations prioritize supporting their core staff by ensuring they offer competitive compensation rates. This will help to retain physicians and attract new talent, which will ultimately benefit the health care system and its patients.

Lip Injections – Achieve Aesthetically Pleasurable Results

Fuller lips are considered an attractive feature in most cultures, and lip injections can help create a more natural-looking volume that lasts for months. The best lip filler results come from an experienced, board-certified injector.

The procedure begins with a topical or local anesthetic to make the area numb. Then, fine needles are used to inject the filler. For more information, click the Website to proceed.

Lip injections are a great way to add fullness and volume to the lips. They also help tighten the skin around the lips, giving them a more youthful appearance. In addition, they can reduce wrinkles and fine lines that develop in the mouth due to smoking or natural aging.

When done correctly, lip filler looks completely natural. The dermal filler used is usually hyaluronic acid, which is similar to a substance produced naturally by the body and is safe for use in cosmetic treatments. It is important to work with an experienced injector who understands how much filler is needed for a natural-looking result. They can add the right amount of hyaluronic acid to both the upper and lower lips for an attractive, balanced result.

The procedure is quick and simple. Before the injections, a topical or local anesthetic is applied to the lips to make them numb. Ice may also be applied to the area to help ease discomfort and control swelling. Then, a needle or cannula is used to carefully mark the areas where the filler will be injected. The filler is then injected using very fine needles. Some people may experience slight discomfort during the procedure, but this is typically brief and tolerable.

Once the treatment is complete, a homeopathic supplement called arnica montana can be taken to diminish bruising and swelling. It is also a good idea to avoid certain medications and supplements before your injection appointment, as they can have a blood-thinning effect. Finally, patients should sleep with their head elevated on two pillows the first night after treatment to help decrease swelling.

The results from a lip injection can last up to a year, but touch-up sessions are required in order to maintain your desired look. There are many different types of filler products, so be sure to choose one that is FDA-approved and has an excellent safety record. A popular option is Restylane Kysse, which is made of a flexible gel that can be moved easily by the lips.

Inexperienced injectors can over-inflate the lips, causing them to protrude farther than a natural pout. This look is often referred to as a “duck face.” It is also possible for the filler to spread unevenly throughout the lips, which can lead to an unnatural or disproportionate appearance.

When an experienced injector performs lip injections, they can produce aesthetically pleasing results that enhance the shape and volume of the lips while looking natural. The key is to avoid over-injecting. Based on the patient’s goals and facial proportions, an experienced practitioner knows when it is necessary to add more filler and how much to use. For example, the Golden Ratio is a well-known rule for creating an ideal lip shape: the upper and lower lips should be roughly two-thirds as full as each other.

Many patients who visit a cosmetic doctor for lip enhancement are seeking to restore lost volume that occurred with age. Others want a more dramatic lip enhancement than they were born with. Advanced techniques allow practitioners to tailor treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient.

The latest injectables provide a more gradual buildup of lip volume to create a balanced, harmonious result that blends with the surrounding facial features. The technique also allows for precise placement of filler to create a beautiful, youthful lip line.

An inexperienced injector can overdo the lips, producing an unnatural look, often referred to as “sausage lips.” This is especially common when using silicone strips (like Kylie Jenner’s) that are inserted under local anesthesia. Another risk is over-injecting the labial artery, which can cause a dangerous skin necrosis. A skilled doctor, like Green, can minimize these risks by using a dermal filler with small particle sizes and flexible gel. She also asks her patients to avoid aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs before their procedure, which can act as blood thinners and contribute to postinjection bruising.

Other possible complications include lumps or unevenness from over-injecting, and bleeding from a needle puncture in the delicate lip tissue. The best way to manage these issues is to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with injections and can respond promptly if complications do arise.

Among the most popular lip fillers are hyaluronic acid and collagen. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced by the body and used to attract moisture, which helps create a plump appearance and reduce lines around the mouth. It is also safe, effective and long-lasting. Collagen, which requires an allergy test, is derived from bovine hides and lasts only about three months. An alternative is dermalogen, which contains a blend of different weights of hyaluronic acid, which is similar to the protein found in our skin.

Aside from the numbing effects of the local anesthetic, lip injections don’t typically cause any discomfort or significant downtime. You can return to work and other normal daily activities right away. Some people do experience some swelling of the lips for a day or two after their appointment, but this isn’t unusual. Using ice packs can help reduce this swelling.

Most lip fillers contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, which helps to keep you comfortable and relaxed during treatment. You will probably feel a little numbness in your mouth for a few hours after your appointment, but this usually goes away on its own. Some patients prefer to use a topical anesthetic like numbing cream for additional comfort while they’re waiting for the local anesthetic to wear off.

Because they’re minimally invasive, lip enhancements are considered a safe procedure by most medical professionals. However, it’s important to choose a qualified doctor to perform the procedure. You want someone with extensive training and experience in the field of cosmetic enhancements and injectables. It’s also a good idea to avoid med spas that offer lip injections, as these may not be performed by a doctor with the proper credentials.

During your consultation, the doctor will assess your unique lips and facial structure to determine how much filler is needed to achieve your desired results. They will likely recommend that you start with one syringe and then come back for more in subsequent appointments until you reach your target. They will not overdo the amount of filler, as this can lead to an unnatural-looking appearance or even asymmetrical lips.

Inexperienced injectors often over-inject the lips with filler, which leads to blobby and lumpy-looking results. An experienced injector knows how to carefully place the injections in the most strategic locations to achieve the desired outcome. They will also understand that your skin is going to expand as the filler sets, so they’ll only inject a small amount at first and will gradually increase the amount until they achieve their goal.

Injectables such as hyaluronic acid gels and lipofilling can produce long-lasting, natural-looking results. The effects last around six months, and a routine series of treatments in between will help you maintain your new look for longer. You can also enhance your results by opting for fat injections. In this non-invasive procedure, a small amount of fat from your own body is removed via liposuction and then injected into the lips to add volume.

If you want to look your best, it’s important to work with an expert injector. Lip injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments, but it’s not uncommon to see unnatural-looking results when an inexperienced practitioner performs the procedure. A good doctor will spend time assessing your lips and goals before beginning the treatment.

This will allow your doctor to create a treatment plan that will deliver the most natural-looking results. Before starting the treatment, your doctor will sterilize the area and numb your lips. They will then make a small cut in each corner of your mouth and use a tool called a clamp to make a tunnel in the tissue. Then they will insert the implant into the tunnel and place it underneath your lip fat and above your lip muscles. Finally, your doctor will close the cuts with stitches that will dissolve on their own.

Hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to create a more youthful appearance, reduce fine lines around the lips and restore volume lost due to aging. They are also known to reduce the occurrence of lip dimpling and provide long-lasting results. Many dermal fillers contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to ensure that the injection process is painless.

During the procedure, your lip will feel warm and swollen, but this discomfort should subside within a few hours after treatment. You can minimize discomfort by applying ice packs to your lips and taking an NSAID such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. A homeopathic supplement called Arnica montana can also be taken to reduce the occurrence of bruising.

Once the numbing effect has worn off, you will need to wash and wipe the site before continuing with your normal routine. You will be advised to avoid using any products that could cause a negative reaction or increase bleeding in the gel injection site, including blood thinners.

You should expect some bruising, swelling and redness in the treated area after your procedure. To minimize these side effects, you should apply ice packs to the treatment site after your session and sleep with your head elevated the first night. You should also avoid rubbing or touching the treatment area, and refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol.

Chiropractic Care Can Prevent Health Problems

Chiropractic is a patient-centered, hands-on, regulated healthcare profession that deals with the spine, muscles, and joints. It can also help prevent health problems from developing. For more information, just click the Visit Website to proceed.

Chiropractors use spinal manipulation to improve the alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal system and relieve pain. They can also offer massage, acupuncture, and exercise recommendations.

When you slouch or stand with poor posture, your body has to work harder to maintain its position. This can cause muscle fatigue, joint stiffness, and even pain, especially in the neck and shoulders. Poor posture also changes the natural curve of your spine and can even lead to a hunchback over time.

Posture problems are caused by daily activities like sitting too long, carrying heavy loads, and bending forward repeatedly. These can tighten and shorten muscles in the back, weaken core muscles and change how your bones fit together (like a hunchback or swayback).

Many people have poor posture and don’t even realize it. But, if you’re noticing aches or pains, it’s important to look closely at your posture and make any necessary adjustments.

For example, slacking while reading on your sofa may overstretch and weaken your neck and shoulder muscles. This can lead to a forward head carriage, causing you to strain against gravity and leading to a hunchback. You can also develop a rounded, swayback spine, which is also known as dowager’s hump or kyphosis. This is caused when the upper vertebrae of your spine collapse in on themselves, creating a rounded shape that resembles an “s.”

Over time, poor posture can affect your internal organs, including your digestive tract and kidneys. According to 100% Chiropractics, slouching causes ribs to invade the space intended for your lungs and can prevent your diaphragm from working properly. This can negatively impact the amount of oxygen you breathe in and out, causing you to feel breathless.

If you are experiencing painful symptoms, it’s best to consult a chiropractor to determine the root of the problem. A chiropractor can help you find ways to improve your posture and eliminate the aches and pains that come with it. A chiropractor may suggest exercises, stretches, ergonomic furniture, or a yoga routine to help you keep your body in the right position. If you have a chronic condition that contributes to your poor posture, a chiropractor can recommend treatment strategies for that as well.

Car accidents can produce a wide range of injuries for drivers and passengers. Some, like whiplash, are minor, but others can have serious long-term consequences. Even relatively low-speed crashes can result in neck strain, lumbar spine injuries, sprains, and fractures of the knees or ankles.

Whiplash is the most common injury to the neck and back in a car accident. It occurs when the neck stretches and hyperextends to the side after being thrown forward in an impact. This can happen at speeds as low as 15 mph. Neck and shoulder sprains and dislocation are also common in car accidents. Spinal cord injuries are possible in all types of collisions. Spinal cord injuries may not manifest right away; they can sometimes take several days to show up. If you have a spinal injury, it is important to let on-site medical staff know as soon as possible.

Knee and leg injuries are common in car accidents, too. Bruises, sprains, fractures, and tears are all common in knee injuries. Knee ligament damage, such as meniscus tears, can be severe.

Arm and wrist injuries can also occur, especially when the dashboard, steering wheel, or window is hitting a passenger. These injuries can be quite severe and may require surgical intervention.

Facial injuries are also common in car accidents. They can be caused by contact with the dashboard, steering wheel, windshield, airbag, or car seat and can cause disfigurement that will need reconstructive surgery. Stomach injuries are also frequent and can be caused by seat belt trauma. These can lead to internal bleeding that may not be immediately evident and can be life-threatening.

Psychological injuries are also common in car accidents and can affect a person’s quality of life for years or even a lifetime. These include PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These symptoms can sometimes take months or even years to present themselves and are often overlooked in the aftermath of a crash. For this reason, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. They can assess your symptoms and make an appropriate diagnosis.

Headaches are not only painful, but they can also affect your daily activities. A chiropractor is trained to use spinal manipulations to help relieve the pain in joints and muscles. These movements increase blood flow and nerve conductivity to the area needing relief.

Chiropractors work as part of a patient’s circle of care in interprofessional clinics, family health teams, hospitals, and sometimes even patients’ homes. They often collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, registered massage therapists, and midwives to support a patient’s overall treatment plan for back pain.

The International Headache Society categorizes headaches as “primary” or “secondary.” A primary headache is not a symptom of an underlying medical condition and includes migraines, clusters, tension, and sinus headaches. A secondary headache is a symptom of an underlying medical problem commonly caused by sinus infections, eye strain, neck injuries, and eclampsia.

Tension-type headaches (TTH) are the most common type of headache. These headaches are characterized by pressure or tightness, most commonly felt on the front of the head, neck, and shoulders. These types of headaches typically occur daily and may be episodic or chronic. They tend to be more disabling for women than men.

Migraine headaches are primary headache that causes intense, throbbing pain in one side of the head and is usually accompanied by a visual aura. It can be triggered by light, sound, smell, and touch, and it may cause nausea. Some migraines are chronic, meaning they happen more than 15 days a month, while others are episodic.

Cluster headaches are another primary headache characterized by sudden, severe pain in or around the eyes on one side of the face. Autonomic features like nasal congestion, watery eyes, runny nose, and teary eyelids accompany these headaches. They can also be triggered by light, noise, and certain foods or beverages.

Muscle and joint pain is a common health condition affecting muscles, bones, and joints. It is a more common problem for people over 40, especially women. It can cause issues with moving, walking, working, and playing. It can also be caused by injury, illness, or overuse. The main symptoms are pain, stiffness, and a limited range of movement in the affected body parts. It is sometimes referred to as body aches.

Musculoskeletal disorders can be acute, meaning they happen suddenly and are short-lived, or chronic, a condition that lasts a long time. They can affect one or multiple body areas, including the back, neck, knees, wrists, hips, arms, and shoulders.

A joint is where the ends of two or more bones come together and are held by other tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. The main joints in the body are the ankles, knees, hands, and hips. Joint pain is usually felt in the hands, knees, or feet. It can be constant or come and go, and it may feel tender to touch or have a burning, throbbing, or grating sensation. Joint pain can be made worse by activity and gets better with rest.

You should see your doctor if joint pain starts for no reason and continues for over a few days or if a fever accompanies it. Your doctor may want to do x-rays or other tests to find the cause of the pain and swelling.

Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to ease muscle and joint pain. You can buy these over the counter or get them on a prescription. Your provider may also recommend topical treatments to rub into the affected area. You can also try dietary supplements, such as glucosamine. These may help with bone and joint pain but will not cure the underlying problem. UT Southwestern specialists can provide advice about lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of further joint and muscle problems.

Massage Boosts Your Immune System and Improves Your Mood

Regular Massage Tulsa can also boost immunity by increasing natural killer cells and reducing proinflammatory cytokines. It can even help with insomnia and regulate circadian rhythms.

Massage

During massage, the brain’s activity levels decrease, and the heart rate slows. This helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, the body releases feel-good hormones that help calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.

Moreover, massage encourages the release of serotonin, which works much like Prozac to counteract depression by regulating your mood. It also helps boost your oxytocin, which produces positive feelings of contentment. Therefore, a great massage can be beneficial prior to a big event to help you get in the zone mentally and physically.

Massage lowers cortisol, which is a hormone released during stress. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system that triggers your “rest and digest” response, thereby lowering your blood pressure.

Another key way that massage relaxes the mind is by encouraging mindfulness. When you’re getting a massage, you are encouraged to fully engage in the experience by focusing on your breath and relaxing your muscles. Practicing mindfulness during massage can help you detach your emotions and observe them without reacting to them, which is helpful for those who struggle with mental health issues.

Massage is also a great treatment to receive before a physical event, such as a sporting competition, to help you relax and prepare your body. This is because it increases blood flow to the tissues, allowing your muscles to stretch and expand freely without restriction. As a result, you’ll be in a better position to perform at your best. You’ll be able to concentrate more on your game and less on your nerves or the jitters you might usually feel before an important event. This is why some athletes opt to receive regular massages during training.

Reduces Stress

Stress is a normal part of life, but over time it can lead to health problems. When the body is under excessive amounts of stress, the adrenal glands can become fatigued, and this causes high blood pressure and heart rate, stomach issues, anxiety, weakened immune system, low libido and depression. Massage is proven to decrease the effects of stress and improve moods by triggering the body’s relaxation response. During this state, the heart and breathing slow, blood pressure goes down, muscles relax and levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, decrease.

Studies have shown that even ten minutes of rest increases psychological and physiological relaxation, but it seems that massage is the most effective way to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is the body’s principal engine for relaxation and recovery.

During massage the sense of smell is stimulated, and this helps to trigger the release of feel good chemicals called endorphins. These chemicals help to calm the peripheral nervous system which is the communication relay between the brain and extremities. Massage also encourages the body to release serotonin, which is a natural mood enhancer and stress reducer.

The lowering of stress levels caused by the relaxing effect of massage, allows the body to start healing. This can aid in the recovery from injuries and prevent further damage to the body. When a person is injured, conditions like swelling, muscle fatigue and weakness can arise causing pain and preventing the individual from returning to their normal activity. Massage can stimulate the lymphatic system allowing it to remove metabolic wastes more efficiently and thus reduce swelling and speed up healing. This reduction in stress and increased healing can significantly increase a person’s quality of life, particularly if they suffer from a chronic disease or illness.

Boosts Immunity

While sanitizer and hand sanitizer are essential during the cold and flu season, getting massages to boost immunity is also recommended. Studies have shown that getting regular massages can increase the activity of white blood cells, which help fight off viruses. Moreover, massage improves lymph circulation in the body, which helps remove waste from the tissues.

In a study conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, volunteers who received 45-minute massages showed increased lymphocytes in the body, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in defending the body against disease. They also had a decrease in levels of cytokines, inflammatory chemicals that play a significant role in the immune system.

Massage also reduces cortisol, a stress hormone that suppresses the immune system. In addition, the effleurage (long strokes) and petrissage (short kneading motions) of Swedish massage and lymphatic drainage massage are immune-boosting power moves that help the body process metabolic waste more quickly, while improving fluid balance in tissues and removing bacteria from them.

The sedative effect of massages also promotes good sleep, which is crucial for the body’s ability to fight off infection and disease. A lack of good sleep can have a very negative impact on the immune system and lead to a host of health issues. If you suffer from chronic pain or tension, getting a therapeutic massage can help ease those symptoms and keep your immune system strong, so you can ward off infections and diseases.

Improves Sleep

Having a regular massage is not only good for releasing stress and decreasing anxiety, it’s also known to improve sleep. Many people who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders have found that getting a regular massage helps them get the restful night’s sleep they need.

Studies have shown that a massage increases serotonin, which is a precursor to the sleep-inducing chemical melatonin. This increase in melatonin is believed to help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, or sleep/wake cycles. In addition, research has found that massage reduces cortisol levels, the hormone that causes stress and is linked to poor sleep quality.

In fact, a study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that those who had massages on a regular basis experienced fewer sleep problems than those who didn’t. The researchers believe that this is due to the relaxing impact of a massage and how it can stabilize a person’s journey from wakefulness to sleep.

While the exact mechanism of how a massage improves sleep is unknown, it’s thought that the effects may be due to the way a massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which leads to relaxation and improved regulation of the circadian rhythm. It may also be due to the way that a massage lowers cortisol and increases serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that boost mood stability.

If you struggle with sleeping, it’s important to make a habit of it and try to stick to a regular schedule. You should also incorporate other healthy practices into your routine, such as exercise and avoiding screens that emit blue light before bed. Adding a regular massage to your routine could be the key to improving your quality of sleep and, in turn, your overall health.

Decreases Pain

Over time tense muscles and stressed joints can become inflamed and build up toxins. These toxins hinder the flow of oxygen rich blood to essential parts of your body. Massage breaks up and releases these toxins and gets your blood flowing again. This boosts your immune system and improves your mood.

During a massage, your skin and the fingers of your masseuse create friction. This stimulates blood flow and the flow of healing nutrients that are carried within your blood. Massage also decreases pain by interfering with the painful messages sent from damaged tissues to the brain. The pain receptors in the body become hypersensitive to these harmful messages and cause the feeling of pain. Massage rebalances the message pathway by sending other signals to the brain that interrupt and cancel out the pain messages.

Massage is safe, especially when done by a trained professional. While it may be uncomfortable at times, the therapist can adjust the pressure or position you are in to minimize discomfort. It is important to communicate with your therapist so that they are aware of any areas where you experience discomfort, such as an area of chronic aches or a specific injury.

Research shows that massage decreases cortisol levels and increases oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone.” This helps reduce stress, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, heart disease and even obesity. It is also believed that these hormones increase a sense of belonging and foster healthy relationships. In addition, it is thought that massage can help people with a mental health condition talk about their problems openly. Studies have found that patients who receive massage are more likely to seek therapy if they are in distress.