Three Most Effective Massage Therapy for Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Three Most Effective Massage Therapy for Anxiety and Panic Attacks

August 1, 2023

Massage therapists witness a range of emotions with anxiety from their clients at their tables. The professionals assess the concern and interact with the client professionally.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America mentions that anxiety disorders typically affect approximately 40 million American adults, further stating that fewer than 40 percent of people receive treatment from allopathic or homeopathic remedies. People affected by anxiety disorders are more likely to visit physicians by 3 to 5 times and require hospitalization for psychiatric disorders.

Medical practitioners define anxiety disorders into nine categories: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, specific phobias, agoraphobia, separation anxiety disorder, selective mutism, and anxiety caused by concurrent medical conditions.

The standard strings among the different types of anxiety include:

  • The inability to perform work tasks.
  • Interference with everyday activity.
  • Symptoms persist for over four weeks.
  • Fear coupled with physical dysfunctions and stress resulting from fight and flight response.

Clinical psychiatrists or psychologists are professionals who can help diagnose patients with anxiety disorders.

Massage Therapists Create Space That Matters

If anxiety disorders affect you or a family member, you can seek help from a massage therapist in Inglewood, CA, because they can create a safe and healthy environment when assisting you. The massage session focuses on calming your body’s senses and significantly alleviating symptoms suggested by anxiety symptoms.

What Methods Massage Therapists Use for Anxiety and Panic Attacks?

If you meet the Inglewood therapist for massage therapy near me for yourself or a family member, expect the professional to use three effective massage therapy techniques to help alleviate symptoms related to anxiety. They are:

  • Lighting: massage therapists use soft lighting using non-stimulating sources such as a salt lamp because it helps ease visual stimulus.
  • Sound: selected music without lyrics and slow-paced tracks, harmonic rhythms, and melodic tones are ideal choices to help patients remain at ease on the massage table.
  • Listening: massage therapists do not hesitate to listen to clients and their concerns during panic attacks or somatic emotional responses during their sessions. The therapists remember to remain neutral in language tone, verbal and non-verbal. The therapists at the massage clinic will listen emphatically without involving themselves sympathetically in the explanation. They remain cognizant not to develop an emotional attachment with the client to help save them or overly relate to the situation. They use clear, concise, and non-judgemental language and resist the urge to offer professional guidance on the client’s business, social, or individual affairs.

Anxiety Related to Depression

Anxiety disorders are also associated with depression, such as major and persistent depressive disorder. Clients suffering from depression will appear withdrawn and complain of restlessness, fatigue, appetite changes, impaired cognition, and rapid changes in mood and behavior. The complications exacerbate the conditions of anxiety.

Massage Techniques

Massage therapy entails manipulating the muscles by rubbing, pressing, kneading, or patting various muscle groups. The techniques used by massage therapists include:

  • Petrissage: the technique entails kneading the muscles to help relieve muscle tightness and spasms.
  • Effleurage: effleurage involves deep strokes to help relieve tension and induce relaxation.
  • Friction: when causing friction, the therapist will apply small circular strokes focusing pressure on specific body areas.
  • Tapotement: tapping or cupping the skin to create an effect of percussion is involved in the tapotement technique.

Massage therapists will use their hands, forearms, and elbows to work on different muscle groups. They also include aromatherapy oils and music to help create a relaxing and peaceful appearance.

What Does Massage Therapy Help with?

Restorative massages help relieve muscle tension and pain and are generally used as a stand-alone therapy. However, it is also useful when combined with other conventional treatments. Massage therapy also helps patients with symptoms of various conditions, including anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia, panic disorder, stress, and digestive disorders.

Massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension which in turn helps relieve symptoms associated with anxiety and panic attacks. The treatment helps your body relax, assisting you in letting go of anxious and fearsome thoughts. The massage helps relieve muscle pain, tension, improve circulation, and enhance flexibility. As a relaxation technique, massages help manage the overreactive fight-and-flight response among patients with anxiety disorders.

If you or a loved one is affected by anxiety and panic attacks, consider meeting the South Bay Wellness Center specialists, providing massage therapy to alleviate the feelings. Benefit from this complimentary and alternative medicine practice considered effective for treating emotional problems, including anxiety and panic attacks.

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