A massage is a real treat, and this includes a good foot massage. However, many of us find it hard to make time to visit a clinic or spa. When we do carve out time for a massage, we might opt for a back or shoulder massage through habit, leaving our feet neglected, tired and aching. The benefits of a good foot massage are easily overlooked, and at Blys Mobile Massage we recognise the top five signs that your feet are in need of some long overdue attention.
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Sore & Aching Feet
We put our feet through a lot. From early childhood when we learn to walk, to the later stages in life, we expect our feet to carry our full body weight wherever we want to go, and many of us are guilty of wearing footwear that is either not suitable or fits incorrectly.
From flat soles to high-heeled stilettos, the beautiful shoes we want to wear are not always the best for the health of our feet. Whether you have aches and pains from ignoring your feet long term, or sore feet after an event spent on your feet or a long walk or sporting event, a foot massage could be exactly what you need for a return to comfort.
Foot massage helps to stimulate the muscles in the foot and reduces joint stiffness. It can also reduce pain in the ankles and heels, whilst strengthening the ankle joint to prevent future ankle and foot injuries. Having a massage can also alleviate any tension that you hold in your foot. Having a foot massage can quickly reduce any soreness or aches and pains you are experiencing within the foot and ankle.
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Medical Diagnosis Regarding Your Foot
As we get older, the strain we put on our foot and ankle joint through everyday activities can result in structural changes to the bones, tendons or muscles within the foot. Arthritis might affect more people later in life, but it can also affect young people. Athletes or those undertaking repetitive activities may be surprised to learn that they have arthritis at a young age, and because of the pain and stiffness associated with this condition, many are keen to find effective management for their symptoms.
Foot pain caused by arthritis can be alleviated by regular foot massage and reduced stiffness through massage is also of great benefit. Having arthritis can cause changes to the shape of your foot or your gait, and this in turn can lead to further problems. Having a massage is a good opportunity to inspect your foot for other changes such as bunions, toenail changes and callus formation so that these can be treated promptly by your doctor or pharmacist.
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Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure
Whilst there may not be an obvious connection between high blood pressure and a foot massage, studies have shown that regular foot massages can help to reduce your blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common medical condition that will affect many of us as we age. It often does not have any symptoms but may be picked up at a health check-up or when you see your doctor for another reason. Although you may not know you have it, hypertension can cause serious damage to organs including your heart, brain and kidneys. Treatment or management is therefore of utmost importance.
A study in 2016 showed that foot massage significantly reduces blood pressure, showing that massage is an easy and effective way to improve cardiovascular health. It is understandable that treating blood pressure in a natural way is hugely appealing to many.
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Anxiety & Depression
We all experience times of great stress or low mood, and whilst for some of us the symptoms may be fleeting, others struggle with their mental health more regularly. Whilst some people might turn to pharmacological treatments, others may be keen to find an alternative solution or a combination of the two. It may not seem like the obvious solution, but foot massage has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mental health overall. If you feel you don’t have the time or energy for a full body massage or an extensive foot massage, even brief foot massages can ease stress and help you feel refreshed. When you are feeling low or anxious, you may not feel like exposing large areas of your body and a simple foot massage allows you to experience the relaxing benefits of a massage whilst only exposing your feet. Even better, a Blys massage therapist can visit you at home reducing the stress associated with travelling to a spa or massage clinic.
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Poor Circulation or Swollen Feet
Foot, ankle or leg swelling, or peripheral oedema, has many causes including diabetes, heart or kidney disease. It can result in painful, swollen feet, ankles and calves. The swelling can make it difficult to find footwear that fits, making mobility and gentle exercise even more difficult. This can create a vicious cycle of worsening swelling. Foot massage has been shown to improve circulation to help the fluid return to the blood vessels, reducing the visible swelling and discomfort experienced.
Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s body undergoes a number of changes including swollen feet and ankles. A study in 2010 found that leg oedema in pregnancy was significantly reduced in women who received foot massages. New aches, pains and stresses are common in pregnancy as women adjust to their changing bodies and the additional demands placed upon it. A massage could be exactly what a mother-to-be needs to unwind and relax as she prepares for the next chapter in her life.
The benefits of massage are well documented, and a simple foot massage can reap huge rewards for your overall health, including your emotional wellbeing. If you are in need of a refreshing or relaxing massage in the comfort of your own home, contact Blys Massage today.
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