How Remedial Massage can help your Stress & Anxiety

With nearly one in three Australian adults experiencing social or emotional challenges that negatively impact their daily lives, (as per a 2025 report by Beyond Blue titled ‘Trends in Mental Health and Support Seeking’), alongside a plethora of barriers present in today’s climate, finding accessible and preventative approaches to mental health support is crucial.

How Can Massage Therapy Help?

While massage therapy is not a form of talk therapy, its therapeutic effects can play a meaningful role in managing stress and anxiety. Massage creates a space where both the body and the mind can slow down. The calming environment, gentle music, and physical separation from daily stressors all contribute to a sense of relief. As the body relaxes, the mind often follows, allowing worries to soften and emotional resilience to improve.

On a physiological level, massage therapy helps release muscle tension caused by both physical and emotional strain. As the body begins to relax, it sends signals to the brain that it is safe to unwind. This feedback loop can positively influence mood and overall wellbeing. Emerging research supports these observations. Studies such as ‘Touching the Mind, Exploring the Intersection of Massage and Mental Health’ (2025), by Cynthia Price and Sarah Fogarty, highlight how massage therapy may:

• Increase ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine
• Reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone)
• Support regulation of the autonomic nervous system
• Promote a ‘rest and digest’ state, helping the body recover from stress

While massage therapy does not directly address psychological concerns, the physiological changes that result in the body can absolutely act as a catalyst to improving one’s internal sense of wellbeing, in turn feeling more positively aligned and well.

Supporting Your Mental Wellbeing

Recognising the value of different forms of support allows us to build a list for when we’re feeling overwhelmed. Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference. Some ideas include:

• Monthly Remedial Massage Therapy
• Mindful walks
• Seek mental health support (privately or through your workplace)
• Exercise
• Spend time with friends
• Treat yourself (eg. enjoy our favourite meal or music)
• Create a mental health ‘Feel Good’ list, and keep it on hand for when you need it
• Clear the diary (consider where you may have over committed yourself and re-arrange your plans accordingly)

The final verdict? Massage therapy is not a replacement for psychological care, but it IS a valuable complement – encouraging a calmer mind, more balanced and equipped to cope with daily stressors.

Here at Flex Sports Physiotherapy, our goal is to keep you well and happy, with our expert Remedial Massage, Physiotherapy, Clinical Pilates and Yoga services. Click here to book your next massage today – your body and mind will thank you!