How Massage Can Help Soothe Stress-Related Inflammation

When we think about inflammation, we often picture an injury—swelling around a sprained ankle or redness after a cut. But inflammation isn’t limited to physical trauma. It can also build up quietly in the body as a result of ongoing stress, muscle tension, and the everyday strain of modern life.

In these cases, the body is constantly working behind the scenes to restore balance. While this process is essential for healing, it can also leave you feeling heavy, achy, or simply worn down.

Massage offers gentle support for this natural cycle of repair and recovery. By working with the body’s own systems, massage can:

• Encourage healthy blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues

• Support the lymphatic system, helping to clear waste and reduce puffiness

• Soothe the nervous system, easing the effects of stress and promoting a sense of calm

It’s not about “switching off” inflammation altogether—something the body needs for healing—but rather about creating the right conditions for recovery. Through touch, massage can provide a gentle nudge that helps the body move back toward balance, leaving you feeling lighter, more comfortable, and more at ease.