The thyroid is a small yet vital gland that maintains your overall health. It’s located right at the front of your neck and consists of two lobes, giving it a butterfly-like shape. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate essential bodily functions like metabolism, energy production and growth. 

Since the thyroid plays a major role in helping the whole body function, when it malfunctions, it can significantly affect someone’s health and quality of life. Fortunately, there are ways you can address thyroid issues — including with massage.

What Are Thyroid Issues?

An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from some form of thyroid disease, with women five times more likely to be affected. The most common thyroid diseases are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which involve the amount of hormones the gland produces.

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones for your body. When that happens, you experience a host of symptoms that may affect your everyday life. Here are some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Intolerance to cold
• Muscle weakness and cramps
• Joint pain
• Dry skin
• Menstrual issues
• Slowed heart rate
• Depression

Meanwhile, hyperthyroidism is when the gland produces too many thyroid hormones. Some of the symptoms associated with this condition include:

• Weight loss without effort
• Fast and irregular heartbeat
• Increased hunger
• Palpitations
• Sweating
• Menstrual changes
• Sensitivity to heat
• Nervousness and anxiety

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are both treated using modern medicine. However, since thyroid issues are lifelong conditions, there are also plenty of complementary therapies that patients can follow to help relieve their symptoms.

How Massages Can Benefit the Thyroid

Massage therapy is one of several complementary treatments you can use to battle the adverse effects of thyroid disease. Patients can use self-massage to target areas needing relief, or they can go to a qualified massage therapist to help them.

Massage therapy is known for its various health benefits in addition to helping thyroid issues. People often get massages to relax and decompress. They also help with relieving pain and soreness. A proper massage can ease stiff muscles and improve flexibility. Massages can also battle inflammation and improve circulation, greatly benefiting those suffering from thyroid problems.

Learn more about five specific ways massage therapy can help with thyroid health.

1. Improves Circulation

Massage therapy helps with lymphatic and blood circulation. Lymphatic flow is beneficial for endocrine organs like the thyroid. Encouraging the flow of lymph fluid can reduce swelling and remove toxins from the body.

Lymphatic massage can be done by yourself or a professional. If you plan to do it on your own, make sure to contact your doctor first.

2. Reduces Inflammation

Thyroid disease can cause inflammation in certain parts of the body. For instance, hypothyroidism can sometimes lead to the swelling of joints, particularly in the hands and feet. These symptoms are uncomfortable and sometimes painful.

Massage therapy is known to reduce inflammation and lessen joint pain. With proper and regular massage, those with hypothyroidism can ease the pain and swelling in their bodies.

3. Relieves Pain

Hypothyroidism can cause muscle aches and stiffness. If you have this condition, you know it can negatively affect your everyday life. Massage therapy can relieve body pain and ease stiff muscles. People can target their pain points and apply the right pressure for pain relief. 

People with hypothyroidism often take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. With massage, you have a great alternative to lessen their intake and dependence on painkillers.

4. Strengthens Muscles

Those with thyroid issues also suffer from muscle weakness, which adds to their general feeling of fatigue. Massage therapy can help strengthen and maintain good muscle health. Massage can increase blood flow, bringing essential oxygen and nutrients to weakened muscles. With more blood coming in, muscles can feel stronger, more energized and more flexible.

5. Lowers Stress

The constant symptoms of thyroid disease can cause significant stress to those suffering from it. Symptoms like sensitivity to heat or muscle weakness can seem easy to deal with on their own, but when combined with a whole set of symptoms, patients can easily feel overwhelmed by it all.

Massage is known for its relaxing and destressing capabilities. Regular massage can help ease the anxiety of having a lifelong disease that needs constant management. Plus, when massages help mitigate symptoms like body pain and swelling, patients can also feel more relaxed and able to do their daily tasks in peace.

Self Massage for Thyroid Wellness

Massage is a powerful tool that can benefit those with thyroid issues. If you’re suffering from thyroid disease, Myobuddy can help you combat symptoms through its self-massage tools. You can maintain your health through massages that are tailor-made for you, by you.

If you want to learn more about which Myobuddy products and services are best for you, contact us on our page, and we’ll help you find what you’re looking for.