How Osteo, Physio, Pilates and Massage can deliver hope, in more ways than one

Dr Jade Scott-OSTEOPATH-B.SC(Clin), M.H.S(Osteo), Member of Osteopathy Australia

Have you ever heard of “hope molecules”? If not, you’re in for a treat! These tiny but mighty molecules are present in your body and get released when you exercise. They’re scientifically known as Myokines and have become a hot topic in research due to their numerous benefits.

Myokines are special chemicals that your muscles create and secrete when you contract them. They travel through your bloodstream and affect various organs in your body, including your brain. The incredible thing about Myokines is that they can influence your mood, immune system, and even help you learn.

Research has shown that these “hope molecules” can reduce inflammation, control blood sugar, battle cancer cells, improve brain function, and even burn more fat as fuel. This means that exercising not only benefits your physical health, but also your mental and emotional well-being.

The nickname “hope molecules” was given to Myokines because they appear to work at the brain level to help it recover from stress. This means that regular exercise can help you deal with stress and anxiety by releasing Myokines in your body. It’s almost like having a built-in stress-reducing mechanism that you can activate anytime!

Now, you might be wondering how you can exercise to stimulate more Myokine activity in your body. Well, the good news is that it doesn’t matter how you exercise, as long as your muscles contract. This means that any continuous action that makes your muscles move, such as walking, biking, running, or lifting weights, can release Myokines in your body.So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or anxious, remember that exercise can help you release “hope molecules” in your body that can make you feel better. Incorporating fitness into your self-care routine is not only good for your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being.

More exciting is the new research to support that manual therapy, which includes osteopathy and physiotherapy, can stimulate the release of myokines. The act of receiving touch and being cared for by another person can have powerful psychological effects, including reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and improving mood. This explains why many of our patients report feeling so much better after treatment.

So, get moving and let your body release those mood-boosting, stress-reducing Myokines. Join our Pilates classes, or book an appointment to see one of our practitioners at Western Region Health in Melton or Bacchus Marsh and let our team assist you in releasing more ‘hope molecules’ to enhance your health and wellness journey.

Resources and references:

1. Leal, L.G., Lopes, M.A., Batista, M.A., & Sampaio, L.M. (2016). Effect of a single session of muscle massage on the secretion of cytokines involved in inflammatory response in healthy individuals. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(8), 2256-2263.

2. Torres, R., Ribeiro, F., Alberto Duarte, J., & Cabri, J.M. (2018). Effect of manual therapy on the secretion of myokines in athletes with muscle damage. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(8), 617-622.

3. Pihl, E., Zilmer, M., Kullisaar, T., Kairane, C., & Pulges, A. (2015). Physical activity-induced myokines in dancers and healthy controls. Health, 7(11), 1407-1415.

4. Grasso, D., Corsetti, G., Lanteri, P., Di Bernardo, C., De Blasio, S., & Porcelli, S. (2021). Effects of massage on myokine secretion in athletes: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(6), 652-660.

5. Kim, H.G., & Han, J.M. (2020). Massage therapy and exercise-induced myokines: a review of the literature. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 16(3), 197-203.