Benefits of Massage
Can YOU benefit from Massage
and Therapeutic Stretching?
*Do you have a lot of stress in your life?
*Do you have a job that requires you to stand or sit for long periods of time? Or puts you in particular posture or repetitive movement (such as computer work, waitressing, hairstylist, carpentry, massage therapist, auto mechanic, truck driver, executive, dentist, etc.)
*Do you ride a bicycle? A motorcycle?
*Do you regularly play a musical instrument?
*Do you have an injury that you are recovering from?
An 'old' injury?
*Are you an athlete or weekend warrior?
*Are you studying for exams (college OR high school),
*Are you preparing to go for surgery? Are you nervous about it?
*Do you have a scar that you would like to make more pliable?
*Are you a Mom? A Dad?
*Are you a child (or adult), going through major changes, such as divorce, new school, remarriage, death of a family member or pet?
*Do you "hold tension" in particular areas of your body?
*Do you have limited movement or decreased flexibility?
*Do you have difficulty sleeping?
*Do you suffer from TMJ Dysfunction? Sciatica? Plantar Fasciitis? Chronic Headaches? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Tendonitis?
*Do you have difficulty concentrating?
*Body image issues/eating disorder?
*Do you walk a strong dog that pulls the leash?
*Do you have family or co-workers that drive you crazy?
*Do you want to feel pampered and nurtured for an hour or two,
totally relax, de-stress and rejuvenate yourself?
Let go of 'problems' for a little while?
*In need of self-care and doing something "just for you"?
If you have answered yes to even one of these questions,
you could most definitely benefit from massage!
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Many people still see 'Massage' as a luxury item. However in this day and age it is a necessity and has so many more benefits. While a little pampering is indeed a lovely treat, Therapeutic Massage and Assisted Stretching can facilitate healing of many muscular injuries and relieve stress.
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:
- Decreased anxiety.
- Enhanced sleep quality.
- Greater energy.
- Improved concentration.
- Increased circulation.
- Reduced fatigue.
- Creates more awareness so you can sense what your body needs.
Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues.
Bodywork can:
- Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion
- Ease medication dependence.
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
- Increase flexibility.
- Improves mobility/range of motion.
- Lessen depression and anxiety.
- Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Improve Digestion.
- Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
- Reduce spasms and cramping.
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
- Relieve migraine pain.
- Can help relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Sciatic pain, Plantar Fasciitis, TMJ syndrome,etc.
- Improves Posture.
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If you have had tried massage before but did not like it, I would recommend trying various techniques or a different therapist. As with any profession, there are A+ professionals, and those who are sub-par or who may be great but just not the right fit for you.
There are many types of massage modalities, and within each modality, there are some amazing teachers who add their own flair. And within each school there are students who are naturals, and there are those who don't yet have the subtle understandings of what individuals need. I also recommend asking your therapist a few questions before making an appointment to see if they mesh with what you are looking for. Please be respectful of their time, but this is an investment of your time, money and effort to receive the optimal treatment, so a little clarity ahead of time could save lots of frustration or disappointment after a session. Massage Therapy is a very personal service, and one should feel completely comfortable with their therapist.
Contraindications
There are certain conditions where massage may not be suitable, or caution is advised to either use a lighter touch or avoid certain areas:
"Absolute" contra-indications - cannot receive massage at all.
-Uncontrolled Hypertension (high blood pressure) Intoxication/ drug use.
-Acute infectious disease
-Abnormal Body Temperature.
-Eclampsia (toxemia during pregnancy)
-Diabetes with complications
Local Contra-indications (massage can be administered, avoiding affected area).
-Inflammation
-Varicose veins (can massage above the area, and/or use extremely light over the area.)
-Phlebitis, Thromophlebitis, Embolus, Hematoma, and bruising Skin Disorders (especially infectious skin disorders)
-Hernia
-Edema (of unknown causes. check with your physician)
-Aneurysm
-Acute injury/fracture
Cautions
The following conditions are possible to receive a massage, however you are encouraged to get approval from your primary health care provider.
-High Blood Pressure
-Cancer - [Massage can help with T-cell count, however, it is not recommended to receive massage during chemotherapy treatments. Another option is to look into "Energy Work" such as Reiki.]
-Auto Immune Disorders
-Severe Heart Conditions
-Certain medications
-Osteoporosis (lighter touch is recommended).
-Scoliosis (massage can be very beneficial, moderate pressure is used.) Pregnancy - With healthy pregnancy, massage is beneficial, and helps to instill wellbeing in mother and child. If it is a difficult or high-risk pregnancy, a physician's permission is required.
-Massage is often very beneficial for those who are critically ill. It instills a sense of comfort and relaxation. It can ease physical and emotional discomfort, improve mobility. A lighter touch is generally used.
