Establish Healthy Habits, Get Regular Massage!
Team Joy
Massage has been
practiced for thousands of years. Today, if you want a massage, there
are 80 massage therapy styles to choose from, with a wide variety of
pressures, movements and techniques. Massage is no longer available only
through luxury spas and upscale health clubs, but offered by
businesses, clinics, hospitals and even shopping malls. Many individuals
are currently enjoying and exploring the many health benefits of
massage therapy.
Certified massage therapists study and practice Swedish Massage, Deep
Tissue, Stretching Techniques, Spinal Alignment, Reflexology, Thai
Massage, Reiki, Pre and Post Pregnancy Massage, Aroma Therapy and Hot
Stone Massage. There are numerous health rewards in having massage
therapies and treatments. Trained therapists can assist in relieving
pain and improving body function.
“Massage therapy lowers blood pressure, promotes deeper breathing and
increases blood flow to allow for greater range of motion in the areas
of restriction,” said Kennon Wesley Mason, a massage therapist who is
nationally certified with the National Certification Board of
Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. “It also helps to release toxins from
the muscles and Lymphatic System and this allows the body to function
more efficiently.”
“Most of my clients utilize my service for pain relief and to improve
function,” said Patty Adamik, a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist.
“More people are using massage therapy for specific health conditions
rather than just relaxation.”
The health benefits of massage go far beyond simply feeling good. In a
high-stress society, massage can be the best remedy. It can also help to
reconnect the mind and body while creating an overall sense of
well-being. Massage therapy can also be highly beneficial with
conditions such as pregnancy.
“In several studies, pregnancy massage is shown to reduce cortisol
levels; this stress hormone is linked to prematurity, low birth weight
and depression in pregnant women,” said Sherrie Tennessee, a massage
therapist and owner of a Sherrie Tennessee Consulting, a spa development
company.
The types of clients massage therapists are treating range from the
tired mom to the stressed out executive to athletes. However, most
therapists see people with work-related conditions as well as working to
counteract the effects of aging.
“The average clients I’ve worked with have office or desk jobs where
they’re sitting for hours on end, which can cause stress on the neck or
tension headaches from staring at a computer monitor on a daily basis,”
said Mason.
“Mostly I work with clients who are starting to see the effects of
aging and want to stay functional and pain free so that they can do what
they love and enjoy. Many of my clients are women who want to maintain a
youthful, flexible body with natural good posture. They are interested
in taking care of themselves and make massage therapy a regular part of
their routine,” said Adamik.
Most of the therapists agree that massage therapy should be an ongoing
process and not a one-time event. Most people will receive the most of
its health benefits when they make massage a part of their regular
routine and lifestyle.
“Massage needs to be ongoing; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound
of cure. In receiving massage on a regular basis, clients will reduce
stress levels, which cause so many other diseases,” said Tennessee.
“Massage can also be used to complement other therapies such as chiropractic, physical therapy or acupuncture,” said Adamik.
To get the most from massage therapy, do some research and find a
therapist that is a good fit for you. There are many specialties such as
elder massage, sports massage and pregnancy massage. Ask questions and
find out which one is best for you. Plus, be equally open with your
potential therapist about your health conditions. “The more information you provide a massage therapist regarding your
lifestyle and activities, the easier it will be for the therapist to
tailor treatments to your specific conditions,” said Adamik.
