Why should I get a Massage?
Therapeutic Massage can be an excellent method for managing everyday aches and pains and recovering from injuries. Occasionally, I hear someone say 'my doctor says massage benefits don't last'... I get a kick out of this, because, what are all the pills they prescribe for..? Is the old saying "Take one of these and you'll never have to call me again."...? I am not trying to knock MDs.. Certainly, I know there are many doctors who recognize the value of , and recommend, more conservative treatments, such as massage, before resorting to drugs, injections and surgery. If I can get you to the point where you are free from say, migraine headaches, just by coming to see me once every month or two, isn't that well worth it, not to mention financially viable..? This has, in fact, happened and I have also seen even more long term benefits.
The "knots" that you have in your back are little sections of permanently, involuntarily shortened (from contraction, use) muscle fibers. Over time, these fibers become more dense, lose circulation, and begin binding to the tissues surrounding them (other muscles, tendons, ligaments and bone).... Then, often, you have PAIN... HEADACHES... STIFFNESS. Sometimes, you can stretch these out, other times your body eventually trains the nerve receptors in your brain to ignore that particular pain so you don't notice it as much. By the time you go to a doctor, this may have lead to more serious injury to less pliable and more poorly healing tissues and structures such as ligaments, cartilage, joints, discs and bone. The Doc, at that point, may not have the option of prescribing more conservative measures. Who wants to avoid going under the knife whenever possible..? Could I get a show of hands?...... Not to say that all serious injuries are a result of this process, but I would like to get a chance to work those knots out before it gets really bad.
What actually happens with deep manual therapy is that we try to break up the knots, tearing muscle fibers on a small scale. This is not as scary as it sounds... this happens when you do a hard workout... the fibers tear, giving them a chance to regrow, bigger and stronger. You don't get more muscle fibers... the ones you have just get better. Have you heard of scar tissue that forms around injury sites? Similar case...This is your body's attempt at protecting you from further injury, but it often causes problems. It is a bit uncomfortable, but this scarring can be manually broken up, giving the tissue a chance to start over and realign itself when a good self-care plan, such as exercise and stretching, is implemented.
At Meyer Massage Therapy, we are serious about wanting to help you attain the best health possible. If we are unable to assist you, we try to maintain a good knowledge of what other health care practitioners might be able to do for you. We refer to Osteopaths, MDs, PTs and DCs in the Boulder/ Longmont area.
These are the basics of what we do as Massage Therapists and if you are interested in learning more, feel free to contact us. We want to assist with your healthcare needs safely and comfortably.
Carla Meyer CMT 303.817.4742
Shaun Meyer CMT 303.818.4140
1601 Great Western Dr. M6 Longmont Colorado 80501
More Benifits of Massage
A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:
- Decreased anxiety.
- Enhanced sleep quality.
- Greater energy.
- Improved concentration.
- Increased circulation.
- Reduced fatigue.
Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits
Effects of massage
Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:
- Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
- Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
- High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
- Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.
Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.