Why Massage Therapy Belongs in Your Self Care Routine
When approached with the concept of having a "massage", many of us consider it to be a pricey luxury reserved for a day at a spa and only on an occasional basis. However, Massage therapy is becoming more available for use as an important tool on a regular basis to promote physical health, improve mental wellbeing, and prevent progression of physical issues or chronic conditions.
September is National Self Care month and our goal is to educate our clients on the integral role Massage Therapy can play when performed on a consistent schedule in the clinic setting. Our massage therapist Wyatt approaches massage more medically based on various conditions a client may be managing. And rather than just active issues you may be experiencing, there is value in a preventative basis as well. Mental benefits of massage are an added bonus! Self care isn’t selfish, it is essential. Identifying what your needs are, for body and mind, is crucial in this crazy world. We’d love to help you on your self care path 🩷
Here are some great examples of conditions and studies reinforcing the use of medical massage:
More than one study has shown the effectiveness of massage therapy for the treatment of back pain.
Some studies have suggested the effect that massage therapy can have on migraine headache, promoting better sleep and decreased frequency of migraines.
Osteoarthritis: In the first clinical trial looking at knee OA, participants who received 1 or 2 hours of Swedish technique massage per week noted improvements in pain, stiffness and function that were not present with the control group.
A study showed over the course of 5 weeks Massage therapy decreased pain, anxiety and depression in those suffering with Fibromyalgia.
So what physical benefits can I experience with a massage?
decreased muscle stiffness and joint inflammation
Improved circulation
better quality of sleep
quicker muscle recovery between workouts
improved flexibility
decreased pain and soreness
strengthened immune response
FAQ's answered!
Q: I have had a massage in the past and the pressure was too much/little, what options do I have?
A: Our skilled massage therapist Wyatt has a vast toolbox of techniques that can be modified based on your feedback and by being in close communication with your Physical Therapist or Personal Trainer.
Q: Does insurance cover massage therapy?"
A: Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not recognize Massage Therapy as a covered service.
Q: Do I have to have a specific diagnosis to have massage therapy?
A: No! Wyatt is ready and able to see a variety of clients of all ages and abilities as well as individual preferences for care.
Q: I don't want a full body massage, can I focus on just a certain area for my sessions?
A: Absolutely! Unlike the spa setting, Wyatt can give you the option to utilize a massage chair and/or adapt the treatment table to allow for access to just the areas you would like to be worked on.
Q: What type of massage is offered at Health in Balance?
A: Wyatt offers a wide variety of techniques with a focus on Swedish and Therapeutic Massage.
Ready to add massage to your routine? Call us to schedule 262-236-0176