Massage for Caregivers: Nurses, Doctors & Hospital Workers

On November 26, 2018   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Massage for Caregivers: Nurses, Doctors & Hospital Workers

Caregivers, such as nurses, doctors, and hospital workers, are often so busy caring for others they seldom think about taking care of themselves. This is precisely why giving the gift of massage to the caregiver in your life could be the best gift ever!

Massage administered to hospital patients is a fairly common practice.  Most hospitals have an in-patient massage program. According to research conducted in January 2017, 82 percent of hospital patients claimed massage therapy was the most helpful form of hospital therapy.

So, that helps the patients in hospitals, but what about the caregivers?

The Benefits of Massage for Caregivers and Hospital Workers

Massage offered to hospital staff usually consists of 10- to 20-minute chair massages on the hospital floor or unit. This is great for alleviating stress and tension. While this is an extremely beneficial service, many people who work long hours on their feet need more personal massage therapy. A longer, full body massage can target specific areas of tight muscles and pain.

The benefits of massage therapy for caregivers are twofold; the physical benefits and the mental benefits. Caregivers are wired to think of others and be concerned about their health and comfort. To have an hour or 90 minutes where they get to concentrate on themselves and receive care is invaluable. Not only will they experience the physical benefits of being able to do there jobs better, but they will have the mental capacity to keep caring for those that need them.caregivers

Nurses: On their feet for long hours and having to cope with ever-increasing patient loads, demanding schedules, paperwork, follow-up, and other responsibilities can exact a heavy toll on nurses. Work-related stress and related symptoms is often the result.

Many research studies have been conducted that demonstrate the effectiveness of massage therapy for chronic low back pain – a condition affecting millions of Americans, including nurses.

Researchers found that patients receiving massage were twice as likely as those receiving usual care to report significant improvements in both their pain and function.

Doctors: Like nurses, doctors work long hours and are on their feet most of the time. Emergency room doctors massage for caregiverswork in a high-paced, high-stress environment. Surgeons have to have a lot of stamina for long operations and follow-up consultations. Doctors experience mental stress and physical strain too. Doctors use fine motor skills all day, much like a computer worker.

  • Hunched shoulders
  • Stooped back
  • Cramped hands
  • Tired feet
  • Aching back

Physicians are very good at knowing what their patients need, however, they may not follow the same advice for themselves.

Remind a caregiver you know to take time for themselves. Go one step further and give the gift of massage and wellness to those who give us so much.

Book Now!

Everyone needs to take time for themselves. However, we often forget how important it is in order to be the best versions of ourselves for others.

Purchase a gift certificate or book a massage today! Call All Body Kneads at 517-898-2899

caregivers

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Massage for Retail Workers and Cashiers

On October 23, 2018   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Massage for Retail Workers and Cashiers

The holidays are upon us and for many people in the retail business, that means longer hours and an increase in work related stress. It is extremely important to take care of yourself all year round, but the holidays can induce extra issues.

Treat yourself this season to massage therapy and enjoy your work more with less back ache and shoulder twinges.

Note: Don’t ignore your body when new aches and pains develop. It is easy to brush these off and tell yourself, “I am just busier than normal. It will go away.” This can lead to chronic and debilitating pain if left untreated.

Retail workers spend a lot of time standing, lifting, stocking, stretching, carrying, and more. These types of activities are hard to endure for long periods of time day after day.

The Stats for Retail Workers

The NIOSH released a report in March 2010 that evaluated injuries and illnesses in the wholesale and retail trade industries. The study was the most comprehensive of its kind, and the results were surprising.

It is a common misconception that the retail industry is relatively safe. The report uncovered that the retail industry actually experiences a disproportionately high number of both injuries and fatalities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006, approximately 820,500 injuries and 581 fatalities occurred among the 21 million retail workers in the United States.

Common Injuries in the Retail Industryretail worker injuries

Retail workers themselves often discount their own injuries, or don’t recognize the symptoms. Don’t let this be you!

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system (i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, blood vessels, etc.).

The pain associated with these types of injuries include back pain, muscle pain, joint pain and more. If left untreated, these injuries may lead to disability.

Common MSDs include:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Tendonitis
  • Muscle / Tendon strain
  • Ligament Sprain
  • Tension Neck Syndrome
  • Thoracic Outlet Compression
  • Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
  • Epicondylitis
  • Radial Tunnel Syndrome
  • Digital Neuritis
  • Trigger Finger / Thumb
  • DeQuervain’s Syndrome
  • Mechanical Back Syndrome
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Ruptured / Herniated Disc,
  • and many more.

The good news is that most of these types of injuries are preventable. Proper training, ergonomic workstations, and self-care can help you avoid these issues.

How Can Massage Help Retail Injuries?

Two non-evasive and holistic ways to treat MSDs is include mental relaxation and massage for pain. Both of these can improve overall health, mental energy and muscle pain.

All Body Kneads recommends regular massage and mental relaxation techniques for all retail workers BEFORE you develop any symptoms or pain. Prevention is the best way to combat MSDs.

Massage therapy can:

  • Be more effective for chronic back pain than standard therapiesMassage for Retail workers
  • Promote relaxation and alleviate the perception of pain
  • Reduce headaches
  • Stimulate the brain to produce endorphins
  • Promote better sleep

Physicians and other health care providers are increasingly recommending massage therapy to their patients as a supplement to conventional health care.

Need more convincing?

Can’t you just feel your muscles relaxing, your breath deepening, and a calm setting over your mind?

At All Body Kneads, we specialize in helping you feel your best so you can do your best.

Give us a call today at 517-898-2899 or schedule an appointment online.

You can also email for an appointment or with any questions at bilky@allbodykneads.com.

We’d also be happy to talk to your work place about at in-house wellness and chair massage program.

Feel better today!

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Massage for Factory Workers and Warehouse Employees

On August 22, 2018   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Massage for Factory Workers and Warehouse Employees

The 3rd most popular type of job in Michigan is factory and warehouse work. As with any type of manual labor–it can take a toll on your body. That is why massage for factory workers is so important and EFFECTIVE!

Work wellness programs have become extremely popular over the last several years. Unfortunately they concentrate on office settings and haven’t quite branched out to the more physically demanding jobs such as factories and warehouses.

These types of jobs pose the following work related issues:

  • standing for long periods of time
  • overexertion
  • body movement injuries
  • heaving lifting
  • repetitive movement
  • bending and squatting
  • slips and falls
  • equipment and object injuries

All of these types of activities, when performed regularly, can have a negative impact on the body. Fortunately, massage for factory workers and warehouse employees can provide much relief from the negative side effects of manual labor.

Not only will massage for factory workers combat the physical stresses to the body, it helps workers perform their tasks better it also reduces stress.

What Types of Massage for Factory Workers and Warehouse Employees?

There are many types of massage, however, the following are recommended for manual labor jobs:

Swedish MassageMassage for Business Executives 2

This is one of the most well-known types of massage and is sometimes called a “classic massage.” It uses long gliding strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the body. Massage lotion or oil is applied to reduce friction on the skin during a session. This type of massage helps ease joint pain, muscle aches and stiffness. It also improves circulation, and facilitate healing after an injury. It is highly adaptable, and could be very gentle and relaxing.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massages, as the name implies, go deeper into the muscles than a regular or Swedish massage. It can help with rehabilitation after an injury, chronic muscle pain, and conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis. It is often combined with other types of massage.

Chair Massagechair massage

Chair massages are also known as seated or on-site massages. The fully-clothed client sits on a specially-designed chair, which facilitates the session. The massage is concentrated mainly on the back, arms and hands of the client. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, such as Swedish and Deep Tissue massages. An advantage of this type of massage is its versatility and portability. This is a great way for employers to provide the wellness benefits of massage to employees.

All Body Kneads provides onsite chair massage to all types of business and industries. For more information please call 517-898-2899.

Book a massage online today!

Massage for Factory Workers

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Massage for Business Executives & Managers

On July 17, 2018   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Massage for Business Executives & Managers

Do you know why massage for business executives is so important?

Well, for one thing…your employees will thank you. Massage for business executives and managers benefits everyone.

Massage therapy is still often thought of as a luxury activity or something you splurge on while taking a cruise. However, a therapeutic massage (versus a relaxation massage) is one of the best ways to combat stress and fatigue.

Most executives and managers deal with a certain amount of stress because managing people can be hard. There are also some very positive and compelling reasons for massage for business executives. Read this short list of reasons for why executives and managers should incorporate massage therapy into their regular self-care regime–and then a book a massage today!

Related: Why Office Workers Need Massage Therapy

1. Massage for executives helps with creativity.

There is no better way to come up with new ideas and problems solving techniques than to recharge one’s batteries. Sometimes you need to take a step back from a situation, relax, and get your mind off of it, in order to find the solution. This is why some of our best ideas happen in the shower or when we are least expecting it. A massage is proactive way to clear your mind and make space available for all the creative thinking that is just waiting to happen.

Massage for Business Executives 2

2. Massage relieves pain.

Working in an office, sitting at a desk for long periods of time, and ignoring the signs of stress can lead to back and shoulder pain.

The Mayo clinic also reports that massage helps with:

Massage has also been known to help with high blood pressure, which is often an issue in high stress jobs and tends to creep up as we get older.

massage for business executives back pain

3. Massage helps you sleep better.

Let’s face it–we could all use better sleep. Although we all know that we need 8 hours of sleep every night, many people still try to get by with 6-7 hours, and often even less. At the same time, we’ve seen an increase in health problems like obesity, heart issues due to stress, and chronic fatigue. We trudge through our days, and drink quantities of caffeine in an effort to just function at minimum levels.

Better quality sleep leads to:

  • Physical energy
  • Mental alertness
  • Appetite control
  • Healthy immune system
  • Ability to combat stress

Even if you aren’t experiencing high levels of stress or pain, increased quality of sleep can do wonders for your outlook.

Massage Therapy and Healthy Sleep

4. Massage can boost your immune system.

Hopefully you generally like your coworkers and employees, but that doesn’t mean you want to share their illnesses with them. Office environments with closed windows and circulating air make sharing germs a lot easier. You can use all the defenses you can get to combat contracting even a common cold–which will drag you down and decrease productivity. Another great reason for massage for business executives is to boost your immune system.

Massage for Business Executives

5. Massage can help increase your productivity.

If you feel good you are able to perform better. If you add regular massage to your schedule you are guaranteeing you are doing something for yourself that will also benefit your career and those around you. Why would you pass that up? For an added bonus you can offer a corporate wellness benefit to your employees with chair massage.

Benefits of Chair Massage

  • Reduces the physical and mental effects of stress, helping reduce burnout and stress-related disease
  • Reduces the adverse effects of sitting for long periods of time in the same position, such as at a desk or other workstation.
  • Relives physical problems associated with repetitive tasks, for example, computer work, sorting, filing, and assembly line tasks.
  • Improves alertness and the ability to focus, an antidote for work slumps
  • Helps relieve common problem conditions such as tension headaches and stiff and sore muscles.
  • Increases employee morale
  • Leaves employees feeling revitalized and ready to return to work.

This type of massage is very popular with employers and employees for several reasons:

  • You feel better right away with immediate positive effects
  • It requires no effort on the part of the receiver
  • It is an easy health practice to take advantage of
  • It complements other wellness programs
  • It works for everybody, from the corporate office to the warehouse to the mail room

Book a chair massage today!

chair massage

Need more convincing?

Can’t you just feel your muscles relaxing, your breath deepening, and a calm setting over your mind?

At All Body Kneads, we specialize in helping you feel your best so you can do your best. Give us a call today at 517-898-2899 or schedule an appointment online.

You can also email for an appointment or with any questions at bilky@allbodykneads.com.

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Why Office Workers Need Massage Therapy

On June 21, 2018   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Why Office Workers Need Massage Therapy

Office workers need massage therapy due to the repetitive nature of their jobs. Sitting, typing, and talking on the phone can all contribute to sore, stiff muscles and headaches. Sound familiar?

Do you have a point somewhere in the middle of your back, maybe slightly to the right or left, that is rock hard?

Is your neck stiff? Do you get tension headaches? Is your jobs stressful at times?

All these things add up to needing a really good massage.

Sure, you probably stretch here and there. Get up once in awhile for a quick break–but this just isn’t taking care of the soreness.

Related: Bringing On-site Chair massage to the Workplace

5 Reasons Office Workers Need Massage Therapy

The way your neck and shoulders feel right now is probably enough of a reason to convince you that you could benefit from a massage. Just in case you need some more reasons, the following list explains medically how you will benefit from massage therapy.

1. Poor Posture

How often do you think about how you are sitting at your desk? Probably not enough. People who work at a deck tend to:office workers need massage therapy

  • Slouch
  • Tuck a leg underneath them
  • Tilt to one side
  • Use a desk and/or chair that is either too high or too low

Does this sound like you? How are you sitting right now?

Office workers need massage therapy to correct poor posture.

2. Stress

Very few people have zero stress at their jobs. Office jobs tend to involve more than the average amount of stress–emotionally and physically. Emotional stress can also cause you to feel stiff and sore. Massage therapy combats both types of stress by offering a relaxing and soothing environment for your nerves while physically working out the knots and stress your body is holding.

Office workers need massage therapy to manage stress.

office workers need massage therapy

3. Limited Mobilityoffice workers need massage therapy

Our bodies were not meant to do any one thing for long period of time–including sitting. Desk work does not allow for a very big range in your daily movement. Typing is extremely repetitive.

The combination of limited range and repetition wreaks havoc on the muscles and joints. It makes you tense up.

Office workers need massage therapy to get their muscles and joints moving more freely.

4. Productivity

When you feel well you are able to get more work done. You will be much more efficient, have a better attitude, and enjoy your work more. This is a great case for suggesting that your boss or manager look into having a massage therapist come to the office on a regular basis to provide chair massage to the staff. Show him or her this article.

Related: Chair Massage is a Good Investment for a Healthy Business

5. Preventing Pain

Taking steps now to treat your current back pain and stress will make it easier to prevent further pain in the future. Once your current issues are addressed, continuing regular massage is a maintenance program for your well-being.

office workers need massage therarpy

Need more convincing?

Can’t you just feel your muscles relaxing, your breath deepening, and a calm setting over your mind?

At All Body Kneads, we specialize in helping you feel your best so you can do your best. Give us a call today at 517-898-2899 or schedule an appointment online.

You can also email for an appointment or with any questions at bilky@allbodykneads.com.

We’d also be happy to talk to your office about at in-house wellness and chair massage program.

Feel better today!

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Can Massage Help with High Blood Pressure?

On May 21, 2018   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Can Massage Help with High Blood Pressure?

Have you recently been diagnosed with High Blood pressure or prehypertension?

Well, you aren’t alone. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, one in every three Americans, or 31.3 percent, has high blood pressure. In addition, about 1 in 5 U.S. adults with high blood pressure don’t know that they have it. This is serious considering that elevated blood pressure can lead to:

  • damaged organshigh blood pressure
  • heart attack
  • heart failure
  • stroke
  • aneurysms
  • kidney failure

According to The Mayo Clinic, risk factors for elevated blood pressure include:

  • Being overweight or obese. A primary risk factor is being overweight. The greater your body mass, the more blood you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. As the volume of blood circulated through your blood vessels increases, so does the force on your artery walls.
  • Age.  Many older adults have progressed from elevated blood pressure to high blood pressure, and the risk of high blood pressure increases as you age.
  • Sex. High blood pressure is more common in men than in women. Through about age 64, high blood pressure is more common in men. Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after age 65.
  • Race. High blood pressure is particularly common among people of African heritage, often developing at an earlier age than it does in white people.
  • Family history of high blood pressure. High blood pressure tends to run in families. If a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, has high blood pressure, you’re more likely to develop the condition.
  • Not being physically active. Not exercising can increase your risk of high blood pressure and increase your risk of being overweight.
  • Diet high in salt (sodium) or low in potassium. Sodium and potassium are two key nutrients in the way your body regulates your blood pressure. If you have too much sodium or too little potassium in your diet, you’re more likely to have high blood pressure.
  • Tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco or even being around other people who are smoking (secondhand smoke) can increase your blood pressure.
  • Drinking too much alcohol. Drinking more than two drinks a day if you’re a man or more than one drink a day if you’re a woman can increase your blood pressure. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.
  • Certain chronic conditions. Certain chronic conditions — including kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea — may increase the risk of elevated blood pressure.

Massage and High Blood Pressure

While massage alone probably won’t control diagnosed high blood pressure, it can certainly be part of an overall treatment plan. Often times stress is also a contributing factor to elevated blood pressure–so finding healthy ways to relax and find balance and calm will help. Massage can help with a wide range of issues and symptoms having to do with a lot of conditions, not just high blood pressure.

Massage can also improve sleep and help with chronic headaches (often a sign of high blood pressure).

Be sure to talk with your physician before scheduling a massage if you are being treated for high blood pressure. It is always a good idea to inform your primary care doctor of all other medical or natural treatments you are receiving.

Relaxation, stress management, and better sleep can all be achieved through massage. This can also potentially lead to lower blood pressure.

Call to schedule a massage today or check out our online calendar. Your heart will thank you for it!

517-898-2899

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Can Massage Help with Scar Tissue?

On March 30, 2018   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Can Massage Help with Scar Tissue?

Do you have unwanted scar tissue that is painful and bothers you? Have you wondered, “Can Massage Help with Scar Tissue?”

The answer is YES!

What is SCAR TISSUE?

Scar tissue itself is the body’s normal method for healing body parts that are injured. Scar tissue is formed by collagen. After an injury, your body lays down collagen that will become normal healthy tissue.

How does one get it?

After surgery, scar tissue will develop where the surgical incision is in the skin.

After injuries like a hamstring tear or rotator cuff tear, scar tissue will develop in the muscle as it heals.

How Can Massage Help with Scar Tissue?

In general, the scar must be fully closed and no scabbing present to begin scar massage.  Your doctor should assess your scar before beginning scar massage.

Management of scar tissue through massage, stretching, and exercise is essential to ensure proper remodeling of the scar takes place and normal mobility and function are restored.

What is involved with Scar Tissue Massage?

Usually, a small amount of lubrication is used during scar massage. This is used to keep the scar and skin pliable and soft.

Cross friction massage is commonly used in the treatment of tendonitis and muscle strains or ligament sprains.  This involves using one or two fingers to massage your scar in a direction that is perpendicular to the line of the scar.

Myofascial Release is often used to manage scar tissue and the adhesion that may accompany scar tissue. The technique involves using the hands to massage the skin and underlying tissues around the scar. Motions are slow and the amount of force used is usually light.

How long does this take?

In general, it takes about six to eight weeks to fully remodel injured tissue in the body.  A massage therapist will take it slow and provide a nice, long duration low-load stress to your scar tissue.

All Body Kneads Massage Therapy can help you with unwanted scar tissue. Give us a call today or visit our website to schedule an appointment and continue the healing process.

517-898-2899

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Massage For Seniors: Healthy Aging Benefits

On January 31, 2018   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Massage For Seniors: Healthy Aging Benefits

Massage for Seniors: Feeling Good at Any Age

Massage for seniors is incredibly helpful in maintain flexibility and movement. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Therapeutic massage can help you feel good at any age, including seniors. It is especially beneficial as you grow older.

Massage can:

  • improve general health
  • address problem conditions
  • improve sleep
  • enhance quality of life

Challenges of Aging

Even though aging is a normal life process, there are things we can do to lessen the effects and slow the process.

Some physical effect of aging include:

  • decrease in general mobility
  • decrease in muscular strength
  • slower nerve conduction
  • less tissue elasticity
  • thinner and drier skin
  • loss of bone mass
  • decreased function of the senses
  • less efficient immune system

Chronic stress and inactivity can accelerate the aging process. Luckily, therapeutic massage combats both of these issues.

Related: Arthritis and Massage Therapy

Benefits of Massage for Seniors and the Elderly

Enhances General Health

Massage can be introduced to any health maintenance plan at any age. It helps keep the body and mind functioning optimally.

Massage Reduces the Negative Effects of Stress

As mentioned above, stress and anxiety can accelerate the aging process. Massage can help reduce the physical and mental effects of these debilitating conditions.

The elderly are particularly at risk because of:

  • accumulated losses
  • frustrations
  • possible isolation
  • lack of human touch
  • loss of independence

Massage for Seniors helps to:

  • enhance general relaxation
  • reduce muscular tension and associated discomfort
  • reduce anxiety
  • improve sleep
  • increase feeling of well-being

Mobility and Independence

Massage for seniors can help you keep the flexibility and strength needed to accomplish the activities of every day life. For example:

  • getting up out of a chair
  • walking
  • climbing stairs
  • driving a car
  • getting in an out of the bathtub or shower

Massage for Seniors Supports Fitness Programs

Regular exercise and movement is vital to lifelong fitness and slowing the aging process. Therapeutic Massage can be an important addition to an exercise routine. Benefits include:

  • Reducing injury and soreness
  • Relaxes tight muscles
  • Relieves muscle aches and stiffness
  • Speeds recovery from exercise

A Caring Touch

For seniors who are home bound, have lost independence and loved ones, massage can provide a caring touch. It also provides personal interaction and communication.

Related: Types of Massage and What to Expect During a Massage

Massage therapist can visit you in your home or residence or you can visit their office to receive a massage. Which ever is easiest for you.

Please check with your medical health provider first before getting a massage.

Also, please read our article on Massage for Alzheimer’s Patients and Dementia Care, as massage can be very helpful with this disease.

Schedule  A Massage Today

I have experience with massage for seniors and elderly care. I am also a cancer survivor and have extensive experience and a passion for helping cancer patients and survivors. Discounts are available for cancer patients, survivors and veterans. Call today to find out more information. 517-898-2899

massage for seniors

References:

Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging. Creagan, E., MD., editor. Rosetta Books, 2014

Ayarti, M. and Azarani, A. Paths to Healthy Aging. Amazon Digital Services. 2014

Rose, M.K. Comfort Touch: Massage for the Elderly and Ill. Baltimore: LWW, 2009

Therapeutic Massage for Healthy Aging by Patricia J. Benjamin, Ph.D. and Victoria Carmona.

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Fibromyalgia Relief with Massage

On January 15, 2018   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Fibromyalgia Relief with Massage

Do You Have Fibromyalgia?

If you have Fibromyalgia, or you suspect you do, you know all too well the frustrating pain that comes and goes and moves around. It doesn’t help that your pain is compounded by the negative effects of everyday stress.

Pain is stressful. It’s a vicious cycle.

Massage can help break that cycle.

Massage as part of your Fibromyalgia treatment planFibromyalgia and massage

Not only can massage help with the pain of Fibromyalgia, but research studies confirm that massage helps calm the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep.

At this time, there is no known cure for Fibromyalgia. Each patient is different and treatment plans can include a combination of therapies to relieve symptoms.

Massage is a natural remedy for treating some of the major symptoms and is backed by sound research studies.

The benefits of therapeutic massage for Fibromyalgia suffers include:

The Best Time for Massage for Fibromyalgia

The symptoms of Fibromyalgia can vary from mild to severe. Some patients find massage helpful even during severe flare-ups. Others prefer to wait until their pain is at a lower level to receive massage. Your health care provider and massage therapist may be able to help you decide, but ultimately you know what is best for you!

Call me today to discuss your symptoms and how massage therapy can help! 517.898.2899

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How Often Should You Get a Massage?

On February 1, 2013   /   Massage Therapy   /   2 Comments
How Often Should You Get a Massage?

MassageOne of the most common questions about massage therapy is how often one should get a massage. The right answer differs from client to client.

How often you get a massage depends on many factors. These include:

  • your general health
  • the reason for getting a massage
  • how you felt after your last session
  • your time
  • your budget

Today I’ll focus on the purpose of your massage as a factor in deciding how often to schedule your appointments.

Why Are You Getting a Massage?

Before you and your massage therapist decide on a schedule, you need to talk about why you’re coming in for treatment and the specific modalities that will be used.

General Relaxation

Some people get massages for health maintenance and general relaxation. The purpose of these sessions is to support proper body functions, including blood circulation and joint flexibility. Regular sessions like these prevent pain, stress points, and muscle tension from building up. Massage therapy for relaxation may be scheduled every three or four months.

Stress Relief

In spite of regular massages for relaxation, there may be times when you will experience periods of higher stress and greater muscle tension. If you are in a high-stress job or work in an environment that requires you to be in one position for a prolonged period of time, you may develop tightly-knotted muscles in your back, arms and shoulders. These may result in reduced movement and significant pain. In addition, constant stress increases your risk of heart disease. To help you cope with high-stress situations, get a massage once or twice a month.

Sports Performance and Recovery

Athletes and other individuals who engage in intense physical activity require specialized massage therapy to enhance performance, prevent injury, and speed up their muscles” recovery. Competitive sports, for example, puts a lot of stress on the body. Massage therapy helps to strengthen muscles before the activity, and to heal afterward. The frequency of sessions may range from one to three times a week to three times a month.

Treatment of Chronic Issues

If massage therapy is performed as part of treatment for specific issues, the frequency varies according to the type of illness or injury, as well as overall health. Relief from chronic pain may only be achieved after a program of therapy that includes up to three sessions a week, and additional sessions at diminishing frequency over a few months. Chronic issues that may benefit from massage therapy include back pain, joint pain and localized inflammation.

Pregnancy Massage

Expectant moms experience a range of aches and pains as their pregnancies progress. These include back pain and swelling of the ankles. Regular massage sessions, performed by a certified pregnancy massage therapist, may help ease these discomforts particularly toward the end of the pregnancy. A once- or twice-a-month massage will go a long way towards helping you feel great. As always though, check with your doctor to make sure a massage is appropriate for you during pregnancy. ** There are many other reasons people come in for massage therapy.

Additional Considerations

Likewise, there are additional considerations to take when you think about how often to get a massage.

These include the following:

  • Your General Health. If you are a fairly healthy person, with no injuries or chronic conditions, you can pretty much get a massage as often as you want. If you”re suffering from an injury or chronic illness that could benefit from massage, you might come in for regular treatment with a focus on your specific condition.
  • How You Felt After Your Last Session.  Every time you get a massage, you should evaluate whether you are getting the maximum benefits that you want. If your chronic pain is getting better through massage, you and your therapist might change your schedule accordingly.
  • Your Resources. Your time and finances are important factors to consider when scheduling your appointments. Make the most out of your resources by going to an excellent therapist and by using coupons and special offers.

If you want to know more about how often to get massage therapy that would work for your situation and resources, contact me today.

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