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How Can Massage Therapy Help You?
National Massage Therapy Awareness Week Oct 21-27, 2018
I am taking a break from my Fall theme of posts just for this week. It is National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, and since I am a Licensed Massage Therapist I could not let it go by without a mention! Here is a summary about how massage therapy works, and some of the benefits. You can read more about how and why I became a LMT in this post, or read this list of popular questions about my career. I also wanted to start with this preface: I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, licensed by the state of PA: #MSG007989. An LMT is not a Doctor, and therefore not allowed to diagnose or prescribe. I may only share information and advice that comes from within my scope of practice as an LMT.
First off, what is Massage Therapy?
According to the very first textbook I received in massage school, Massage is “the systematic or mechanical manipulations of the soft tissues of the body by such movements as rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling, slapping, and tapping, for therapeutic purposes such as promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxation of muscles, relief from pain, restoration of metabolic balance, and other benefits, both physical and mental.” – Steiner Education Group
Massage is one of the oldest forms of alternative medicine, dating back to written findings from 2000 B.C.! It was mostly practiced in the “Eastern Cultures” and made it’s way to Europe around 300 B.C. Massage Therapy and research was not practiced much in the United States until 1856. From then till now, it has come a very long way. We now have so many more modalities (methods) to practice, there is constant research, and it is being more and more accepted by the healthcare community. An important fact to make note of is that massage as a career also becoming more regulated. In most states you must have a License to practice. This and other legislation is what keeps actual Massage Therapists protected and separate from prostitutes, “massage parlors,” and those who may illegally try to claim that they can practice Massage or are Massage Therapists.
How it works, and the many benefits
Some still believe massage is only a “feel good” kind of thing. Wrong! Massage can make you feel good, but is also extremely useful in aiding the body to heal itself it many ways! Many are unaware that Massage directly effects the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and can also effect every other body system. Between the techniques, pressure, and direction of pushing or stretching tissues, Massage can work wonders. Everybody is different, and every body is different! This is why we can not guarantee you will experience any specific benefit. Also, certain benefits might be experienced in certain populations (elderly, children, prenatal, etc) more so than others. Either way it is a wonderful method of preventative, self-care. Most patients I see who have it practiced as part of a regular wellness routine come in at least once a month.
How can massage therapy help you? Here are some examples of conditions Massage Therapy may provide you with relief from:
Since massage causes faster, better circulation through your body systems, releasing of endorphins causing relaxation of both mind and soft tissues, and can relax nerves and deeper connective tissues. Between these and a few other positive anatomical changes caused by proper massage therapy techniques being applied, someone with any of the following conditions or other physical/mental conditions or disorders might find relief.
Migraines/headaches
Sore Muscles/tissues
Arthritis
Carpal Tunnel
Plantar Fasciitis
Anxiety/Stress
Fibromyalgia
Sports Injuries/Sprains/Strains
Sleep Problems
PTSD
TMJ
Bad posture/misalignments
I hope this has been helpful info for those who have always wondered about massage. How can massage therapy help you? In possibly many ways! At least try it for the amazing stress relief! I hope you do, and love it as much as me!
To find a Licensed Massage Therapist near you, please visit:
https://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/index.html
For those who live in the South Central PA area, I currently accept patients in my Carlisle office. I also travel to homes of patients, and offer chair massage for events. Contact me by visiting my website at:
https://jillianbrenemanlmt.amtamembers.com/
Thank you for reading!
Jillian
It was nice to know that massage therapy can cause your nerves to relax which can be beneficial if you’re suffering from migraines or headaches. This is a nice tip for me because I have been experiencing frequent headaches that are not giving me good sleep. I don’t want to experience insomnia and headaches again due to so much stress, so I’ll consider a therapeutic massage soon.