Benefits of Massage
Throughout recorded history massage has been used to promote health and well-being. Hippocrates prescribed massage for both patients and athletes. It has been used for thousands of years to relax muscles, eliminate spasms, diminish fatigue and soften connective tissue.
Today, from continuous research of massage therapy techniques, we know that Massage can also be an effective way to combat stress. In short term, a deeply relaxing massage can give you a welcome break and help you feel better both physically and mentally. Over time, you can use massage to develop healthy and productive responses to the stressful challenges in your daily life.
Massage---for what life throws at you!
Massage can help:
- Painful or tight muscles
- Delayed muscle soreness due to exercise or sports
- Post-injury recovery such as tendonitis, ligament strains or muscle strains
- Reduce scar formation or make scar tissue around old injuries more pliable
- Release restrictions in muscles, joints and the muscles’ tough connective tissue covering, freeing your body to return to a more natural posture.
- Increase circulation which helps drain tissue of excess fluid caused by recent injury, surgery or pregnancy
- Pain or tingling in arms or legs due to muscle tension
Choosing a Therapist
The right massage therapist can become an important member of your healthcare team. Massage therapy is an avenue to better health and vitality as well as a calm sanctuary in an other wise turbulent world. This is why the question “how much does it cost”, while important, shouldn’t be the only one you ask.
Here are some important questions to ask before you choose a therapist:
- Are you licensed?
- What kinds of massage are you certified in and what do you practice (if you’re looking for deep tissue work, someone that specializes in spa treatments will disappoint you)
- Have you worked with…..(name your problem)? (experience can determine the outcome)
- What is your office environment like (if you’re hoping for a luxurious spa like environment, a medical practice might not deliver)
- How long have you been in practice ? (practice makes perfect!)
- Do you belong to any massage organizations? (This will help you determine if they are serious about their profession)
- Because Georgia and Alabama are states that license massage therapy, you may go to the Secretary of State’s web site and find out if a therapist is licensed and if there have been any complaints lodged against this individual.
By following these few tips, finding the right therapist may be a little easier. Just don’t give up…the right therapist is out there!