By Valerie Carsey
Over the years, I have had numerous clients miss a month of their regular massage appointments and return saying, “I really noticed the difference.” However, many people only visit a massage therapist for a “special occasion” or in response to an injury or accident.
Maintenance massage involves a consistent routine, typically every 4-6 weeks, as part of a preventative health and wellness strategy. I recently watched a video on Precision Neuromuscular Therapy by Doug Nelson, where he mentioned discussing massage with a class of medical students. When asked if they considered massage to be a form of medicine, they all agreed.
In our daily lives, repetitive movements from work, household tasks, or carrying children; poor sleep habits; unbalanced diets; and sore muscles from exercise are just a few reasons why regular massage can be beneficial.
Massage offers a wide array of benefits, including:
- Improving circulation
- Reducing muscle tension
- Increasing joint range of motion and flexibility
- Decreasing inflammation
- Strengthening the immune system
- Lowering stress levels
- Enhancing relaxation
- Reducing anxiety
- Improving focus
- Improving sleep
- Enhancing athletic performance
- Relieving constipation
- Boosting overall quality of life
Specialized modalities, such as CranioSacral Therapy or Manual Lymphatic Drainage, can also address more complex health conditions, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, grief, and anxiety.
While massage might not be the ultimate solution to underlying medical issues, it can complement other medical practices like surgery, medication, or changes in diet and exercise. Massage can play a critical role in managing health conditions and improving overall well-being.
As we look forward to 2025, consider placing self-care at the forefront of your priorities. Incorporating a maintenance massage schedule into your routine can be an excellent step toward optimizing your preventative health care plan.
Edited by AI
References
-Massage Therapy, What You Knead to Know, NIH News in Health, July 2012 https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/07/massage-therapy
-Kennedy AB, Cameron JA, Dexheimer JM, Trik JL, Saunders RP. Advancing Health Promotion Through Massage Therapy Practice: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. Prev Med rep. 2018 May 11; 11:49-55. DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.05.001 PMID: 29984138; PMCID: PMC6030570
-Massage Therapy for Health: What the Science Says, NCCIH Clinical digest for Health Professionals, November 2018 https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/massage-therapy-for-health-science
Valerie Carsey, LLC 