Questions About Massage

Many of my clients have the same concerns and questions about making massage a part of their lives. These are a handfull of the most common questions I hear everyday. I hope you find these answers interesting and informative.

Why should I get massage?

Just like your car needs regular upkeep, your body and mind do too. It’s not a strange idea; you already know your vehicle requires maintenance. You don’t wait for it to break down before getting an oil change, right? You do it to prevent bigger issues down the line.

Your body is your most complex machine and your most precious resource. So, make sure to look after yourself!

What Can Massage Do For Me?

Massage therapy brings a ton of benefits for your body, mind, and emotions, making it a great choice for overall wellness. On the physical side, it helps relieve pain, ease muscle tension, boost circulation, and improve flexibility. Plus, it can enhance your immune system and support better posture while speeding up recovery from injuries or surgeries by minimizing scar tissue and promoting movement. When it comes to mental and emotional health, massage therapy is fantastic for reducing stress, improving sleep quality, lifting your mood, and sharpening mental focus by lowering cortisol and increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. It's even being explored as a support for ADHD. - In fact that's one of the next research projects I have lined up.

There are also specialized benefits that cater to different needs, like easing pregnancy discomfort, aiding postpartum recovery, helping the elderly, and supporting athletes in both performance and recovery. It can also alleviate symptoms of chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. While it’s not a miracle cure, massage therapy takes a holistic approach that enhances both physical and mental health, making it a valuable addition to any self-care routine or treatment plan.

Is there any harm in waiting to see if a problem will go away on it's own?

Sometimes there is.  The longer you postpone addressing an issue, the more severe your problems may become. No muscle operates in isolation within your body; they interact with one another, exerting influence. This is beautiful, but can lead to complications. When one muscle becomes tight, it exerts undue tension on the adjacent muscles, which in turn may tighten as a response. This tightness can impede blood circulation, resulting in further complications. Over time, you may develop an extensive network of trigger points. The surrounding connective tissue can harden, making it increasingly challenging to manage, and if issues are neglected for an extended period, permanent changes may occur that could impact your overall well-being and mobility for the remainder of your life... No pressure.

How often should I get massages?

Really it depends on your goals.

Is your goal maintenance?

Many people consider regular massages to be an essential part of their fitness routine, both physically and mentally. For some, this might mean scheduling a massage every 2 to 6 weeks, with monthly sessions being ideal for most. The frequency of these treatments largely depends on the level of stress you experience in your daily life and how your body and mind respond to it. This stress can stem from various sources, such as emotional challenges, long hours at a desk, being on your feet for work, engaging in weight training, or training for a marathon. Discovering the right balance and benefitting your overall well-being can be incredibly fulfilling.

Are you in pain or facing a tough situation?

At times, you might find yourself facing a challenge. Whether it's managing pain, recovering from an injury, or adjusting to life with your mother-in-law living with you, it can be tough. Perhaps you've just welcomed a new baby, and those sleepless nights are wearing you down. You might even be dealing with old scar tissue that's hindering your progress.

No matter what the challenge is, it may require more regular treatment. When you're aiming for significant changes or tackling urgent issues, you often need additional bodywork to get ahead of the problem. In those cases I typically recommend a massage once a week to 2 weeks for a time. 

How much edutaion is a massage therapist required to have?

In the state of Colorado you must have 500 hours of training from a certified school.  

Why should I come to A Therapeutic Touch?