03/07/2023
"Unrealistic Expectations"!!
Over the years I have had many in 'need' come to see me to help them with recovery, pain relief and functional treatment.
Generally the people I see usually either have left it too long - untreated - or have tried everything else and still have issues and pain.
Massage can be so helpful in recovery from injury - sport or non sport related - RSI (repetitive strain injury), stress related RSI & dysfunction to mention a few.
Having said that................
Self care should be on top of your list! NO ........ this does not mean you are 'selfish'!
And it need not cost the earth when seeking a professional for help. Look around and try before you buy if you can or seek opinions and referrals - word of mouth.
Self care involves a sensible diet, exercise, sleep, time-out with family and friends and importantly - Therapy & Recovery.
Unless you are suffering from a recent injury, this should all be a part of your daily, weekly, monthly routine.
Unrealistic expectations come into play when you know you have an issue and fail to do something about it for a long time - this can be years!
Don't just come for one Massage Treatment and expect to be instantly cured! That is unrealistic ☝️!
Think about how long it has taken you to get into this state in the first place - if it is chronic and not a new/sudden injury - and then ask yourself how long you have put up with this pain for??
Day's, week's, month's, years???
A Massage Therapist can be fantastic & know exactly what to treat and how. But.......we cannot create a 'miracle' in one hour. We are not the hand of God' so to speak or a magician or a wizard!
The human body is an amazing machine and can heal itself very well given the right tools' to do so. These are mentioned above.
I am sure many Athletes & professionals will agree with me here.
As for the average person - a lot of muscle, postural, pain issues can come from everyday life. Stress built up over time causes many of these issues as you are constantly tense, spend most of your day in the same position. This is generally from the work we do every day and usually also goes along with a lack of self care.
Therapists of all different kinds can be so beneficial and get great healing results. A physio will take you so far but then what? The treatments end and you are still not fully recovered - right?
Time to get into strength training, progressive rehab exercises, progressive other treatments like - massage therapy, mobility, swimming, gym exercises, chiropractor perhaps. You also need to help yourself to heal - don't expect others to do that for you forever! You need to take the initiative and ownership of your progress. Regular rehab & therapy will get you there along with all that I have mentioned.
This photo below is of 'me' at the 'Cross Fit Physio' a few years back. Sporting injury. That was 6/8 months of constant treatment and rehab, strength training to rectify. Well worth it my friends. I would not be treating anyone today if I did not practice what I preach!
So next time you say to yourself - 'god i am so tired of this pain or issue' ................ think about what you can do to help yourself. You only have one body - look after it ☝️🤨.
