24/04/2024
As a massage therapist who doesn't get worked on much herself, I don't think about this until I do get a massage.
I despise the theory that getting a massage is just a "pamper me" appt. It can be, but it is so much more. When you walk into a massage room you have soft relaxing music playing, the lights are dim, the table is likely nice and warm, soft blankets in the bed, generally nicely decorated and maybe some aromatherapy. Fun fact, those are all tools to enhance your therapy, not just to make it m9re fru fru in there. We want you be relaxed and at ease when you walk in, not all tense and rigid. The bed being warm and toasty helps warm up your skin, and ease tense muscles. Aromatherapy helps ease your mind to relax and aid in getting you in the right mindset to help make your therapy even more beneficial. Massage is more than just getting your muscles and tissue worked on, it's environmental also. We have enough stressors in life, and if your mind isn't quieted for that time frame when on the table your body isn't as receptive to your body work. Massage is also mentally therapeutic as well. We carry our emotions in our muscles, tissues and organs (ie emotional stomach), emotional release is part of the therapeutic process.
A 30m appt once/twice a month to work on those problem areas is more than enough to improve range of motion and quality of life. It doesn't have to cost you a fortune to care for your body, it's the only one you're gonna get. Treat it right.
