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When should you get massage therapy or bodywork? The question comes up a lot more than you might think. People ask whether they should get massage therapy in the morning, afternoon, or the evening. They want to know if they should come in for massage therapy before they start hurting, or wait until their muscular pain is unbearable. Some ask if it's better before, during, or after a workout or sporting event.
In my San Antonio Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice, Massage By Ben, I answer each and every one of these questions by saying "You should come in every day". My answer is, of course, tongue-in-cheek. I then explain that getting massage therapy everyday would be nice but unnecessary and maybe cost prohibitive. Further, when and how often you get massage therapy is based on the goals you would like to achieve with massage therapy. How we achieve your goals with massage therapy is a little more involved than just a simple Q&A in this article. That should be a live discussion between you and your Massage Therapist or Bodyworker, but what about the basic questions? Let's answer those:
Q1. Should I get my massage therapy in the morning, afternoon, or evening? I don't want to fall asleep at work, but I'd like to feel better during the day.
A1. A lot of people are concerned about this one, but you shouldn't worry. Massage Therapy is relaxing and some people do fall asleep during the session, but that doesn't mean you're going to be sleepy afterward. In fact many people feel more energized as well as relaxed after their massage therapy session. Still, no matter what time of day you get your massage you'll probably sleep better when you do finally go to bed. So, get your massage therapy when it's convenient for you.
Q2. Should I get my massage therapy before my muscular pain starts, or should I wait until it really hurts before I get massage therapy?
A2. In my experience it's much better to get massage therapy to prevent muscular pain or prevent a recurrence of muscular pain. Some Massage Therapists and clients believe that waiting until you're experiencing moderate pain allows them to find the source more easily; however, this is seldom true. Get help early.
Q3. Should I get massage therapy before, during, or after a workout or sporting event?
A3. Yes. There are specialized massage therapy techniques that are designed to assist you in your fitness and athletic endeavors. Sports Massage is often broken down into pre-event, inter-event, and post-event techniques to improve performance and aid in recovery. If you don't have access to massage therapy during each phase of your activity just pick what's most important to you - performance or recovery.
I still believe you should come in everyday if you can because if an "apple a day" is good then a "massage a day" is really, really good. Of course the benefits of massage therapy and bodywork are available to you even if you receive it only once.
Consumers might be astonished at the wide availability and diversity of massage therapy modalities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 80 unique forms of massage therapy - and what's more, the field of massage therapy is gaining in acceptance as a medical supplement to conventional medicine.
Aside from its growing mainstream popularity, massage therapy can be genuinely effective in relieving a broad assortment of common health conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, stress, and other ailments. Acupressure, for example, is specialized bodywork that works similarly to acupuncture; without any needles. This specific massage therapy was recently studied for its effectiveness in treating lower back pain. After a randomized controlled trial, positive results demonstrate that acupressure was more effective than physical therapy; with sustained relief for six months after treatment. [1]
Another great form of massage therapy, healing touch therapy, was also studied at the School of Health [2]. Thirty-five cancer patients received complementary treatment with touch therapy. Remarkably, significant improvements were notated in both physical and psychological functioning.
For those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, you will be pleased to know that you may not need invasive surgery to repair the damage. A matter of fact, recent, documented studies of myofascial release - another massage therapy modality - has proven to be effective in treating this common physical disorder. [3]
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) sufferers need look no further than the technique known as reflexology. Using hand, finger and thumb pressure to specific pressure points on the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands, and on the external ears, reflexology seeks to alleviate pain and other health conditions. In a recent study, women who received reflexology treatment saw a measurable difference and significant decrease of symptoms related to PMS. [4]
Of course there are countless other massage therapy methods that are in practice today; and almost all of these modalities offer some form of relief from a myriad of common health problems. The best way to find out which massage therapy technique works best for you and your health issues is to explore the offerings of professional, licensed in your area. Whether you choose to receive a deep tissue massage; an Oriental medicine massage, like Tuina, or a beautifying face massage, you might just be surprised at the healthful outcome.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like natural healing, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore near you.
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