Top 5 Things To Do To Get The Most Out Of Your Massage Treatments

Modern society is revolving around the need to be instant.  With the advancement of technology and the introduction to social media, people can get updates from anything, or find anything wherever they are.  This is migrating to the health care field in which people are expecting instant remedies for their symptoms.  Massage Therapy is centered around helping the body heal naturally to help manage your symptoms.  However, this is a gradual process.  I would like to highlight some things that can help you get the most out of your massage treatments to have your body feeling and functioning it’s best!

1.        Stay Hydrated.  A lot of massage techniques are centered around promoting proper fluid drainage.  This increase in absorption also increases the amount that will need to be eliminated and cause the body to be dehydrated.  Having some water can help restore this imbalance and keep your batteries charged. (Anspaugh, Hamrick, 1991, p.72)

2.       Plan More Time.  With the hustle and bustle of daily life, sometimes people come in and need to rush out.  Although there are some circumstances in which you would need too, by planning a little extra time can help keep your mind and body calm because you do not have to rush out after your treatment.

3.       Go For A Walk.  The human body is designed to move.  By sitting around at work all day (if you have an office or similar job), your muscles will adapt to the position, causing them to stiffen.  A massage treatment will help loosen the tissues and provide better circulation to the tissues.  If you plan about 10 minutes after your treatment to go for a small walk, your body will lengthen and stretch naturally allowing for freer movement and less pain. (Rattray, Ludwig, 2005, p.138-139)

4.       Do Your Exercises.  Remember the exercises I gave you in your Report of Findings?  There is a reason why I gave them to you.  I designed the Report for you to have a better understanding of your body and potential sources of your pain.  That way you will be motivated to stick with the exercise plan.  The exercises are designed to help restore proper function in your body in between treatments because it is rare for a condition to be fully treated with one treatment, and no one can afford to have a massage treatment on a daily basis.  The exercises will provide a happy medium. (Rattray, Ludwig, 2005, p.138)

5.       Something Not Working For You? Speak Up!  If you find that after a couple treatments that you are not where you are expecting to be, you need to say something.  Like I have said before, I am skilled at many things, but reading your mind it’s one of them.  If you want more results, the only way I will know will be if you tell me.  That way we can explore other treatment options and look at a referral if needed.

The human body is an amazing organism that adapts to constant changes to its environment.  Although it takes time to get results, it’s important to keep at it in order for it to restore proper function after being damaged.  By following your treatment plan, doing the recommended exercises, and following the steps listed above, your body will be in tip top shape to help deal with any of life’s challenges.

Until next month, stay well!

References:

Anspaugh, D., & Hamrick, M. (1991). Wellness: Concepts and applications. St. Louis: Mosby Year Book.

Rattray, F., & Ludwig, L. (2005). Clinical Massage Therapy: Understanding, Assessing And Treating Over 70 Conditions (11th ed.). Elora, ON: Talus Incorporated