It is always a pleasant surprise when a client emerges from the massage table grinning from ear to ear proclaiming their new found pain-free, restriction-free movements with great delight. For the therapist, we see the positive results of massage every day. But the average person just does not know the good of massage for improving the quality of life during the day to day activities of basic living.
Today, most of us are spending long hours at the computer or driving and our children are involved in not just one but multiple competitive sports. Add to that daily exercise routines, weekend warrior gardening, hiking or biking, and you have the perfect recipe for pain and restriction throughout the body.
After 10 years in this field, there is not a day that passes in which the body does not fail to present its self as a consummate healer and negotiator of imbalances for a variety of reasons and of varying degrees. People just are not able to see the difference massage can make simply by reading about it in a magazine or newsletter. No, the real impact is made on the table.
For example, a pull in the left hamstring muscle may be corrected by opening both Sacroiliac joints, correcting a poor rotation of the right hip joint and then repairing minor muscle tears and /or massaging away minor adhesions created by the imbalance. Or, severe skin discoloration and open, weeping lesions caused by high anxiety may be alleviated by a calm, non-judgmental space in which the therapist (using gloves) applies warm coconut oil in liberal amounts all over the body including the head. Once in an extreme state of relaxation, the body can begin to heal itself. In this case, especially, the therapist is simply a facilitator.
When people see and feel the difference of thoughtfully and correctly applied principles of massage and bodywork, the impact can be profound. If you would like to speak to a therapist about massage and how it can benefit you, please do not hesitate to call. If you area skeptic, we relish the challenge to make you a believer!
Melissa Jarufe, LMT
