Bodywork by Piper, LMT, RN, BA

Q&A for Massage

Questions

What are the benefits of massage?

Who should get a massage?

Why do I need to check with my doctor before receiving a massage?

Answers

What are the benefits of massage?

Massage increases red and white blood cells, improves circulation, and provides more energy. Massage therapy also releases endorphins (the body's natural pain killer.) Massage improves areas of strains, sprains, fibrosis, spasms, and scar tissues. With the help of diet and exercise, massage therapy helps restore the contour of the body by reducing fat deposits. Massage also helps muscles stay flexible to allow athletes to train at a higher level and decrease the chance of injury. Massage therapy can help:

  • Release toxins
  • Relieve stress
  • Eliminate edema
  • Improve muscle tone
  • Increase lymph drainage
  • Stretch connective tissues
  • Increase number of red blood cells -- helpful for anemics
  • Relaxes muscle spasms and relieves tension
  • Massage improves circulation in all body systems

Massage has many benefits. It helps the aches and discomforts that our bodies accumulate, letting us sleep more soundly and feel better! Here are just a few of the conditions that can be helped: headache, fibromyalgia, migraine, low back problems, stress, carpal tunnel, TMJ, chronic fatigue symdrome, constipation, edema, high blood pressure, hypertension, leg cramps, and best of all it feels FABULOUS!!!

Who should get a massage?

Massage can benefit most people of all ages. This list includes most pregnant women, infants, children, teenagers, young adults, and middle-aged and older adults.

Why do I need to check with my doctor before receiving a massage?

While massage generally will benefit most everyone, people with certain conditions should not have a massage. It is important to communicate any illness, treatment, or debilitation to your massage therapist. It is also critical that you check with your doctor before receiving a massage.