Decades ago, a doctor once asked, "But, does it last?" This was in response to my request for a referral for massage therapy. In order to have extended medical coverage, a doctor's referral was a requirement.
It wasn't until I arrived home that I had my rebuttal. "Neither does a pill, if not taken regularly."
How does massage therapy help?
Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Imagine a car in need of a wheel balance. It begins to pull in one direction as you drive it, straining to keep it straight on the road. The balance has been disrupted and so you compensate. Your body does the same. That compensation results in pain and restriction of movement. You struggle to do more with less. The functioning of the vehicle that is you is negatively impacted.
Massage therapy - and there are many different types of which to avail yourself - helps to restore function, movement and balance.
If you're wondering if massage therapy is for you, please read the following article.
A note of caution
For years, prior to knowing what I now do about stress, I had no idea that I was undoing the benefits of my massage by activating that cycle of worry, all the while those soothing, healing hands were working to assuage my pain.
So, catch those ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) and replace them with positive thoughts and feelings to help you get the most out of that massage. Not only will you be stopping the chemical cascade that results from those thoughts and feelings, but you will also be enhancing the work that your skilled massage therapist does.
What I notice
When I have a massage, I find that the tightness and restrictions I feel, especially in the fascia, have been erased, allowing for a greater freedom in movement. This enables me to more easily do what I want to do. Less pain. More gain.
Click here for an article about the benefits of massage, posted in Arthritis Today.
Giveaway
I am thrilled to be able to offer residents of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia an opportunity to enter a giveaway for one hour of massage therapy, courtesy of The Body Mechanics Massage Therapy in North Delta.
The personable and friendly practitioners are highly skilled in a broad range of treatment techniques and protocols.
How to enter:
- Leave a comment identifying one of the treatment modalities from The Body Mechanics Massage Therapy that would most appeal to you. You want to be ready for that massage, don't you?!
- On Twitter? For an extra entry share the following: I just entered a #giveaway for a 1 hr. massage from @AuntieStress and @BodyMechanicsMT. http://wp.me/p1OifR-1f7
- You must have a mailing address for the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
- Entries must be submitted by midnight PDT on Friday, June 22nd, 2012.
- The winning entrant will be drawn from a hat. You will be notified via email. Your name will appear here and on Twitter.
I refused to try massage therapy for way too many years.Now I would go every week if I could afford it. And I don’t know if any insurance here in the US would pay for it, but I LOVE your argument. I would never have thought of it, though.
Probably sports massage, though, I believe I will leave it up to the therapist, to find the best treatment for all my aches and pain. 🙂
I am not sure which treatment would best help with my RA, but I am open to discussing them. At the very least a massage would help my muscles which are often tight from pain stress.
Thinking maybe the Neuromuscular Therapy is what I need.
Went for massage therapy before, many years ago now.
Off to do the Twitter part now!
Any massage technique that get me to bed at a reasonable hour? #relaxation?
I take massages regularly. I always feel rejuvenated afterwards.
Wow, nice! I hope I win! I would be interested in the ‘relaxation’ massage.
I would be delighted to win a relax and reduce stress massage. Life and work have been so hectic that I just haven’t been taking the time to ‘pamper’ myself and that’s not good because I know from past experiences that massage really helps to reduce stress and pain but most importantly helps with getting a good nights sleep! Thanks to Auntie Stress for the opportunity to WIN.
Drum roll, please.
And, the winner is . . . Margo!
Congratulations!
Thanks to all of you for taking the time to enter.
WOW that is fabulous, thank you so much Marianna and just know the massage will be even more wonderful since it’s a GIFT!!! So do I just phone the studio and say I won a massage or do I need a certificate to take in?
I sent an email to you.
Thanks to Marianna Paulson for my one hour massage at the Body Mechanics Massage Therapy in Delta. Lisa Nessi gave me one of the best massages I have ever had, such good energy, just the right touch and so professional – I would highly recommend her. I felt fabulous after, very relaxed and no more sore neck. Lisa said I should just rest for a bit once I got home and of course that was a great excuse to just sit and read my book all day, doesn’t take much to convince me!!!