Brush aside any thoughts that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. To the contrary, massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever. Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.  Massage is no longer available only through luxury spas and upscale health clubs. Today, massage therapy is offered in businesses, clinics, hospitals and even airports. If you've never tried massage, read further to learn about its health benefits, what to expect and so much more! 

Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage:

• Alleviates low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assists with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Eases medication dependence.
• Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Helps athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improves the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
• Increases joint flexibility. 
• Lessens depression and anxiety.
• Promotes tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduces postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduces spasms and cramping.
• Relaxes and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Releases endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieves migraine pain.
  

A Massage A Everyday...
Bob Hope was my client for 7 years.  He got a massage every day for 63 years. Bob Hope said that a good massage is one of the greatest pleasures in life with many therapeutic benefits. ~Judy Kemecsei

Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

• Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
• Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
• Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
• Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
• Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat post-surgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Are there Risks to Receiving Massage?
Most people can benefit from massage. In our office we have seen hundreds of clients who all have a sense of complete well-being before, during and after their sessions. There are however some clients with medical issues in which, massage may not be appropriate. Here are some examples:

• Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medication
• Burns or healing wounds
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Fractures
• Severe osteoporosis
• Severe thrombocytopenia
• Pitted Edema
• Uncontrolled diabetes or blood pressure
• Pregnancy: During First Trimester

You are always welcome to discuss the pros and cons of massage with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or you have cancer or chronic unexplained pain.  There are some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore for several days. But massage shouldn't ordinarily be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn't feel right or is painful, speak up right away. Most serious problems come from too much pressure during massage or not taking the time to hydrate yourself. This is not the time to prove who can take the most pressure or who had the deepest work!

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Going for a massage can do you and your body a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more.  Taking the initiative to invest in yourself by scheduling regular self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you'll be and how youthful you'll remain with each passing year. Setting aside a budget of both time and money for therapy will keep your body functioning like a well oiled machine and is truly an investment in your health. Consider this: massage appointments are a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan. The time after your session you and your practitioner can start to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs and budget. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn't mean it is any less therapeutic. 

Review the clinical research studies examining the benefits of massage. Review this video on the benefits of receiving massage therapy.

Review massage information from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health.

Sources:
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
Mayo Clinic
Judy Kemecsei, Cleansing Coach
U.S. National Library Of Medicine
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is associated with widespread chronic pain, fatigue, memory problems and mood changes. It occurs more often in women than in men, and is not a disease, but rather a syndrome that can be managed. Fortunately, Fibromyalgia is not life threatening and does not lead to muscle or joint damage.

Understanding how this chronic disease can be treated with natural supplements, diet, exercise, and following some simple guidelines of healthy choices you can start to live a happier and healthier life!

NrF2 & Fibromyalgia
Protandim activates the body's natural ability to reduce age-related symptoms on the cellular level. Protandim reduces oxidative stress in humans by an average of 40 percent in 30 days and activates Nrf2 to communicate with your DNA to deliver a biochemical wake-up call to your genes. The reduction of oxidative stress has been proven in studies to aid in relief of symptoms.

Management Through Massage
Fibromyalgia can affect many bodily systems and functions and can cause inexplicable pain in any part of the body at any time.  Many doctors treat Fibromyalgia with medications that have side effects and can cause other problems in addition to the pain you are experiencing. There is not yet a cure for Fibromyalgia, but there is a way to treat the pain effectively without medication!

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods of healthcare still in practice. With a concentration on techniques that encourage circulation in the muscles to increase the flow of nutrients and eliminate metabolic waste products Fibromyalgia patients have found a source of relief. Client's report a reduction in heart rate, lowered blood pressure, relaxed muscles, improved range of motion in joints and an increase production of the body's natural painkillers.

What Massage Techniques Will Be Used?
An integration of a variety of massage techniques specific to Fibromyalgia. Depending on your sensitivity levels and tender points, your therapist may utilize Reflexology, Swedish Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Massage Cupping, Hydrotherapy treatment or a combination of various massage modalities ease your Fibromyalgia symptoms.

Sleep Better, Feel Better, Be Better
One of the main symptoms of Fibromyalgia is waking up tired, even if it seems you've received plenty of sleep. After a therapeutic massage for Fibromyalgia, you're likely to feel more relaxed and get a better night's rest. Deep sleep is truly beneficial to managing Fibromyalgia symptoms as it is during this time that the restorative process occurs. So not only will a therapeutic massage help you wake more refreshed, but you may also experience less pain during the day.

But Won't it Hurt?
Because Fibromyalgia causes pain and makes your body extremely sensitive to touch, open lines of communication are vital when it comes to how much pressure your muscles can endure during your session. Our professional therapists are specially trained to treat the specific needs of those suffering from Fibromyalgia. Each session is about you and your comfort, so communicating with your therapist will ensure a soothing, therapeutic massage every time. If you ever have questions, please consult your doctor before beginning any therapy.

Relief Through Therapy - Does it Really Work?
In client care, Fibromyalgia does not have a one size fits all treatment plan. What works for one person, may not work for another. Doctors have been faced with this dilemma over and over as they go head to head with breast cancer or other debilitating diseases trying different treatment options because what worked for one patient may not work for the next. The right treatment regimen for you may take time, and a little patience as you weed through the different possible treatment options that fibromyalgia suffers just like you have used. Many sufferers have found great success, and you need to believe that you will too!

The Important Goals To Reach For:

• Reduce Pain
• Reduce Flare–ups
• Reduce Stress
• Remain Active and Self-Management

Studies show that low-impact exercise programs give people with Fibromyalgia relief by raising the levels of natural chemicals in the body that reduce pain and fatigue. You may be reluctant to exercise if you are already tired and in pain, but there are several options now available to you. With a Massage Envy Spa membership, not only can you enjoy a gentle, therapeutic massage, but we also offer massages that utilize stretching and relaxation. You should begin slowly, but with ongoing help from our professional therapists, you can benefit from continual relief.

What are the Benefits of Regular Massage for Fibromyalgia? Here's the beauty of massage: Not only does each session feel great, but also the therapeutic benefits are compounded when massage is utilized as a frequent therapy. The more you go, the healthier you feel.  So you can relax, rejuvenate and continue to grow healthier with each session.

Sources:
The Arthritis Foundation®
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research®
The Touch Institute of the University of Miami School of Medicine
Pubmed.gov
Massagetherapy.com