Do you sit at a desk all day staring at your computer, talking on the phone, and dealing with stress-related issues? If so, by the end of the day, you probably feel exhausted and can't wait to get home.
By the end of the week, you're stiff, achy, and possibly a little headachy. By the end of the year, you may have all sorts of ailments such as tension headaches, shoulder pain, stiff neck, and more.
Over-the-counter drugs or a glass of wine or two may relieve your pain temporarily. But wouldn't you rather find a healthier, long-term solution? Believe it or not, massage therapy may be the answer.
You might think going for a massage is a luxury you can't afford, but when it comes to your health, you should think of it as a necessity.
The staff at the Mayo Clinic in their article: Massage: Get in touch with its many health benefits, reported that having a regular massage can help with stress relief, managing anxiety and depression, pain, and stiffness.
Massage therapists are not only found in spas and luxury hotels anymore. Many clinics, physicians, and hospitals have therapists on staff. Some have portable beds and will come to your home.
The most common types of massage therapy include Swedish, deep-tissue, sports, and trigger point; however be sure to discuss your health issues with your therapist, so he or she can decide what's best for you.
If you suffer with chronic pain such as tension and migraine headaches, shoulder pain and a stiff neck from your sitting at your desk all day, a professional massage therapist may help you work through the pain in a few treatments.
However, a good therapist will also recommend stretching and certain types of exercise between appointments.
Uncomfortable with the idea of a full-body message? Consider a chair massage the first time around. Often therapists have a chair set up at a chiropractor's office, natural health food store, or any type of alternative health environment.
Worried about the cost? Most certified massage therapists charge $55 to $85 per one hour session depending on where you live. You should also check with your health insurance. Many will cover massage therapy treatments for medical reasons.
If you suffer from chronic pain, frequent headaches, and other ailments caused by everyday stress in an office environment, try massage therapy. You might be surprised at the outcome.
The 3 best ways to find a certified massage therapist in your area:
1. Ask friends or physician for a recommendation
2. Check in the yellow pages
3. Do a search at the American Massage Therapy Association at amtamassage.org.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/massage/SA00082
http://www.webmd.com/balance/massage-therapy-styles-and-health-benefits
http://www.amtamassage.org
Reviewed June 23, 2011
Edited by Alison Stanton