Feels Sooooo Good: A Massage Is More Than a Luxury!

Along with a diverse team of mental health clinicians, Turner Professional Group has several massage therapists to provide clients relief and rejuvenation. One of the many benefits of a multi-disciplinary practice is being able to offer patients who are struggling with stress a proven method of relaxation, such as massage. Massage Benefits Are More Than Skin Deep according to the NY Times. As holistic practitioners, this is a great alternative to the over-reliance on medications.

Some of the ways we utilize massage for our clients, include patients who are experiencing anxiety or stress. An example of this might be women who are seeking our help with painful intercourse. There can be great deal of emotional frustration with the process and massage can be a welcomed and soothing tool in their healing.

In addition, massage is a good tool to help clients become more mindful and present in the moment. For those folks who have a tough time slowing down or taking time for themselves, this can be a useful but sometimes challenging homework assignment. So suggesting a massage appointment can be a fun way to train patients in the skill of ‘self-care’.

To get a better understanding of massage, we sat down with one of the skilled massage professionals at Turner Professional Group,  Sarah Chapman.

TPG:    How long have you been practicing massage?

SC:       I began practicing after graduating from massage school and becoming nationally certified in August 2011. I have also been practicing Jin Shin Jyutsu acupressure since 2004 and Raindrop essential oil sessions & Emotional Release with essential oils since 2008.

TPG:    People think of massage when they have a kinked up back, but what are some other reasons a person might want to integrate massage therapy into their routine?

SC:      People who receive massage and bodywork on a regular schedule see improvement in their muscle tone, circulation, and overall body function. Their bodies are better equipped to cope instead of holding on to those knots and kinks, so they are able to perform at an optimal level and feel their best. A small portion of my regular clients also report that routine massage helps them lose weight and maintain their weight goals.

TPG:    Many people think of massage as a vacation-type luxury. Is there any benefit to routine massage?

SC:      Yes! Besides the physical benefits, there is a huge emotional and mental wellness component to massage. My clients share that they often feel more calm, balanced, and are better able to respond to stressful situations in their lives. It will also boost the immune system, keep brain function sharp, and lead to more restful sleep.

TPG:    How often should someone schedule a session?

SC:      This really varies for each individual. Some of my clients come weekly, others come every 6-8 weeks, but overall most people do really well with a monthly massage. For the majority of people, getting a monthly massage is the perfect schedule to keep the body and mind at optimal wellness. Another great benefit of routine massage is that the effects are cumulative. One massage does wonders, and the effects of receiving massage on a regular basis adds up!

TPG:  Sarah, this has been very useful. Thank you. Would you mind taking some questions from folks who are following us?

SC:     Thats a great idea! Ill post answers to more questions next week and Ill add some resources for folks. Hope everyone joins us here again soon. Thanks, again and happy relaxing to everyone!

TPG:   You can post your questions in the comments sections and Sarah will give you some useful tips.