Massage: More Than a Luxury - Part II

 Last week we sat down with massage expert, Sarah Chapman, one of the professionals at Turner Professional Group. From the medical benefits of massage to reducing stress, a professional massage is often prescibed to increase the quality of life of patients. Sarah has graciously agreed to offer our clients suggestions on how to maximize their rejuvination and renewal through massage.

 

TPG: Do you specialize in a certain type of massage?

SC:      Yes, I specialize in Aromatherapy & Acupressure massage. I find these help my clients to release physical and emotional tensions more easily while maintaining the benefits of their massage for a longer time period. I also work primarily with Swedish massage, which is more relaxing, and Deep Tissue massage, which is more therapeutic.

TPG: Some people are more modest or dislike the idea of disrobing completely. Do clients have to take all their clothes off?

SC:      Not at all. I am so glad you asked this question as many people do not realize a massage is meant to be tailored to what is the most comfortable for them! I always ask clients to undress to their comfort level and having a massage or acupressure while fully clothed is an option too. When getting a massage, it’s always good to express your expectations and give feedback if you are too hot or cold, if the pressure is too light or deep, or anything else that may make it a better experience for you.

 TPG:  Are there any considerations before receiving a massage?

SC:      Yes, it’s important to remember to stay hydrated. A massage will flush toxins out of the system so drink extra water and think about skipping the extra glass of wine at dinner that night. If you feel sore after a massage take an epsom salt bath and remember, your therapist is always a phone call away if you have questions. I am also a big fan of “homework” as I believe massage is not just the hour on the table, and is more about your overall health goals. This is my favorite 5-minute fix routine to do at home: http://bit.ly/PpoMZm.


TPG:  What are the biggest barriers you see that keep people from getting massage?

SC:      We all think our budgets are our biggest constraint, and while that is definitely important I find time is the biggest barrier to getting a massage. We all lead busy lives and can forget that we need to put our wellbeing first in order to be our best selves. Once people make it a priority to care for themselves, it’s easier to make it a routine on the schedule. As far as budget is concerned, there are always options. Ask your therapist if they have specials or package discounts and think outside the hour massage. You may find a 30min. massage on your trouble spots is what you need, or a 90min. massage every two months might be best for you. Don’t let time or money stand in your way, chat with your therapist to find a solution that works for you both.

TPG: Can you suggest any resources?

SC:      There are a lot of great scientific studies that prove the benefits of massage. Dr. Brent Bauer of the Mayo Clinic speaks on the many benefitsof massage therapy. I think one of the best pieces of advice is get to know a massage expert by interviewing them for your wellness team. Ask questions to determine if its a good fit. Id be happy to visit with potential patients, but I think the best way to get to know me is to schedule an initial massage. Let me show you how I can benefit your life!

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.

New Practitioners, Sarah & Sherri, join TPG.

Please welcome our newest team members, Sarah P. Chapman and Sherri Mack. 


Sarah began studying natural healing modalities in 2004 and graduated from Wellspring School of Massage in 2011. She specializes in the reduction of stress and tension for physical and emotional health. Using a blend of traditional Swedish and deep tissue massage combined with essential oil therapies, Jin Shin Jyutsu and pressure point technique, Sarah has created her signature blend of Integrative Therapy. “My background allows me to integrate the healing modalities that I offer as well as the experience of listening to my clients’ wants and needs, creating sessions as tailored to your expectations as possible. I view my role as one of service to my clients and work to build a comfortable and safe place where transformation and healing may occur.”

Phone: 913-549-0280
Email: sarahpchapman@gmail.com

Web: www.sarahpchapman.com 

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Sherri Mack

Sherri has been involved in the healing arts since 2005.  She began with massage therapy and has watched her techniques grow and evolve along the way as she has learned and integrated ever evolving energy healing practices. Now Sherri's work now revolves around spirit and mindset, as opposed to bodywork.  Please look for more information to come on what Sherri is offering here at her new room with TPG!  

Phone: 913-514-2644
Email: bahasherri@yahoo.com
Web: www.guidetoascension.com