I am a huge supporter of massage therapy. I see it not as a luxury, but a therapeutic mechanism to relieve tension, prevent injury, and alleviate the knots that seem to take up residence in my neck, shoulders and hips. In fact, I often name them after certain stresses in my life and wonder why they choose those particular places in my body to hold court. But I digress...
If you're of the mindset that massage is only for the indulgent spa-goers and a complete waste of money, allow me to change your mind.
My affinity for massage started years ago after somehow acquiring IT-band syndrome, a hugely common injury among runners. I was so fortunate to have a friend in the massage therapy business, and she worked tirelessly to make sure I wasn't crawling across the finish line of the Disney World Marathon. By the time I realized God didn't make my hips to run 26.2 miles, I was hooked. Not on the feeling, per se, but on the true healing powers of massage.
Several years, countless runs, and one relocation to Boston later, I find myself at the hands (literally) of The Boston Bodyworker, who helps to keep me put together, Humpty Dumpty-style. This team of highly-qualified clinical massage therapists don't mess around with fluffy robes, steam rooms, and Enya piping quietly into every room. They get down to business and dig into every nook and cranny you had no idea you had.
My therapist of choice is Eric (though I'm confident they're all fantastic) and I swear his hands have just a touch of magic in them. He sometimes even helps me name the aforementioned knots. Ever the consummate professional, he somehow makes me feel totally comfortable and calm as he tears me limb to limb. And he plays his own mix of fantastic music as he reminds me to breathe (yes, he has to remind me). At the end of my session, he asks me how I'm feeling, and though I typically can't muster a sentence at that point, I give him a reassuring head nod to let him know I'm alive and well. After a few minutes, I peel myself off the table and instantly feel longer, lighter and more limber. This feeling is carried with me for weeks afterward.
As I walk to the reception area, and down a glass of water, I exhale a satisfied sigh of relief as I hand over my health insurance card and receive a generous discount for services. Apparently the health insurance industry has caught on to my belief that massage is a therapeutic necessity to achieving great health.
I bet those folks name their knots too.
Check them out. http://www.bostonbodyworker.com/
They'll make you work better.
Keep Climbing,
ELD
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