When Should You Get A Massage

The Best Day of the Week is Massage Day!

When should you have a massage? Whenever you feel like it. A Swedish massage every day would be absolutely terrific, provided you have the time and money to do it. You should have a massage particularly if you are feeling stressed or fatigued or if you have muscle soreness.

The Benefits of Massage
Massage increases circulation, therefore:
• Relaxes muscle spasms and relieves tension
• Improves muscle tone
• Returns blood flow to the heart
• Helps prevent or delay muscle atrophy resulting from forced inactivity
• Stimulates lymphatic circulation, hastening the elimination of wastes and toxic debris
• May help the movement of material in the intestines, therefore reducing constipation
Massage also:
• Stretches fascia, increasing ROM
• Prevents the formation of adhesions
• Helps decrease inflammation, swelling in joints, edema
• Alleviates pain
• During injury rehabilitation, also facilitates movement
Massage affects the Nervous System:
• May be sedative or stimulating, depending on the type and length of massage given
• Helps reduce insomnia
• Engages parasympathetic Nervous System, contributing to overall relaxation
• Feels good!
We also receive Emotional/Mental benefits from massage:
• Helps reduce sense of isolation, especially for the sick and elderly
• Increases overall sense of well-being
• Can help release repressed emotional energy

Still, there are a few occasions when you should not get a massage. In some instances, it may aggravate existing conditions. If you have any of the problems below, I strongly urge you to check with your doctor before seeking a massage. 

• Heart disease or high blood pressure. While massage may benefit these conditions, it's up to you and your doctor to decide the best course of action. 

• Infections from a cut or injury. 

• Bad sprains or strains. The AMTA suggests waiting 24 to 48 hours after a sprain or strain before having any massage done on the affected area. This gives the inflammation a chance to diminish before anyone starts to manipulate the area. 

• Contagious skin conditions or diseases. Again you could spread it to other body parts. 

• Phlebitis or other circulatory problems. There is the possibility of a blood clot breaking free.