During my fitness journey I have had a tendency to push myself during exercise and because of my impatience I probably pushed a bit more than what is recommended. I was on a roll and started seeing fantastic results and there was no way I was going to do what was recommended…rest! With this no rest attitude I needed to work some pain and soreness out. The foam roller and a weekly massage were two resources that assisted in my progress/recovery. The wiser and ahem..older me does now include rest into my routine 🙂 .
Yes, I made the decision that there is no reason to feel guilty about getting a massage. Does it seem too self-indulgent? Actually, massage has many important health benefits.
Massage can help you maintain physical, mental and emotional well being, especially when it is part of your 
wellness routine.
*The Health Benefits of Massage:
– Massage calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.
– Massage reduces tension and anxiety.
– Massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
– Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.
– Massage prevents and relieve muscles cramps and spasms.
– Massage therapy can also help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms.
There are many different types of massage. See 10 Most Popular Types Of Massage Therapy, my preferred type of massage is the Deep Tissue Massage or Sports Massage.
How are you feeling today? Maybe a massage is in your plans? 🙂
Stay Healthy and NEVER, NEVER give up on your journey!
*Source About.com
45 users commented in " The Power of the Massage "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackMassage is very, very good for us. It’s helped me stay away from chiropractors and done wonders for my back.
———————
@Leah J. Utas, I agree!
-Mark
I’m going to print this out and hand it to my husband LOL
You are defintely preaching to the choir when you talk to me about massages – I think they are VERY important! And sooo good for you!
After our soccer season this past spring, I received a gift from the parents and kids. And it included a massage at a local massage parlor! First time I’ve ever had a professional massage. It was an hour of pure heaven! I felt so relaxed and loosened up after it was done. Very good for the body. And this reminds me I should do it again…
@Lance, Nice gift! I like to get a massage at least once a month! 🙂
-Mark
I’d really love to get a foam roller. Or The Stick! My calves tend to get very sore after long runs, and I know a good massage would do wonders to work that out.
@Gena, I highly recommend the foam roller! 🙂
-Mark
This is a great post. Now that I’m increasing my mileage I really should get a foam roller. And since my insurance partially covers massages, it sounds like I should really take advantage of that! Thanks for reminding us that it’s not just an indulgence– it’s a healthy one. 🙂
@tfh, If my insurance covered the massage I would be all over that! Yes as a runner the foam roller is so helpful! 🙂
-Mark
I’m resting today! I really wanted to go to the gym, but my body and mind is sore from working out hard all week. A massage sounds like a plan!
I have been meaning to get a foam roller forever! Since my mileage is getting up there I need to invest in one post-haste. I had my first real massage on my wedding day at the Aveda salon and it was the best thing ever. That crick in my neck that I can never seem to work out disappeared for months. I am already planning a return visit following my marathon in November. I wish I could indulge a bit more often.
@keyalaus, Good call…work out some of the stiffness! 🙂
-Mark
Massages are the best – I just wish they weren’t so expensive!
I love my foam roller but I have never yet paid for a massage. Maybe when both kids are finally in school again I can squeeze it in!
I love massage. If I had the time anymore Id totally go.
Great post! I’m taking a break right now to go sit in my massage chair. It’s in my office, and I rarely frequent it. Thanks for this super reminder. Maybe it’s time to setup a reminder, “Go get massage” to relieve stress, calm mind, stimulate lymph system.
@Dana Lookadoo, I need a massage chair! Lucky you! 🙂
-Mark
WHY DID I READ THAT INITIALLY AS THE POWER OF THE MESSAGE?
repeatedly 🙂
and yes.
I love the foam roller and would pretty much do anything right now for a good deep tissue massage.
M.
One of my good friends is the massage therapist for the Gators football team!! We have a wonderful school of massage in town. Whether grads go on to practice or not they leave better people for the experience!
@Dr. J, Very nice!
-Mark
Also printing this out to give to my husband!
I am also going to print this out for my husband so he doesn’t just see it as a “luxury item”. It is not a WANT, it is a NEED. : )
I get MLD, a form of manual lymph drainage (due to lymphedema). And I have a LE pump that does a marvelous form of massage. My bf says I’m addicted to it. I’m addicted to feeling better. Is that so bad? 🙂
————————
@POD, Heck no! Feel good! 🙂
-Mark
If I could afford it? I’d get massages weekly. They just feel so incredibly good. I still go once or three times a year… 🙂
I am going to ask for a massage certificate for Christmas instead of gifts 🙂 Normally, it’s not in our budget so I get the hubby version which is pretty good most of the time 🙂 Of course, I return the favor……wouldn’t want to be selfish;)
——————————–
@Annette, Of course not! 🙂
-Mark
I don’t like getting massages but I love giving it…to my wife, of course.
I was given a day at the spa once – for a massage – as a bday gift. Best gift ever!
Not a fan of massages – too sensitive. Great for sore muscles, but SO painful!
I think it might be in my plans now…it’s been way too long. I had one of those workouts you described, yesterday, and I can barely move from extreme soreness. Ugh. Thanks for describing why massage is so beneficial!
————————
@Audra Krell, Very beneficial! 🙂
-Mark
just came back from one. I am usually more sore from the massage than running. Seriously helps with the pains in my legs.
—————————
@FitMom, Lucky you!
-Mark
I love massages. It’s hard to incorporate them into daily routine, but whenever we go on vacation, or on a weekend away, I have at least one. 🙂
My sister is a massage therapist, and an excellent one. I used to get massages for free before she moved a state away. I think it might be worth budgeting for a massage every now and then- the health benefits are wonderful.
——————–
@Mamasphere,
Ha! I read your post at Mcmommy…hilarious! 🙂
-Mark
I’m all for massage. It’s helped my plantar fasciitis quite a bit. I go for therapeutic reasons and I’m a believer!
@Stacey, I am also a believer! Thanks!
-Mark
I’m all about the foam roller and The Stick. Love them both. But, I would also love a good massage and I haven’t had one in years. I think I need to do something about that! Your post has put massage back on my radar. Thanks!
Mark, I need you to email me. I can’t find your email address on here. Probably just overlooking it. I need to ask you a few questions-
Thanks!
Merry K.
————————-
@Healthy Merry, I just sent you an email. Thanks.
-Mark
My poor husband thought he was going to get nice, gentle massages when we first started dating seeing I’m a physical therapist. Clearly he’d never been to a physio before! Poor boy was so wrong!!
Thanks for the timely reminder Mark. I get one every 2 weeks. Need to book mine in..
I love massage! I just tried out our local traditional massage last week. It helped me relax and at the same time provide therapeutic effects.
Last time I got a massage, the therapist asked me what I did and how long had it been since my last massage. I told her I have three kids under three and the last time I got a massage was nine months ago. She said that I should get a massage three to four times a month. I asked her if she wouldn’t mind putting that in writing and helping to finance the recommendation by donating hours of her time!
My husband loves massage therapy for his back problems-but I just can’t stand it!!
Such a timely post! Hubby and I were just talking about massages this week!
You know I totally have to give this list to my husband now and say, “Look honey, this is why I need a massage EVERY week!” : )
I love full-body massages. The last time I had one was last year the day before my best friend got married and I was the maid of honor. Let’s just say it was a much-needed treat.
I need to get massages more often! lol
———————-
@Anna, I agree! 🙂
-Mark
lately I’ve been using my foam roller but not for massage – I lie with it, my spine along the roller, and spread my arms out to my sides. Great chest and neck stretch! And easy to watch TV/talk on a headset while you do it…MULTITASKING!
You are so right there are many health benefits to getting a massage. I wish I had more money because I would get one once a week if I could. LOL