Everyone has different reasons for starting their journies as Massage Therapist.  My reasons for becoming a massage therapist are simple; I want to give back to my fellow Service Members and Veterans. 

   I recently received an honorable discharge from active duty as a Marine after 13 years and while I was in the Marine Corps, I received some injuries that required physical therapy.  When physical therapy seemed to not work, my physical therapist suggested massage therapy.  Being a Marine, I laughed at the thought of massage therapy helping me recover from my injuries and surgeries.  Marines don’t do well with touchy-feely type stuff and massage therapy seemed like a joke to me. 

   But once I started my monthly visits, it reduced my post-surgery swelling, it increased my flexibility and lessened my depression and anxiety.  My experience with the massage therapy helped me emotionally and physically and I want to be able to facilitate that same experience for other people.

   Below are some benefits of massage and I hope you consider me when you are looking for a Massage Therapist.

Benefits of massage

Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.

While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for:

• Anxiety
• Digestive disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Insomnia related to stress
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Paresthesias and nerve pain
• Soft tissue strains or injuries
• Sports injuries
• Temporomandibular joint pain

Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often involves caring, comfort, a sense of empowerment and creating deep connections with their massage therapist.

Despite its benefits, massage isn't meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you're trying massage and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have.