Massage has been documented as being used for its health benefits as far back as Ancient Egypt (1)(2), Greece and Rome(3). It would be used in conjunction with other medical remedies by physicians and other healers, who used oils infused with herbs to help their patients maintain their health and great physical condition.
Treating pain in the modern era
In today’s world, there is an abundance of ways to deal with pain. Which is amazing. Opiods and NSAIDS can be found either by prescription or sometimes even over the counter. So why choose massage therapy as a treatment for pain? Because over the counter medication can cause a myriad of side effects, not to mention the opioid crisis that has been continuing. Massage is a safe and effective way to treat pain, without the side effects.
You might want to come back to me saying “But Jet, massages don’t last long, and cost a lot of money”. I will admit that yes, massage therapy can become expensive. Let me point out, however, that the effects of 1 pill do not last, either. You have to keep taking medication for it to continue working. This is no different.
Studies have shown again and again that massage therapy can help a person in so many ways!
It can help lower stress levels, which can help with things like anxiety and depression. It helps with decrease muscle soreness, joint stiffness, and inflammation. It increases blood circulation to the areas being worked on, as well as increases feelings of wellness and relaxation, which can help bring better sleep. Massage can also help make scar tissue more pliable, which can lead to less pain. And regular massage will keep all of this going. Even if it’s once a month!
Massage Therapy Benefits, and an Overview of Medical Massage.
Anyone can benefit from a massage. As a medical massage therapist, Jet has been trained to work with many different types of muscular conditions that can cause pain. From simple post exercise stiffness to fibromyalgia to things like frozen shoulder and carpal tunnle syndrome caused by tight muscles. This is because massage therapy applied in the right way can increase blood flow to an area, which helps to not only bring in nutrients to an area and gets rid of waste products, but can help to make muscle more pliable, which brings more movement to said muscle. It also affects our nervous systems, which can allow us to relax into what is being done, and increase the effectiveness of what the massage therapist is doing.
People living with cancer can also benefit from Why Knot Wellness’s programs. Oncology massage therapy is a specialized training where the massage therapist learns how to work with people who are undergoing various treatments, and learns how to adjust the massage to the person’s needs each time their client comes in. It’s bolstering differently for the people who have ports, or have had surgery. It’s working at a lighter pressure so that chemo does not leave the body too quickly, or do more harm than good. It’s adjusting technique for a radiated area, or accounting for lymph node damage or removal. It’s making the person on the table comfortable during a time where they may not otherwise be comfortable. It can also help reduce nausea, stress, and give each person living with cancer something to look forward to when most of their time is taken up by medical appointments and needles.
Wait.. you said manual lymphatic drainage?? Yes! Yes, I did!! We can do that as well. And manual lymph drainage can do so much good for so many people. It is good for general health, allowing the lymph fluid to move waste products from the extracellular fluid to lymph nodes, where it gets cleaned and flushed from the system. It is also great for people who have undergone surgery, as it assists in reducing swelling that may be in an area. It can also help with edema and lymphedema.
Working together
We understand that you have the best interests of your client in mind, and that finding the right information is important. We at Why Knot Wellness, LLC believe in a wholly integrated approach. I find that when doctors, nurses and integrative wellness professionals all work together for the benefit of the patient, we all win. More importantly, the your patient wins, because every body deserves the live the best, healthiest life. With that in mind, reach out to us. Ask us questions about what we do. Because I love being able to share information on what I do to other people, and how the body works to the people who come in to see me!
Find out more by calling 412-501-3239 or emailing us at whyknotwellnessllc@gmail.com.
To find out more about the various techniques Why Knot Wellness uses before chatting with us? Click on the links below:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Vodder technique
Oncology Massage Training thru Healwell, LLC
Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique
Medical Massage Therapy
References
- University College of London. Manuscript for the health of mother and child Column 1, 23-25 Kahun Medical Papyrus, https://www.ucl.ac.uk/museums-static/digitalegypt/med/birthpapyrus.html Published 2002. Accessed 6/14/2024
- Powell, Eric A. Self Care. Archeology Magazine. https://archaeology.org/issues/online/collection/wellness-egypt-foot-massage/ Published 10/21. Accessed 6/14/2024
- Osborn, David K. Greek Medicine: Massage and Bodywork; http://www.greekmedicine.net/therapies/Massage_and_Bodywork.html; Published 2007-2021; Accessed 6/14/2024