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7 signs you need a massage

7 Signs You May Need a Massage

by Athletico13 Comments

We all know that massage therapy feels good and is a healthy reward for our overworked bodies. But, how do you know when you need a massage? I have provided a little cheat sheet for you below.

  1. You haven’t had one for months (or even years): Massage works best when it is received on a regular basis. Most massage therapists would recommend receiving a massage 1x/month for regular maintenance and even more often if you have an injury you are trying to rehabilitate.
  2. You are in training: Summer in Chicago means races, biking, hiking, kayaking, water skiing, and anything else you can squeeze into these 4 months of nice weather. When you challenge your body physically, you should be treating your muscles to massage therapy. A good clinical massage therapist can help keep you active and injury free.
  3. You have a pain in the neck (or back, or shoulder, or hip…..): Pain is your body’s way of communicating to you that something is wrong. The busier we get, the more we tend to ignore our body’s signals. You don’t want to ignore your pain or your injury could get worse. Make an appointment with a clinical massage therapist and they can help relieve your pain.
  4. You’ve been getting headaches: When the muscles around your shoulders, back and head get tight, tension headaches can begin. Regular maintenance massage can relieve these tension headaches and help promote healthy posture. Massage therapy has been shown to provide some relief for migraine sufferers as well.
  5. You don’t have full range of motion: Maybe you can’t turn your head/neck as far as you once could. Maybe you can’t lift your arm all the way up. Maybe you haven’t been able to touch your toes for a while. Whatever your case may be, if you have muscular restrictions, massage therapy may be able to help.
  6. You don’t get enough sleep: It is amazing how many of my massage clients answer that they sleep ‘poorly’ on their massage intake forms. Sleep is incredibly important! We recover and heal when we sleep. Massage therapy helps promote healthy sleep habits through by promoting relaxation.
  7. You are stressed out: Let’s face it, most of us have a little more stress in our lives than what is probably healthy. One of the best ways to decrease levels of stress hormones and increase levels of endorphins is to get a massage. Massage therapy starts working immediately to help you relax.

To summarize: Massage therapy = less pain, more function, better sleep, and less stress. It’s a no-brainer.

Athletico offers massage therapy, in addition to several other physical therapy and rehabilitation services that can help your body. Request an appointment today!

Click to Request an Appointment Today

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13 Comments

  3. Deanna R. Jones

    These seem like very good reasons to get a massage. I can relate to point number one. Usually, I don’t schedule a massage, and I don’t know anyone in my social circle who would be willing to give me a massage. I haven’t had a massage from someone for several years, so it seems like a good idea to schedule a professional massage, because my body feels really tense all of the time.

  4. Candice Reimholz

    @Deanna- You should definitely make the time to get a massage! You won’t regret it. 🙂

  6. Physiotherapy Toronto

    Thanks for this great post. It is definitely a no-brainer. As a physiotherapist that works in the financial district of Toronto, I see so many people complaining of aches and pains because they sit in front of a computer all day. In addition to some key stretches and exercise, I send them to see a really great massage therapist and often they are cured!! I think it’s important that everyone understands that the symptoms will build up again and you will require more massage down the line because the nature of your job doesn’t change and that is what is causing the tension/strain to the muscles. Stretching and exercises are excellent and can keep things in check much longer but eventually 8 hours of work in front of a computer a day over-rides the benefits of your exercise regimen and that is when a good massage therapist will save the day!

  7. Ugyen Dorji

    Thanks for this wonderful list of 7 signs that say we need a massage. With so many benefits from massage therapy, we cannot ignore to have a good massage in this tiring and busy life.
    We work every day, we make our body into strain and hardship to make a living, and it is time to reward our body with a good massage.
    I particularly like the seventh one, as most of us today are stressed out but does not go and get a massage therapy.

  9. Robin Hamilton @Wellness Wires

    My posture isn’t great. My mom advised me a massage therapy! I get my massages every two-three weeks I do feel better.

  10. Kara Mathys

    I love massage, especially full-body massage chairs, also tried them and they are fantastic! Two times a week I’m really getting relaxation after work day!

  11. Melissa

    Great points for needing a massage! As a licensed massage therapist I highly recommend them. They are a necessity I’m life.. who can live without them?! Not me ❤

  12. Ellie Davis

    I was not aware that when your shoulders, back, and head get tight you can experience headaches. My husband has been dealing with a lot of headaches lately, and we are looking for advice. I believe that a good massage will help him to relax.

  13. Ella

    This is such a great reminder of how beneficial massage therapy can be! I definitely notice a difference when I keep up with regular massages—especially when stress and sleepless nights creep in. I’ve also found that using a relaxing massage oil during a session makes it even more effective. It’s amazing how much better your body (and mind) can feel with just a little extra care!

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