Massage Therapists With Other Medical Volunteers At NYC Marathon

My favorite part of my post-marathon Monday was reading this article on page F4 of The New York Times.

The article made mention, not once, not twice, but three times, of massage therapists working amongst more than 1,000 medical volunteers, which included doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and EMT's, at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 7.

The key word throughout the story that sparked my enthusiasm? Medical. That's the part that made my day. It brings credibilty to our profession!

Don't get me wrong, receiving massage for the pure pleasure of it, when you're feeling just fine, is a wonderful thing. Spa nights, bridal showers and bachelorette parties are perfect venues for enjoying massage. Experiencing a relaxing massage while on vacation, or to be given a gift certificate for a massage on that special occasion, is the ultimate!

But many people still think that having a massage is just a luxury. Sometimes it can be, but it's more than that. Massage is a therapy that can treat aches, pains and injuries, and may complement traditional medical treatments of some illnesses and diseases (but only with a physician's approval and advice).

In the case of treating a marathoner post-race, some of the benefits of a gentle massage include:

• Reduced muscle spasm and chance of injury
• Increased flexibility, endurance, and circulation
• Overall faster recovery time
• Transport of fresh oxygen to muscle tissue
• Assist athlete with passive stretching

I know some marathoners who are helped with an immediate post-race massage, and others who prefer to wait at least two to 24 hours, depending on the their body, health condition, recommendation from a physician or running coach, and personal preference. However, they all always want that massage at some point post-race!

The fact is, massage therapy is beneficial to the body's healing process, contigent upon what the body is healing from and when the massage is given. And the other fact is, massage therapists volunteered at the NYC Marathon in the company of other medical professionals!

Oh, I forgot to mention one more thing: the article also referenced the nearly 150 volunteers at the event trained in CPR!

Pre-holiday Stress? Get A Massage!

It seems sometimes that the holidays have become a source of stress for many people. 'Tis the season to figure out what to buy, where to go, who to celebrate with, when to prepare, how to maintain good health during the festivities, and wonder why the months seem to go by so fast? Yes, it's that time of year... again. We're bombarded with advertising and mailings to spend our money in stores or on-line to buy that special something for that special someone. Finances, long lines at the mall, and traffic jams can really bring on the tension! Our shoulders hunch up to our ears, and then our neck starts to tighten up, causing headaches that keep us up at night, and then we don't sleep, so we're tossing and turning and waking up with a stiff back.... and on and on it goes.

The holiday season should be a time of laughter and love, frolic and fun, remembrances of loved ones who may have passed, and thoughts of new beginnings. And yet while gift-giving and receiving, eating apple pie and cookies, and visiting with families and friends are all pleasurable aspects of the festivities, it can indeed lead to stress (What is my budget? Will I have to cut back this year? When am I going to get to the shopping mall? What if my on-line order doesn't arrive in time? Will I follow through with my New Year's resolution this time? What if I gain back the seven pounds I finally lost?).

Stress has many negative results, such as sleeping problems, physical pain, and food or alcohol abuse, just to name a few. A positive way to reduce stress is to get a massage, which has many benefits, such as:
Relaxation ~ reduces stress hormones and allows for "down time" just for you
Improved Muscle Function ~ enhances strength and flexibilty by decreasing tight muscle tissue
Increased Circulation ~ boosts flow of oxygenated blood throughout body while releasing toxins
Balanced Blood Pressure ~ physiological effects lowers blood pressure (good for the heart!)
Healthier Joint Mobility ~ promotes mobility and confidence during daily activity

In addition to spas, massage therapy is offered at fitness centers, chiropractic offices, and other medical practices, as well as therapists who will come to your home. Just find the environment that's right for you, where you feel most comfortable. The cost of a massage also varies, based on the length and type of massage, location, and therapists' experience. But remember, it doesn't have to be expensive to be good, and you can sometimes find a therapist who will work with your budget. Choosing a massage therapist based on a referral is often a safe way to start, and you can also search for a therapist near where you live.

With the holiday season in motion, a time where we often reflect on our loved ones, remember to take care of yourself, too. Getting a massage isn't selfish, and it isn't just a luxury. Rather, it can be thought of as maintenance for good health.

And if you've never experienced a massage, make 2010 the year to give it a try!