Have you ever considered that massage might be able to save you some money?

Lots of clients put off getting a massage until they are in pain or can't move properly. Yes, a family member or friend can give you a neck or back rub to try to help you feel better but I’ll hazard a guess that is not terribly effective, and even though it’s free, there is some kind of price involved.

If your roof is leaking and needs to be repaired you probably wouldn't ask your mum to jump on the roof and have a go at sorting it out. Like most people, when you need some important work or repair done you are willing to pay a qualified professional to do it. A lot of people could work on your plumbing or give you financial or legal advice, but what do you do when there is a significant issue?

So... how can massage save you money?
By taking care of yourself, you may be able to avoid a visit to the doctor, or specialist or the chiro, the physio, osteo, follow up appointments, medication or tests. Not to mention the time spent setting up appointments and waiting.

Don't get me wrong, I’m not against doctors, and massage certainly can’t fix everything, so see your doctor when needed. I’m discussing situations that can be prevented by taking care of yourself. People also spend money on pain relievers, sleep aids, and various supplies, equipment and devices to help them manage their pain or stress.  These things often address the symptoms, and not the problem itself.

All of this has been about financial implications. This leads to some other, better questions:
How much is it worth to feel really good?
How much is it worth to get a great night’s sleep?

To sum it up, massage can help you relieve pain and feel wonderful, could save you money and time, and won’t involve taking any pills or getting shots.

If you haven’t tried it, or it’s been a while, get started now.

Some things in life are necessities like food, clothing, and shelter which you need in order to survive. Once those are secure, we have wants that can make our life easier, better, or more enjoyable.

Then there are luxuries. Many people think of things that are expensive, hard to obtain, indulging, something not essential but enjoyable. We think of luxury cruises, vehicles, hotels, homes, yachts, and jewelry. When money is short, luxuries are the first thing that are reduced from spending. We associate it with other words like extravagant, decadent and opulent.

The definition of luxury depends on your point of view. Many people will say they need a car, but can they survive without one? Some people don’t own a car and manage just fine. They bike, use public transportation, or *gasp* walk. They can get where they want to go and do what they want to do. Or, how about mobile phones? Some people need to be reachable at all times, but most of us don't. 

The point is that some things that are not needs can be considered a luxury.

Massage is not a luxury for those living with pain. Pain that doesn’t let them sleep through the night and find rest. Pain that hinders daily activities. It’s not a luxury for those in a very stressful situation, who need some peace and to be able to think a little clearer again. It’s not a luxury for those trying to get and stay healthy. Health should not be a luxury. Massage is not more of a luxury than cars, cell phones, and the numerous entertainment devices and gadgets society tells we need.

If massage is a luxury, it is an affordable one. Just about everybody could afford to get a  60 minute massage a month, or at least get a 10 or 15 minute chair massage. It is one that is good for you and benefits you. It’s one you can enjoy and not worry about. You don’t have to be concerned with the security of it, like locking jewelry in a safe or home security, which causes more stress.

Most massage is not pampering.  It doesn’t have to be done at Le Spa de Fancy Pants.  All it takes is a quiet space, a table, clean sheets, and some temperature control for your comfort. Massage is taking care of you. It makes your muscles feel and perform better by working on them and makes your mind and body better by reducing stress.

If massage is a luxury, then so are pain relievers and stress relief. Come in and get the massage you need.

Have you ever wondered why you didn’t notice your muscles getting so tight? You remember not being in this much pain. You used to be able to move better and had more  range of motion in your joints.  You used to feel good – or at least much better than this. What happened?
It’s mostly our brains. Brains are designed to notice when something is different. Once it does, it becomes the normal feeling and doesn’t alert your conscious mind of it. For example, when you put on a shirt in the morning to go to work your brain knows there is a change. You feel the fabric on your skin and how it fits. When you leave the shirt on for a while, your brain knows nothing has changed and you stop noticing it. You don’t notice throughout the day the sensation of your clothes on your skin.
Think about when you walk into a room and there is a strong scent. You are immediately aware of it, but when it hasn’t changed your brain stops paying attention to it within 30 seconds or so. When you walk into a bakery you find wonderful aromas but you quickly stop noticing them. Have you wondered how people can stay in a place with a foul stench?  It’s because their brain stops paying attention since nothing has changed.
A stressful day or repetitive motions cause some of your muscles start to tighten. It’s not a big change so you aren’t very aware of it. When you don’t do anything to reverse it your brain interprets this as your new normal condition. More stress and repetitive motions cause more muscle tightening. Since it happens gradually you don’t become aware of how much it has changed and your brain is used to this condition as normal.
Eventually though your muscles let you know that something is not right and they demand relief. Massage of course is a great way to relieve your stress and to get your muscles the relief that they need.
The change is especially noticeable after a massage. Your pain is reduced or gone and you can move much easier and more freely.
Feeling this way is how you are supposed to feel. It’s a big reason why massage therapists suggest regular massage. By keeping your body feeling good your brain starts to notice when it doesn’t feel good anymore. That helps to keep small problems from developing into bigger ones.
If you don’t remember what it’s like to feel good, or you haven’t been getting massage regularly, make an appointment and get started. Your body and brain will be glad you did.

We know massage will make us move better and feel happier, but not everyone can make time for regular appointments. Luckily massage is great preventive care and it can have some instantly-gratifying results. Check out these 3 things massage can help you with right now.

Headaches  
Tension headaches (often called stress headaches) are the most common type of headaches among adults. Pain or pressure in your forehead or on the top or sides of your head? Could be a tension headache. It's especially likely if you've been hunching over a desk or some knitting, spent a ton of time in a car.

Massage can help get rid of that headache and regular massage may well keep it from coming back. (If you want to geek out about tension headaches and try a few self-massage techniques, check out this article.)

Low Back Pain
A major research study was published in 2011 showing that massage therapy was better than drugs and usual care for general lower back pain. Better than drugs. I just had to say that twice.

Just about everyone will experience low back pain at some point in their life. If it happens to you, don't suffer. Schedule a massage and get back into action.

Irritability
Have you ever been so cranky you got on your own nerves? Yeah, me, too. It isn’t fun. When you feel yourself biting everyone’s head off when they ask you a question, it might be time for some self-care.

Massage is great for stress relief. You get to shut off all the things that buzz and chime and aggravate you to the point of eye twitches. Music, silence, warmth, massage. All the cranky disappears.

This is dual purpose. You'll feel better and all the people around you will be happier that you're back to your sunny self.

Got a headache, low back pain, or a case of the grumpies? Book a massage and we’ll handle that fast.

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I love massage so much I think you guys should give it a go too. Massage a friend or massage yourself or get a professional massage. However you do it look after those muscles!