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We use our bodies. Sometimes that hurts.
A new ache becomes a nagging ache or a chronic pain and we worry that it will get in the way of our responsibilities, and our fun. We wonder what we're doing wrong and what we should change. Truth is, we're probably not doing anything wrong. New aches are often related to our normal daily activities like working at our desks or doing physical labor, carrying our children, driving in traffic, using our cell phones and even sleeping. There's only so much we can do to change those. Ergonomic changes are helpful. But any posture that's held or activity that's repeated regularly can affect range of motion. Limited range of motion from postural habits, injuries, or surgeries makes work, chores, sports, walking, and even yoga more challenging. Massage therapy can reduce symptoms, improve daily activity, and help prevent aches, pains and stress from becoming chronic. |
It's happening to many of us.
We all have to repeat many of the same movements and postures, and many of us are feeling it. The 2012 National Health Interview Survey found that 54.5% of adults surveyed report musculoskeletal pain. Pain is the most common reason Americans use the health care system, and chronic pain is the most common cause of long term disability. Massage therapy is a non-invasive, relatively inexpensive, and (mostly) non-addictive way to improve symptoms and keep them at bay. According to the 2017 American Massage Therapy Association Consumer Survey, 43% of people seeking massage do so for pain management, injury rehabilitation, or physical healthcare. 29% get massage for stress reduction. We can't avoid the postures and we shouldn't avoid activity. |
