The Massage Project has now started! In 2011 we are going to find out the effects of a massage every day on someone with a chronic health condition. Go to www.massageeveryday.com for more details
Background - As a physiotherapist I’ve been a huge believer in the therapeutic benefits of massage for years (endless studies have shown beneficial effects on sleep, depression, immune system, pain, the list goes on and on). Every day I encourage my patients to have regular massage to relieve current problems and prevent new ones developing.
The amazing thing I always find though is the reluctance for people to have massage, that it is somehow a “luxury” rather than a necessity to help maintain good health. And even those that listen and do get massage do it so infrequently that the benefits are small. I find even a lot of therapists themselves spend all their time helping others, and rarely receive massage themselves.
My wife is a good example. She used to be a massage therapist, but now works tirelessly helping animals, running a horse rescue charity, writing and helping with my business. Every day she helps others, but like most of us finds it hard to help herself. She has had chronic health problems for 20 years — including fibromyalgia, insomnia, sero-negative arthritis, hypothyroidism, rheumatism, spinal degeneration (and recurrent numbness in her arms), chronic digestive issues and reflux, and recurrent wrist, knee and ankle problems. Despite these challenges she gives and gives to the world, rarely complaining about her problems.
When I first met her I tried everything I knew as a physio to help her. She has tried so many different therapies, and while she has had good short term results, little has changed for her in the long run.
I have often bought my wife massage vouchers over the years. She always feels great after a massage but she puts off getting them, often months after I’ve gotten them. Commonly she feels guilty about the money, or that she isn’t worth it. I found the only way to get her to have the massages was to just keep getting them for her until she used them!
I thought about this and came to the conclusion that the best way to help her chronic health problems, and for her to get in the regular habit of receiving massage would be something dramatic. A massage every day for a year!
