When talking about massage therapy, different things come to mind depending on who is speaking. For some, it means an afternoon of pampering and relaxation at a spa. For others, it is healthcare—recovering from injury, preventing progression of illness and general personal well-being. But no matter whom you ask, one simple thing is abundantly clear: people love massage.

The problem for some arises in finding a place to fit massage into their busy schedules. Well, not to worry, the massage community has an answer: mobile massage.

What many don’t know is that massage therapists these days are on the go. Making outcalls to homes and businesses to better serve the busy lifestyle of today’s professional is an everyday occurrence. The concept of meeting clients out in the real world—bringing massage to them—is more commonly referred to as mobile massage.

The benefits of massage therapy are not a secret. Aside from the obvious relaxed muscles, just a few minutes of massage regulates the heart rate, and in return lowers blood pressure. With anxiety levels reduced and a general sense of relaxation settling in, newfound energy and focus get us through the rest of the day. Even doctors agree—according to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), 58 percent of those polled reported recommendation and/or encouragement from their doctors to seek massage therapy as a healthcare option.*

One of the most important yet highly under-recognized benefits of receiving regular massage is the effect it has on the immune system. Studies show that people with higher levels of stress tend to get sick more often and usually take longer to recover than those who cope with lower levels of stress. Combine stress, lack of sleep and the general poor nutrition of today’s society, and the body’s ability to protect and defend itself against bacteria and infection is largely reduced. Regular massage lessens stress and anxiety, leading to better sleep, which helps the body strengthen its immune system.

Of those seeking massage in the last five years, AMTA reports that 30 percent did so for pain management, injury rehabilitation, migraine control and overall wellness.* The members of the working community are some of those that can benefit the most from massage therapy. Sure it’s a great treat for employees at holiday parties and appreciation days, but bringing mobile massage into the workplace can produce profound results.  Employees who are able to receive regular massage are much less likely to call in sick because they are less stressed and sleeping better. With regular massage, general workplace complaints such as sore back, neck and shoulders, tension headaches and migraines diminish greatly. Turnover rates drop as employees find themselves able to properly cope with the stresses of the job. A fall in the number of injury claims is also common since massage can be used to effectively treat common workplace ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In some cases, massage therapy is even considered a tax-deductible employee benefit. Healthier, more enthusiastic employees mean higher morale, increased productivity and an overall improved work environment for the entire company.

All people can benefit from massage. For some it might mean having a practitioner join a group of girlfriends for an in-home spa night (think showers and bachelorette parties). For others it may be hiring a massage therapist to come in and work on them or other stressed employees at the office. Whatever your reason, local massage therapists are ready to respond to the call of bodies in need.

Sources:
*.  AMTA 2007 Massage Therapy Consumer Survey Fact Sheet
www.amtamassage.org

		Julia C. Brunelle Julia C. Brunelle is a certified massage therapist at Creative Wellness in East Lansing and specializes in reflexology, myofascial release and acupressure. She is currently completing specialized training in neuromuscular therapy at the Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy.