“This is really good for me,” my husband said as he sat on the bed kneading his thigh. This had become a nightly ritual for a few months. He’d start up high and work his way toward the knee methodically. Once he’d finished both legs he’d jump up and do a chicken like strut around the room. “My legs feel so light,” he’d say. “It’s so easy to walk around!”

It’s easy for me to make fun of but what he’s doing does have medical benefits. I’m a massage therapist. I introduced him to the idea of self massage about a year ago. I’m happy he does it on a regular basis. He’s figured out how to manage his low back pain through self massage. Now when he feels a back ache coming on he can stop it before it gets unbearable.

Most people know that massage loosens and relaxes tense muscles. It also helps increase blood flow to tissue and stimulates the lymphatic system. As an added bonus massage helps to strengthen the immune system. I think that most people would benefit from getting massaged once a day.

I know what you’re thinking, Once a day! Who can afford that? This is not some kind of scheme to make sure I have more clients than I can possibly squeeze into my schedule. I don’t really practice massage anymore so I don’t have an investment in promoting it.

I’m familiar with the numbness and tingling of the wrist and hands associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. I also suffer from occasional sciatic nerve pain. Through the use of self massage I’ve been able to manage both of these conditions. Most people suffering from these problems can’t afford to see a massage therapist as often as they’d need to to really fix the problem. Getting massaged once a week usually isn’t enough. That’s why doing it yourself is a good option.

In upcoming posts I will give detailed descriptions of self massage techniques to ease sciatic nerve pain and carpel tunnel syndrome. I’ll also describe how to massage away tension headaches and stress. I use these techniques all of the time. I know they work.

*Self massage is not a substitute for medical care. If you are suffering from these conditions it is important that you seek the advice of a medical professional.

Photo by *sean

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