10 Signs Your Body Needs a Massage

Massages are no longer an indulgence for the rich and famous. More and more everyday people of all ages are learning how regular massages help lead to a better quality of life.

So how do you know when you need a massage? If you can relate to one or more of these situations, it may be time for you to book a massage:

1. You haven’t had one for months (or even years): You'll feel the best benefits when your massages are received on a regular basis. Most massage therapists would recommend ideally recommend once a month for regular maintenance and even more often if you have an injury you are trying to rehabilitate.
2. You are in training: Are an active marathoner, hiker, extreme sport enthusiast or one who's always pushing your body to its limits? Then you should be treating your muscles to massage therapy. A good licensed massage therapist can help keep you active and injury free and focus on the parts of your body that need the most attention.
3. You have a pain in the neck (or back, or shoulder, or hip…..): Today more and more people have so much to do in a day that they fail to see the signs your body is telling you. When you feel pain, your body is telling you that you need to stop and pay attention. Ignoring the pain could lead to injury could get worse. Make an appointment with a licensed massage therapist and they can help relieve your pain.
4. You’ve been getting headaches: It first starts with muscle aches around your shoulders and back. Eventually it migrates up to your head causing tension headaches. But you can relieve the pain and tension with regular maintenance massages. Gentle touches in the right areas releases the tensions and can leave you feeling relaxed and renewed. 
5. You don’t have full range of motion: Do you feel that it's hard for you to reach for things, turn your body, lift your arms or touch your toes? Limited range of motion is a sign that you may have muscular restrictions. Massage therapy may be able to help.
6. You don’t get enough sleep: One of the most frequently checked off items on a client's Massage Intake Form is that they have problems sleeping. Proper sleep is vital in healing and repairing your heart and blood vessels. Research shows ongoing lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. However with regular massage therapy, it can help promote healthy sleep habits by promoting relaxation.
7. You are stressed out: Whether it's balancing your work, family or relationship at one point or another you are faced with stress. One of the best ways to lower your stress hormones and increase levels of endorphins is to get a massage. You feel the immediate benefits after receiving a relaxing 60-minute or 90-minute massage.
8. You have issues with Circulation: Elderly or inactive adults can benefit from regular massages as it promotes healthy circulation. Massage helps move the blood and fluid around which contributes to the healing process. People with swollen legs and ankles like pregnant women or those with lymph edema can find relief with massage. The elderly often suffer from not having enough human contact/touch. Having a weekly massage can keep their bodies and their minds healthy.
9. You experience Muscle Fatigue: When we think of massage we think of muscles as the main part of the body that massage addresses. After a hard workout, our muscles produce toxins such as lactic acid. We want to move those out of the body to avoid muscle fatigue or pain. Massage flushes those toxins, smoothes the muscle fibers and helps relax them.
10. You have Scar Tissue: Massage is also used on scar tissue. When we use our muscles we get small micro tears in the tissue. That is actually how we are building bulk. When scar tissue lays down it doesn’t lay flat like smooth muscle fiber. It lays cross-ways like fiberglass. Massage can help smooth out that tissue, keeping it healthy and more supple.