In my career an as Massage Therapist and Personal Trainer, I have cared for patients from all walks of life and in all different stages of health. Over these past 30 years, as people came to me with pain and cognitive issues, I made it my mission to better understand not only how to help them in the present, but also how to help prevent pain going forward. I studied the effects of one’s posture, of spinal alignment, of yoga and tai chi on overall well being, and got trained in Pilates so I could teach my patients how to build up their core strength in order to prevent further injuries.
Each person has their own personality, and what is right for one person is not right for the other. But increasing one’s physical strength using different forms of exercise and nutrition is universally helpful for all. How one chooses to go about achieving these improvements is up to them. But one thing I know for certain, people who chose to do nothing at all will pay a price. They will fall more often, their healing time will increase because they are out of shape, and for many they may simply not have the strength to recover properly at all.
Massage therapy helps me do several things for my patients. One, it lets me feel where the problem areas are in their bodies, and believe it or not, the spots where pain manifests is rarely where the problem it. Pain travels and radiates throughout the body. Two, it lets me direct them towards the type of exercise routines that will help them the most. If they are out of balance and cannot handle a strenuous routine, then a little Yoga and some Tai Chi could be just the thing for them. Someone who is relatively healthy, but weak in their core will do well with a Pilates exercise routine. Pilates builds strength and it works your core which is essential for good balance.
Massage is defined as:” the act of pressing, rubbing or manipulating muscles and other soft tissues using your hands, fingers or elbows. The purpose of which is to relax those muscles, ease pain and strain and stimulate circulation.” Because my hands have worked on bodies for so many years, I can often tell exactly what is causing someone pain. They may not be able to explain exactly where the pain is coming from, but I can. I will use my hands to break up toxic deposits in their bodies, which can sometimes be painful, but will ultimately remove the blockage which is causing them pain.
Massage is also a way of connecting. There are people who live on their own, and although they work and attend social functions, they don’t get the same physical contact that someone with a partner or children would. They say that a hug can do wonders, and it is true. Studies show that a warm touch can help to relieve stress and anxiety in people. Something as simple as a massage can bring that balance back into their lives. It is especially important in children.
I have made it a practice to use both massage therapy and exercise a part of my practice. I also periodically teach exercise classes for Silver Sneaker. Massage Therapy is important for stress and pain relief, exercise is important also for stress relief and to prevent injuries due to a weak core or weak muscles. Give me a call, I can help you to develop a personalized program for you or a loved one.
Valentina Boonstra
