Like 34 percent of Americans, do you believe massage therapy is primarily a form of pampering? If so, it’s time you learned about the incredible health benefits of this form of therapy. While getting a massage feels good, it is also great for your health. According to the Mayo Clinic, massage therapy can help treat…
- Digestive issues
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Fibromyalgia
- Insomnia
- Sports-related injuries
- Myofascial pain syndrome
No one better understands the far-reaching benefits of massage therapy than Leana Virgo, lead massage therapist at Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics in Winnipeg. In a recent interview, Leana, who has been a massage therapist for 19 years, revealed a few fascinating things about this form of therapy. She explained:
- Why massage therapy compliments physiotherapy.
- How she reduced a patient’s physical scarring via massage therapy.
- What questions patients should be asking their massage therapists.
Read Leana’s interview below to learn more about massage therapy and how it can benefit you.
Massage Therapist Leana Virgo Explains Everything You Need to Know About Massage Therapy
Q) What is your favorite thing about working with Elite Sports Injury?
A) The co-workers I have are wonderful. They make coming to work so much fun!
Q) How long have you been a massage therapist? What do you enjoy most about your job?
A) I have been a massage therapist for just over 19 years. I love helping people. It is so fulfilling to be in a profession that improves clients’ well being.
Q) Is massage an important aspect of a physiotherapy program? Why?
A) Absolutely! Massage is very complimentary to many other health disciplines. In a 30-60 minute massage we can address muscle tension and fascial restrictions that physiotherapists don’t have time to completely eliminate during their sessions.
Q) What are 3 questions all massage therapy patients should ask their massage therapist?
A)
1. “How often should I be coming to see you?”
2. “Does a massage have to hurt to be effective?”
3. “What can I do outside of my massage appointment to improve my problem?”
Q) If someone were to come to you asking for help with chronic headaches, what would their therapy treatment program potentially look like?
A) I would suggest several things. First, what is their general health? For example, water intake, diet, caffeine/alcohol intake, underlying health issues, occupation/activities, duration/severity of headaches and what treatments they usually find relief with.
As far as the massage treatment, I would observe their posture & address areas such as upper back, shoulders, pecs, and neck. I may use modalities such as cupping, IASTM, or cranio-sacral therapies to provide relief. I may suggest acupuncture if the massage doesn’t seem to help.
Q) What is the most unusual condition you’ve ever successfully treated in partnership with physiotherapy or just massage or both?
A) A patient with severe burns who needed scar relief. Prior to visiting me, she had difficulties brushing her teeth due to severe scarring on her face. When we were finished, the scars were visibly reduced and she was able to open her mouth fully.
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Getting a massage from an experienced massage therapist doesn’t just feel good in the moment. According to Times of India, a massage also…
- Relaxes you
- Eases pain
- Heals damaged muscle tissue
- Lowers blood pressure
- Decreases cortisol
- Increases serotonin
Experience these benefits by making an appointment with a massage therapist near you.
Do you live in the Winnipeg area? Are you dealing with any type of pain? Massage therapy and/or physiotherapy might be of great help to you. Contact the team at Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics to set up an evaluation.