Why you can't afford NOT to get a massage!

It’s a myth that you can’t afford massage – the truth is that if you want to stay happy, healthy and full of vitality for longer, you can’t afford NOT to fit regular massage therapy sessions into your schedule.

Massage might have a reputation for being something that’s a treat, a fluffy afternoon in a spa with aromatherapy candles and whale music, but that’s not what it’s all about. Massage is healing, reviving, relaxing and in fact it can save you a whole lot more money than it costs you.

Massage therapy has been proven to treat the symptoms of conditions as diverse as depression, chronic pain, fibromyalgia and MS. This is according to the Touch Research Institute, who has carried out over 100 separate studies into massage and its many benefits.

Even if you’re not managing a particular health condition, you still need massage in your life. It can help you if you’re an athlete, or just enjoy a workout. Massage can help keep your joints and muscles supple so that you’re less prone to injury. It’s great for dealing with stress, even if you’re not actually depressed, and improve immunity and sleep, making you more present and productive at work.

How expensive is massage, really?

According to recent figures, the average massage session costs about $60 for 45 minutes. That’s about the same as a tank of gas and an oil change, erring on the cheaper side. The average price for a trip to the doctor, spending approximately 10 minutes with a doctor – is $68 (without insurance). Although most insurance companies aren’t enlightened enough to cover massage, there’s no arguing that massage DOES play a big part in injury and disease prevention. Experts know that a regular massage session will help to keep your body healthy.

Worst case scenario?

What’s the worst that can happen if you neglect your massage routine? Plenty of people struggle daily with sore backs, repetitive strains, or hurt themselves while running, what’s the big deal?

Did you know that back injuries are the second most common reason for worker’s compensation claims? That’s everything from muscle spasms, problems with discs, and injuries leading to disability. Thirty- one million Americans are thought to experience low-back pain at any given time.

Most of these injuries could be prevented with better posture, rest and massage. So many back problems can be directly attributed to over-use and fatigue, and most problems are mechanical - that is, not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.

On average, managing back pain costs Americans over $50 BILLION a year. Still think you can’t afford that massage?