Meet Mary
Meet Mary
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Massage therapy has been a part of Mary’s healthcare for over 30 years, and she keeps going back to it because it helps her participate more fully in all aspects of her life.
Massage therapy has helped Mary remain limber and manage pain, and she likes that RMTs take continuing education that helps them focus on treating specific issues. She also appreciates the progress she continues to see and the partnership that’s developed between her and her massage therapist. An important aspect of her progress has been recognizing that massage therapy is not a passive experience. This is a perspective she encourages others to adopt as well .
“Remember how your body responded to the massage in the days after and share it at the beginning of your next visit as it will help guide your therapist as they move forward with your treatment,” Mary suggests. “It is not a totally passive treatment. They may recommend simple stretches to help maintain the newfound range of motion. Your work is to do that homework so that at your next appointment you haven’t backslid, and your progress is not hampered.”
For those considering trying massage therapy for the first time, she recommends researching RMTs in your area to find the RMT with the massage therapy style that works best for each individual. She emphasizes the importance of communicating with your RMT and asking any questions you have to ensure you’re comfortable.
“It is totally reasonable to ask them to explain what will happen during the massage. And remember, communication is key, especially during treatments,” Mary said. “If the pressure they are using is too much, it is so important to let them know. You should never feel uncomfortable either physically, emotionally or psychologically.”
After a massage therapy treatment, Mary relishes in the feeling of her body having responded so positively. She will often feel fairly instant improvement, and continues to experience long-term progress.
“There can sometimes be a bit of a sense that ‘someone has been working on your body’, which they have, “Mary said “It is not muscle soreness exactly and it dissipates the next day or so. After that feeling has gone, I relish the feeling of my body having responded so positively to the treatment and the ease it brings into my life.”
Mary feels happy with the progress she has made with massage therapy treatment, and knows that she wouldn’t have the quality of life she currently enjoys without it. She recommends anyone trying massage therapy stick with it.
“You may not see the full benefits of massage therapy in the first one or two appointments, but progress is being made,” Mary said.
During her experience with massage therapy, Mary’s RMT has worked on various parts of her body as a response to various issues. She is continuously impressed with her RMT’s skill, and hopes that everyone is able to find and access an RMT that works just as well for them.