Why stop there???

Many of our clients will call us at least once a year with an “emergency” need for an appointment. Basically this means that they played weekend warrior, twisted their neck wrong, have an incredible headache, or otherwise just want to get out of pain as quickly as possible.

I can consistently reduce a headache from a “10” to under a “4” in one session. Not for every single person (I have had a few that I’ve not been able to help, but 90% of my clients get relief) but for the great majority of them. I can help someone who can barely stand up to be able to function again.

But why stop there?

I know that this may sound like a bit of a nagging post (and it is) because most of my clients have heard this before. Instead of only coming in for pain relief when you’re actually in pain, why not reduce the number of times you need to do this by improving the health of your muscles?

Example:

Client A comes to me once every two months or so because he has a very bad headache and can’t function. Client A spends about $600 a year on massage just for pain relief. He also is constantly taking over the counter drugs to manage the smaller headaches he gets. Sometimes he remembers to use contrast therapy at home (alternating a hot pack and an ice pack) on his muscles, but not often.

Client B came to me initially because of a headache, very similar to A’s, but instead of waiting until the next time she had one, she made follow-up appointments. Client B came to see me again within a few days and again within a week. She’s come in for half-hour treatments a few times when she feels like her muscles are getting a little tight. She’s much better with self-care as well and will take the time to stretch and move around while she’s at work. She also isn’t afraid to tuck an ice pack or heating pad (for the recommended amount of time and no more) while she’s watching television at night. Client B hasn’t had a debilitating headache since her treatments. Instead she’s spent a lot less than Client A and has a better quality of life.

I realize that pain is what motivates us. It’s immediate, it’s acute, and it certainly grabs our attention. Just try to hit your thumb with a hammer or stub your little toe really hard and then ignore it. We get in pain, want to fix it, and then forget about it until the next time we experience that dreadful feeling.

Clients, you’re worth it. You really are. You are worth taking a minute out of your day for self care. You are worth drinking a few glasses of water extra a day. You are worth taking the time to come in and actually make an improvement in your health and well-being. I swear it! I know that you have demands from your bosses, your coworkers, your spouses, your children, even the family dog… Many of my clients are also heavily involved in volunteering, sports, church, or other activities. I get that it takes a large part of your time.

But make time for you. Please. When you have an issue that you know massage helps, stay the course. Get your relief from the more demanding pain and then come back a couple of times within the next two weeks. Let’s break the pain pattern and help your muscle increase it’s flexibility and range of motion. Let’s dissolve the adhesions (knots) and allow the extra blood flow (nutrients and oxygen) to give your muscle a chance to heal.

Pretty please? With sugar on top?

You’ll be more productive in your daily life and ENJOY that daily life more. Isn’t that worth it?

Okay, I’ll step off my little soap box now. Blame it on the hormones, if you like. *grin*