QuestionHi!
I am 14 almost 15 and interested in a massage. I have had a few mild back injuries from sports, and I am under a lot of stress. I was wondering what the benefits are of massages, and what the best kind of massage is best for me.
Thanks!
Kayti
AnswerHi Kayti,
Thanks for your question.
Massage is beneficial for all except a few who suffer from medical conditions which are contraindicated to massage.
Look at it this simple way! The more the body is exercised, the more maintenance is required. In fact most massage clients are dancers and sports practice enthusiasts.
Therapeutic massage would be indicated to maintain previous injuries from sports in order to keep the muscles well stretched and supple for future use. This would include petrissage (Finger massage) in the affected areas and 'squeezing' the muscles between the palms of the hands.
You have also mentioned that you are under a lot of stress. Numerous studies indicate that relaxation massage has been shown to be beneficial for both physical and psychological stress. It helps clear the mind and makes a person feel 'whole' and comfortable in their own body. It could helps alleviate negative body feelings and teaches you to love your body irrespective of the shape or size you fit in. It is also a known fact that it will help you break the barriers of embarrassment and boost your self confidence.
Through trust and an empathic therapist, relaxation can also help you achieve a higher understanding of the mechanism of touch on your body. Skin hunger is as real as stomach hunger and the way we nurture ourselves through touch can be very fulfilling. Unfortunately our culture has very much given the undeserved bad reputation of massage as too intimate and intimacy is very much equated to sex. But as you should know, massage is intimate but not meant to be sexual. The non verbal communication through touch can give you more love which is so missing in our culture.
One last thing...a therapist should not make you do anything you do not want to do and I presume that any therapist would require that until you are an adult, you are accompanied by an adult for your sessions. Be wary of therapists who ask you to be alone.
Take care of yourself...practice safe sports and make the most of this beautiful life.
Kind regards
Jeremy Lanfranco
(Malta, Europe)
