QuestionI have been under great deal of stress and my body has been reacting with severe muscle spasms in back, shoulders, neck, and wrists. My dr. suggested yoga and massage therapy. I have been going to massage therapy each week for 6 months now and doing yoga weekly also. I feel better, but still have some achy or sore days. My husband seems to think I am killing myself. He says take a potato and massage it and see what happens to it, it will turn to mush, and says I am doing more harm than good. I cant find anything about such a thing. Can you enlighten me with some info and or facts. Thank you.
AnswerHi Tauniwa,
Thank you for your question. I think, as your doctor recommended, you are doing your body and health a wonderful service by attending weekly yoga and massage. You can gauge your improvement based on several factors: are you feeling stronger and more flexible than before? Are you having less spasms and pain or tension on a regular basis? Do you sleep better, experience fewer headaches, have generally less stress? If you answered yes to most of these, you can already see improvement from your new lifestyle. In terms of having some achy or sore days, that is totally common in a yoga/massage practice, and especially if you haven't completely given up the day to day activities that cause spasm in the first place (working at a desk or on your feet, computer use, wearing high heels, carrying a heavy purse, etc).
Unfortunately for your husband's case, comparing the delicate and flexible circulatory tissues of your body to that of a potato is not an apt comparison. Massage increases circulation to our muscles, improves range of motion and flexibility, and treats adhesions (knots) and scar tissue, making us feel less tension, pain and stress. I'd say keep up with your routine if it is helping you. Maybe mention to him that you wouldn't wait for your car to break down before changing the oil. Massage is wonderful preventative medicine, and potentially far less costly than having a major issue later on.
I sincerely hope that you found this helpful,
Warmly,
Rachel Beider, LMT
Owner, Massage Williamsburg
www.massagewilliamsburg.com
