Say YES to Massage No Matter What Your Age!! ----- Paul Colletti, Massage Therapist
| Paul Colletti, Massage Therapist |
From newborns to the elderly, no one is ever too young or too old for the wonderful pleasures and health benefits of Massage Therapy. The simple gift of touching given from one human being to another can bond an infant to its parent forever, and at the end of life relieve the last hours of suffering for the dying. No other organ in our bodies has as many receptor sites as does our skin. If our bodies are made to "receive" touch sensations, then why are we so reluctant to try massage?
It is often very hard to talk a person into receiving a massage. This comes from the fear of the unknown, of being exposed, being touched, or fear of receiving comfort or pleasure. People often say that they don't have time to lie still for an hour, they don't have the money or they aren't worth the attention. As a massage therapist who has performed therapeutic massage on thousands of people, Paul Colletti has allayed the fears of many apprehensive clients. He would like to share his experiences to help people understand what they are missing: from the comfort, relaxation, and health benefits of an hour's worth of massage.
One middle-aged woman appeared very nervous when she arrived for her first massage. Her family had given her a gift certificate, and it was almost a year before she scheduled an appointment to use it. Prior to her massage, time was spent teaching her what to expect, a medical history taken, and emotional concerns were addressed. After the massage, she emerged, appearing "drunk with euphoria", and stated she had never felt so relaxed in her life. A week later she called to make another appointment, and stated she had slept very well all week long. Problems seemed minor, and she no longer had backache.
Regardless of arthritic challenges or even post- stroke illness, massage can be performed on any one with physical limitations. Some arthritic clients report feeling taller stretched and energized. Many older people sleep better and feel the effects for days or even weeks later. For middle aged clients, stress relief is a major goal: disappearance of minor problems like tired eyes, stiff neck, headache, and backache are common. Easing of pain, enhancing one's mood, relieving muscular tightness, increasing flexibility and feelings of being more alert are often reported by sports-minded men and women as well as non sports- minded people.
Massage throughout pregnancy is healthful for mother and baby: by improving blood supply to the baby and decreasing aches and pregnancy discomforts for the mother- to- be. Many cultures practice the art of infant massage as soon as the baby is born and continue with daily massage throughout early childhood.
The emotional and psychological effects of massage are far-reaching. Massage can alleviate depression by creating a sense of reassurance and warmth, comfort, and care. A senior- aged client said he no longer felt so alone, and a college- aged client had relief from chronic insomnia. Clients may cry or laugh, as touching creates an emotional release which may be very healthy. Perhaps this may be the only time a person may release grief or emotional pain.
There are changes that sometimes occur after massage that appear unwelcome, such as being tired. Generally people who keep going on nervous tension, which becomes actual tension in the body, experience an overwhelming need to sleep after massage. Massage bodywork reveals a person's underlying exhaustion and provides an opportunity to address the greater need for rest and sleep.
Occasionally a person may feel some soreness for a day or two afterwards, similar to what one might experience after a physical workout. This is a short term side effect as the body adjusts to the soft tissue structural changes and seeks a new balance.
The best compliment you can give yourself is to notice any nuances or differences after a massage. This means you are in tune with listening to your body. This is one of the most important tools we have in health promotion and prevention of illness. Regardless of your age, it is never too late to start experiencing the effects of massage therapy... you will be so glad you did!
Paul Colletti has been practicing Massage Therapy for eighteen years and has been on the staff of Peace of Mind Emporium for fifteen of those years. He received his training at the New Jersey School of Massage. By integrating therapeutic massage with deep tissue work, sports massage technique and acupressure, he addresses each individual's desire for relaxation and relief from stress, muscle soreness, and tension. To make an appointment with Paul, or any other Peace of Mind staff therapist, call 802-773-6233.
Paul Colletti is an ABMP-certified Massage Therapist and has practiced massage therapy since 1993 in Vermont. A graduate from the NJ School of Massage, Paul has furthered his massage skills through continuing education in deep tissue therapy, sports massage, acupressure, reiki, polarity therapy and cranio-sacral therapy.
Paul offers massage therapy sessions at Peace of Mind Emporium. Find out more here.
