Do You Need to Unplug and Recharge?


Massage is a supportive therapy, assisting our bodies to ignite the rest and digest response of our nervous system. Most of us are “plugged in”, 24-7. Life is busy, fast and demanding. We are always trying to do more and as a result, deplete our energy tanks.

Even one massage per month can help to reduce the amount of stress hormones our bodies release. This can help to reduce anxiety, pain, headaches, fatigue and muscle soreness, as well as improve sleep. Regular massage helps to calm the nervous system, lift your mood, and give your body TRUE relaxation.

Other ways to honor your body and gain true relaxation include stepping away from your devices and your to-do lists, even for a few hours a week. Begin to journal or spend 30 minutes enjoying time outside. Visit a spa or float center. Take time to practice meditation/mindfulness. Whatever it is that you do, do it with the intention of becoming more present in daily life. Stress and pain from chronic illness’ and injuries can also benefit from massage, as it supports the stress reducing hormones to activate and relieve the body and mind from the stress of daily symptoms. Chronic issues like joint pain, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, as well as soft tissue and sports injuries can all benefit. Research has even shown that massage helps to lower blood pressure and heart rate, leading you to a healthier heart. With the end of the year approaching, we begin to think about our 2019 goals and resolutions. A startling 90% of us will not follow through on those resolutions. Part of that is due to daily stress which can make it hard for people to control their behavior. The Mayo Clinic has linked stress to overeating, drug and alcohol abuse, tobacco use and social withdrawal. Keeping your stress in check is a great way to meet your 2019 goals. Whether you’re working to be healthier, or trying to stay in shape, massage is a powerful tool to help you reach your goals.

At A2 Physical Therapy, our therapists are trained in both clinical and wellness massage therapy, which is often covered by insurance. We offer a range of styles, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Prenatal, and more. If you would like to learn more about our massage therapy offerings, or to schedule an appointment, call us at 253-844-4137

"Dear Alika- I want to tell you how great A2 has been in helping me to succeed in getting better after my stroke. Your staff is not only knowledgeable but funny at the same time. They don’t make physical therapy seem tough; but they make it fun by teaching us the right way to stand, asking us how we are and encouraging us to reach our goals. My goal has always been to get back to “normal.” I appreciate all of your staff immensely. They are all great. You always have my recommendation for where to go for P.T."

− Crestina

"The therapy did exactly as I had hoped, it helped alleviate my shoulder pain, and stopped the numbness from creeping down my arm to my hand. The exercises I was shown had the added benefit of helping keep my neck and traps loose and not so tense all the time. A great experience that I would recommend to anyone needing physical therapy."

− C. Wesley

"My experience was great. Pain in my lower right quadrant of my back is virtually gone. This has improved my quality of life tremendously. Everyone I had contact with was very courteous and helpful. Special thanks to Alika and Danny for helping me learn exercises that have helped my back. Thank you."

− Ken