thorninmyside

A great gift idea for those living with a chronic illness is the gift of massage!  A recent study by the American Massage Therapy Association discovered that not only does getting a massage provide relaxation and stress relief but massage also has healing properties.  A survey conducted by the same association states that almost 1/3 of people that regularly get massages do so to treat the symptoms of a medical condition.

There are different types of massages that can target specific health issues, including migraine headaches, neuromuscular issues, back pain and even high blood pressure (hypertension).

You should always consult your physician before starting massage therapy, but when ordered by a physician some insurance companies will provide coverage for therapeutic massage. 

I know there is no gift I appreciate more than a 60 minute Swedish massage.  I never fail to fall asleep during this time and it works out so many of the kinks and pains that tend to find their home in my muscles.  I always make sure that I have a masseuse that has experience with MS, because an inexperienced person could do damage rather than good.  The same is true for prenatal massage- go to someone who has been specifically trained.

If you are wondering what to get someone living with a chronic illness, consider the gift of massage. 

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