Migraine

I am searching for a good massage therapist, which will rejuvenate me not only physically but also mentally. I wish to feel revitalized with new energy and feel refreshed because of the travels over the last ten months has left me feeling very drained and exhausted.

Hello and Welcome.

I have found massages to be wonderful in relieving the stress that acumulates in my body if I have a prolonged migraine. I've been very lucky finding a massage therapist I like. I've had the best luck going to local day spas to find them.

Another option is to see if you have a massage school in your community. They are much more reasonably priced there.

Good luck and hope to see you around.

Cindy

Hi, darjeng, and welcome!

Here's a link to our Start Folder, where you'll find info on our forum policies and whatnot like that, just in case you haven't seen it yet.

I've only ever had professional massages twice. I kind of lucked into them, really. I had a pool manager once whose wife had Graves' Disease, too. We were jabbering and comparing stories one day, and I was telling her about my horrendous, constant shoulder spasms. Turned out she was a massage therapist who worked in a chiropractic office for years beforehand, so she knew her stuff very well, inside and out. She gave me two wonderous massages, and refused to charge me for them. It was divine, and really helped a lot.

You might ask whoever cuts your hair for you to recommend a massage therapist. I know that around here, day spas generally have hairdressers and massage therapists on staff. Sometimes, too, hair styling schools also offer massage classes, so it stands to reason that your hairdresser might know someone good. Some chiropractic offices have massage therapists, too, that contract out space. I know mine does.

You need a massage therapist to flush out toxins from your body to promote good health. I recently came across an appealing site while browsing the internet. The site is http://www.lonstein.com/ . Chiropractic & Acupuncture programming explains the process of creating new pathways, which update the mind with new beliefs to create a different outcome.

Darjeng, you want to find a certified, licensed massage therapist. These people have graduated from nationally-recognised massage therapy programs, passed national certification tests, and are licensed in your state to practice massage therapy.

These trained massage therapists know how to treat what ails you. They often work with chiropractors, physical therapists, and other professionals. And, yes, they work with day spas.

Some health insurances will cover massage therapy when it is prescribed by a health care professional.

I just wish I could convince my daughter, and "sister migraineur", to move down here from Boston. She's certified and MA-licensed, and gives wonderful massages!

Rebecca, The Island Mama

Hi Monica! Thanks for the link and welcome to the forum, it's great to have you here!

When you have a moment, please stop by the Start Here Folder for important information and guidelines about the forum. Also, a great article to take a look at is
Learning About Migraines - Where to Start.

I look forward to seeing more of you around the forum

Word of mouth is also good. And going to a place that has several people so you can try different ones until you find one you click with. My dentist happened to recommend my current wonderful massage therapist. I had my first few massages when I was pregnant, but b/c I knew the person, I jabbered so much and since I was fat and fatter, it was hard to get comfortable. after my twins were born, I had been getting chair massages from a guy who went to a health food store once a month and charged $1 a minute. I told him to keep going until the babies cried or until there was a line! He was amazing for my ultra tight neck and shoulders. Sadly he stopped that service and I couldn't find him (or a babysitter).

When my kids were in preschool, I found another place nearby and since were were very short of money, I did the chair massage thing again, but just took whoever was available, again for $1/min (so usually 20 minutes). I did find a man there that I really liked, but he didn't seem to stay long. I still go here occassionally, and when the kids are back in school I plan to try reflexology there since my regular person doesn't do that.

Now I mainly use a regular MT my dentist recommended when I was being treated for TMJ and just starting my pursuit of headache treatments. I saw her very regularly for 3+ years - about every 2-3 weeks. She always asks what I need done and doesn't charge extra for what the place above calls a "stress busters" massage, ie, neck, shoulders, and back only. (Personally, I think that's a ripoff - $15 more than a total body massage, when I don't need my feet and legs done to help my headaches) I had to cut back the past year since we bought a van so I've only been 2-3 times and my neck and shoulders miss it dearly. Esp now during the summer when I work alot more sitting at a computer most of the day. Fortunately I've found a decent combo of preventive meds so my CDH have WAY decreased in intensity and "daily-ness", but I still can barely move my neck and shoulders some days I'm so stiff. Thermacare and heating pads and hot showers do wonders, but I know Louise would be the best!

Good luck finding someone you like. As for insurance, mine didn't cover it, but I did get a letter from my dentist the first year so I could use it for Flex spending. Probably could get one from my doctor now but haven't dealt with it. It's already embarassing how *I* seem to be spending all the money already....... Thank goodness I use more generics now!

Diane

Diane, Welcome to feeling like the Family Money Pit!

It's a common trap for people with chronic illnesses. I absolutely hate how much money I have to spend on myself to keep me running at optimum efficiency. I never wanted to be a High-Maintenance Woman!

What we need to do with ourselves is a cost:benefit ratio - if we spend x dollars on our own maintenance, the outcome will be what in terms of our ability to do more, go more places with our families, etc.

So, while I can't justify switching to all organic groceries, I can justify all the vitamins & other supplements I take for my CFS, and seeing my Therapist, Neuro, and PCP regularly.

Time for me to quit writing. I'm mixing up too many letters.

Rebecca, The Island Mama