Benefits of Massage
There are so many incredible health benefits of massage!
Relaxation
Taking the time for a massage forces you to slow down, breathe deeply, and more fully relax. As hectic as our lives can be, taking this hour for yourself is an important part of self-care. A wellness massage is the perfect way to decrease muscle tension, improve state of mind, and decrease stress.
Healing
Sore, achy muscles from sports, overuse, or injury benefit greatly from the healing powers of massage. Massage can also help heal soft tissue strains or injuries and has even been shown to provide relief from digestive disorders.
Pain Relief
At Cooper Chiropractic, our physicians employ a multitude of techniques to facilitate healing. Our highly trained on-site massage therapists are experienced in deep tissue work for sports and auto injuries, headache/migraine sufferers, and everyday aches and pains. They specialize in Craniosacral therapy, Myofascial release, Cupping, Gua Sha, Reflexology, and Table Top Thai Stretching. Specialties include: Petrissage, Effleurage, Tapotement, NIMMO, Pin and Stretch, Muscle Release Technique, Muscle Energy Technique, Post-Isometric Relaxation, and more.
Calm the Mind
Massage is a powerful stress reliever. Regular massage has also been shown to help alleviate anxiety, provide relief from headaches, and ease stress-related insomnia.
Questions about how massage can benefit you? Reach out to us or schedule an appointment!
Meet Alena!
Why did you decide to become a massage therapist?
Massage therapy was a career change for me. I worked for several years in non-profits as a grant writer. Within that field, I last worked for an organization that provided housing and support services to quadriplegic adults and fragile elders. I was amazed at the improvement and maintenance of mobility and overall wellness by those who had access to massage therapy. My mother-in-law is a massage therapist so I was familiar with the profession but had no idea how powerful the work could be in directly affecting the quality of life for potentially vulnerable populations. Although it sounds cliche, I knew that I was called to do that work. I think it was the best professional decision I’ve ever made!
What do you love about what you do?
I love helping people feel and move better. When we feel good (physically) we naturally want to be more active, have a positive mindset, and continue down a path of good health. Pain and stress are huge inhibitors toward an active and peaceful life. I love that I can be a small part of helping people move past those challenges and reach their goal, whether it be recovering from an auto accident, maintaining mobility, easing pregnancy-related discomfort, or providing an hour of deep relaxation in an otherwise busy life.
What would people be surprised to learn about massage therapy?
Massage therapy works well as part of a team approach toward good health. I think that many people have an impression of massage that begins and ends with relaxation. Relaxation is an important component of what we do but massage is so much more than that! A skilled massage therapist can help you increase your range of motion, correct your posture, and recover from a car accident/other injury/surgery.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Besides spending time with my husband, family, friends, and pets, I love to camp, hike, and kayak. My husband and I have lived in Camas for three years and we have enjoyed exploring the area and working on our house and garden. We love growing our own food. I have crocheted since I was 12 years old. I also draw, paint, and do a bunch of other crafty things including macrame and weaving. I’m always reading one or two books and especially enjoy reading historical non-fiction.
What is your favorite part of each day?
My favorite part of the day is in the evening before bed. I try to give myself a few moments to journal, reflect on the day, and set my intentions for the next day.
What does healthy living look like for you?
I believe that good health starts with a positive mindset. The messages we give ourselves are so powerful – chances are if you tell yourself that a goal is impossible or difficult you’ll have a much more challenging time accomplishing it, and that applies to the health goals we set as much as our professional or recreational goals. Living healthy begins with telling myself that good health is delicious and rewarding. I don’t follow any specific diet except that I have ruled out food sensitivities with the help of a nutritionist. Beyond that, I believe that all food is okay in moderation as long as vegetables make up most of my plate and water makes up most of what I drink. I exercise and meditate daily, both of which keep me feeling emotionally balanced and physically strong.
You can schedule a massage with Alena
here!