The Patient Speaks!

Tuesday, February 11, 2002

Valentine’s Day is only three days away and what do I want from my Sweetie?  Why, nothing, of course.  Just her presence in the room is quite enough for me   32 years we have been married and going on 32 more.  But I digress…

Had a massage last night.  Full body massage.  I try to get at least one a month but normally can not afford more.  For me personally, it works wonders for my migraine headache.  Some of the “wonders” is psychological, I am sure – but I will take whatever I can get.  There are only two massage therapists I (and my wife!) will let touch my body.  Therapist “A” does what I call a “feel good” massage.  In relative terms, she is fairly light to the touch and gentle.  Therapist “B” is my “therapeutic”.  “B” does the “deep tissue” massage, really getting in there and taking care of business.  Both styles have a positive effect on me and are well worth the time and money.  To make it even better, they both come to my house so all I have to do is walk down the stairs and enter heaven.  And even better, all I have to do is walk upstairs when done and just relax on the couch with my sweetie.

Massage does more for me than many other attempts at non-medical therapeutic pain relief.  Four different chiropractors – each for one year and each with their own distinct method – tried but failed to give me HA relief. Imagery and biofeedback will sometimes work for my tension or stress headaches, but not for migraine.  Even diet considerations are ineffective.  Massage therapy, on the other hand, will have an immediate positive result and sometimes last for a few days.  Therapist “B” really knows how to get in there and make it work for the long haul.  Sometimes I am a little sore when she finishes, but I know the healing is just beginning.  Plus, she will give me exercises to do that help maintain the “hurt-so-good feeling”.

The only bad part is lack of insurance participation.  There is a way to get insurance to pay – have the doctor write a ‘script and go to a physical therapy program that may include massage.  However, by the time the deductibles are met, it isn’t worth it.  Especially when the physical therapy doesn’t help and the massage is really the only reason for going.  Least any insurance types believe I am walking a fine line between actual positive therapy and simply wanting a relaxing massage, I swear on a stack of virus-free floppy disks that consistent massage therapy actually reduces my intake of medication, thereby reducing my pharmacy insurance claims and reducing my doctor office visits.  Honest.

(Post carried over from previous website)