CHARLOTTE – Can massage increase circulation in hands and feet? I had an interesting conversation with a client who is going to have vascular testing done on her feet. It struck me as a great idea. How many of us are unaware that we have an issue with our health until the issue pops up and has to be addressed? Which lead me to wonder about massage and the circulation in our extremities, particularly hands and feet.

Besides feeling really good on our hands, what does massage offer? A massage of the hand can be gentle and firm, with measurable results. For instance, some people have arthritis in the joints of their hands. Research performed at the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine found that hand massage and hand massage is done on yourself by yourself can ease joint pain. (This research entity has some really outstanding research on the power of touch in itself.)

Other resources are studying the correlation between massage and increased blood flow that can also help with hand recovery. And not only from day-to-day activities. Research is being done on how massage can help with pre-care of hand issues, as well as post-care recovery issues.

What do you do? Be open about feelings of discomfort with your hands to your massage therapist. Make sure they are aware of any chronic issues or past issues with breaks or sprains/strains. This information will help your massage be as comfortable as possible.