The Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals created Massage is for Everybody Week 20 years ago to promote the importance of massages. This annual celebration recognizes the power of massage therapy in supporting physical and mental well-being. Massage is for Everybody is the week of July 16-22, 2023, and we encourage all of our members to participate!
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massages are not just for relaxation or stress relief. There are many physical and mental health benefits to massage therapy. Massages can help with chronic panic, anxiety/depression, sports injuries, nerve pain, Fibromyalgia, and more.
The physical benefits of massages include:
- Improved circulation
- Better sleep quality
- Decreased pain
- Decreased joint inflammation
- Decreased muscle stiffness
- Improved immune function
There are many types of massages as well. From Swedish massages to Deep Tissue massages, there are several types to help with different issues.
Mental benefits of massages include:
- Lower stress
- Lower levels of anxiety
- Relaxed mood
- More energy
- Improved quality of life
If you are still not convinced of the benefits of massages, the American Massage Therapy Association provides 25 reasons you should get a massage and includes sources for each reason. Read it here.
FSBP Massage Benefits
At health fairs or chatting with members, AFSPA employees often hear that massage benefits are one of our member’s favorite parts of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. That’s because all members enrolled in FSBP can receive 50 massage therapy, 50 chiropractic, and 50 acupuncture visits, covered up to $60 per visit, per calendar year. That’s four massages each month!
The only requirement is that members in the U.S. visit a licensed massage therapist. This service is also available for members living or visiting abroad. If you want to learn more about our massage benefits, check out this recent AFSPA Live Q&A broadcast when AFSPA COO, Kyle Longton answered member questions about FSBP’s Alternative Services.
As we celebrate Massage is for Everybody Week, take the opportunity to treat yourself or a loved one to a rejuvenating massage. Let the skilled hands of a trained and licensed massage therapist work their magic!
