Massage therapist heals Air Commandos

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrea Posey
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Massage therapy is available to Air Commandos and their family members at the Commando Fitness Center here.

For injured Airman, or for those who just want to seek the benefits of massage therapy, they can see Jamey Starling, Commando Fitness Center massage therapist.

Starling said she uses techniques like rehabilitative massages, deep tissue work and stretches to heal Air Commandos.

"Everyone comes in for different things," she said. "However, most adults have had some kind of injury."

One of Starling's patients, Staff Sgt. Britain Ragar, 25th Intelligence Squadron assistant NCO in charge, said he has suffered with back issues for nearly six years.

Ragar said he had two out-of-place ribs near his spine. As a result, the surrounding muscle became inflamed and spastic.

"I have had two episodes in the last three years which have left me completely immobile," he said. "If I did not have others around to help me, I would have had to call an ambulance. The pain was too great to move on my own."

Due to the unpredictable nature of the episodes, Ragar said he averages three to seven days of "suffering" before returning to his normal state.

"I began utilizing the massage service six months ago, and I have not experienced any episodes of intense back pain during this time," he said. "Jamey has helped with both day-to-day stressors and, thus far, prevented my reoccurring back issues."

Deep tissue, Swedish relaxation massage and stretching are designed specifically to reduce muscle tension, elongate tendons, and increase range of motion in ligaments and joints, according to Starling.

"Massage therapy allows the whole body to unwind and relax, ultimately giving patients a greater sense of movement, alignment and balance," he said.

A massage from the fitness center consists of deep tissue and Swedish relaxation techniques.

Deep tissue massage targets tension deep in muscles, typically for athletes and chronic injuries. Swedish relaxation massage is for relaxation and helps with blood flow.

After a massage, Starling said she may suggest stretches or gives handouts to her patients.

"I have texted yoga poses to some people just so they can continue healing when they're not here," she said. "Some people are deploying and they want to keep up with things so they're not a train wreck when they come back."

Starling said most adults should get a massage at least once a month.

"If you have issues with muscle tension, spasms, or you just don't feel well, I encourage [getting a massage] every couple of weeks until your problem gets better, then every few months," Starling said.

To schedule a massage appointment, call the Commando Fitness Center at (850) 884-4412.