Performance Notes by Big Burd: Massage Isn’t a Luxury—It’s Maintenance

In a culture that equates productivity with worth, massage therapy is often viewed as indulgent—something reserved for special occasions or after you’re already in pain. But the truth is, regular bodywork isn’t a luxury. It’s maintenance. Just like brushing your teeth or changing your oil, it’s a proactive way to take care of the system you live in every day—your body.

Skip it long enough, and the cost adds up—physically and financially. Tight muscles become chronic pain. Compensation patterns lead to injury. And before long, you're spending hundreds (or thousands) on what could’ve been prevented with a couple of sessions per month. Missed work, imaging, prescriptions, physical therapy—these are the downstream effects of ignoring the early warning signs.

Massage, when applied intentionally and consistently, does more than “feel good.” Research from the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic confirms that bodywork can help lower cortisol levels, improve circulation, promote joint mobility, and decrease pain perception. In my practice, I’ve seen clients sleep better, recover faster, and stay more consistent in training—not because they’re pushing harder, but because they’re taking care of their body before it’s screaming for help.

Massage isn’t a Band-Aid for burnout. It’s a tool to help you avoid it—and stay strong enough to keep doing what you love.