Well it's not even Thanksgiving yet and I already see signs of Christmas in the stores. It is way too early, but my kids have already been putting in their requests, so I guess I will put in my request too. What I want for Christmas is a massage once a month for the next year. Not too much to ask for, right?

According to Tiffany Field, Ph.D., who is the founder of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, massage has significant healing properties. I guess that is why I want to have one as often as I can. I want to reap the benefits of therapeutic touch and keep myself as healthy as I can so I can ward off diseases.

Here are some of their findings:

• Deeper sleep patterns were noted.

• Cortisol decreased by 31 percent. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced when we are stressed.

• Serotonin increased by 28 percent, which is the body's way to combat pain and give you a "positive" outlook.

• Increases the body's immune system, which fights all the viruses and bacteria you and I come in contact with everyday.

• A decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms and less aggressive behaviors.

• Turns off the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine, which keep us too high strung everyday.

• Breaks the cycle of pain in chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia, cancers and low back pain, etc.

• Reduction in the inflammatory response after athletic endeavors in the muscles so we have less overall muscle soreness.

• Decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.

• Improved brain wave activity. So learning and work environments improve.

Physical therapists are specifically trained in all aspects of massage therapy. They understand the need for therapeutic touch and know how to have the appropriate type of massage for different types of injuries and disease processes. Your therapists can help you get rid of that nagging back ache, that stiff shoulder and that "kink" in your neck every morning when you wake-up. You shouldn't have to live with that pain everyday. Don't wait, come in and get a massage for your specific needs by therapists who are specifically trained in your health care issues. A 30-minute massage once a day would really be great, but I would settle for a good massage once a month. That's what I want for Christmas. Is that too much to ask for to make sure my health is a top priority?

Sheree DiBiase, PT, is the owner of Lake City Physical Therapy and she and her staff can be reached for a therapeutic massage at (208) 667-1988. We accept cash and insurance as indicated. Also, please join us at 6 p.m. Nov. 14 for a hour massage therapy class. You will learn massage techniques so you can take care of yourself and your family.