Massage aids in stress release and overall health

By Molly Hayden, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public AffairsSeptember 29, 2008

Massage aids in stress release and overall health
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WAHIAWA, Hawaii - DFMWR-contracted massage therapist Brenda Burnett (left) performs Reflexology - a form of massage focusing on the hands and feet, on military family member Sue Oller. Burnett provides many massage services to Soldiers and family mem... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Massage aids in stress release and overall health
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Massage aids in stress release and overall health
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – WAHIAWA, Hawaii - Fragrant oils, lotions, candles and incense crowd the shelf in the studio of massage therapist Brenda Burnett. The tools are used to create a peaceful and relaxing environment for Soldiers and family members to enjoy the relief of a... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

<p>WAHIAWA, Hawaii - Rest & Recuperation (R&R) leave for military members means just that, and Soldiers find many different ways to relax with family and friends between trips overseas. </p><p>Relieving the stress of deployment and maintaining good overall health is a top priority for many Soldiers. </p><p>As Maj. Don Oller, 84th Engineer Battalion, stepped off a plane from Iraq last year, for his two-week R&R, his family and a gift of recuperation greeted him. Waiting for him approximately five miles from their home on Schofield Barracks was an hourlong deep-tissue massage. </p><p>In anticipation of the much-needed massage, Oller walked into a room filled with the scent of lavender. Soft, ambient music rang from a small radio next to a long table. The room was small, with posters showcasing muscles and trigger points of the human body covering the ceiling and walls. Oller instantaneously relaxed as he climbed onto the table. </p><p>Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (DFMWR) contracted massage therapist Brenda Burnett began working on the Soldier as a gift from his wife, Sue. </p><p>After completing his deployment six months later, Oller began regular visits to Burnett. </p><p> "She's a great therapist and working with MWR gives her credibility," said Oller. "A lot of my back problems and everyday aches and pains have been eliminated since coming to see Brenda." </p><p>Burnett's holistic approach to pain relief and prevention, stress management and better overall health aids many Soldiers and family members on the path to a healthier and stress-free life. Burnett uses deep-muscle release with a corresponding understanding of the inner-body connection. </p><p>She goes above and beyond many massage therapists as she aims to discover each individual's personal injury and activity history to help treat problems of the body more efficiently. In addition, she works within each client's pain threshold to treat specific needs. </p><p>The contracted massage therapist also donates her time for many Army functions, including massaging doctors and nurses on the installation. </p><p> "Massage is a normal and necessary part of any fitness center," said installation fitness coordinator Michelle McQueary, Schofield Barracks Health and Fitness Center. "Our Soldiers love (Burnett) and the work she does for them." </p><p>Oller's wife, Sue, began making regular massage appointments when her husband left for a 12-month deployment in August of 2006. </p><p> "She has a genuine appreciation for the military," said Sue. "She understands that deployments can be a stressful time in our lives, and she takes care of us. </p><p> "She makes us feel better at that moment," continued Sue. "And in the long run, your body and mind has a complete makeover." </p><p>Burnett has been giving massages for more than 21 years and practices shiatsu, Swedish massage, trigger point massage and reflexology - a technique focusing on the hands and feet, to name just a few. </p><p>The single mother of three is a graduate of the Honolulu School of Massage and is trained to massage people of all ages, including young children. Burnett began working for DFMWR more than a year ago to help Soldiers and family members ease the common stressors of military life and live a healthier, happier lifestyle. </p><p>She also provides the military ohana with a discounted rate. A small percentage of income earned through her contract goes back to DFMWR programs. </p><p>Burnett's wide range of techniques and warm personality draw many Soldiers and family members into her studio in Wahiawa. She also travels to the installation or individual residences, if requested. </p><p> "This is what I do to support my country and all the Soldiers and family members that sacrifice every day," said Burnett. "Military spouses of Soldiers especially need support to get through a deployment." </p><p> "While their husbands are gone, they come to me to get a little TLC," added Burnett. </p><p>Massage is more than a luxury, according to Burnett. Regular massages can be a necessity in both mental and physical health. </p><p>For appointments or information on massage therapy, call Schofield's Health & Fitness Center at 808-655-8007. </p><p> (Editor's Note: Brenda Burnett's office has moved from Wahiawa to Mililani.)</p>

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