Does Massage Remove Toxins? Does Water Help?
In recent years, there has been more and more research into the benefits of massage. And there are many that studies are confirming. Benefits including… relief from stress, headaches and body pain; decreased stiffness and increased muscle and joint flexibility and range of motion; increased circulation and tissue regeneration; improved posture; blood pressure control; decreased […]
Good Pain or Bad Pain?
Whether you’re getting a Swedish massage, a Deep Tissue massage, or almost any other kind, you should expect your massage to feel good. It should be a healing experience. And it might be a little painful. Some massage, especially the work that gets at the deeper muscles, can be uncomfortable, sometimes even painful. But […]
More Stretches for the Low Back
PELVIC TILT: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feel flat on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles and push your lower back into the floor. Hold this position for 5 seconds, then relax. Do 3 sets of 10. PARTIAL CURL: Lie on your back with your knees bent and […]
The Scent of Relaxation
Did you know that the main benefit of chicken soup for someone with a cold isn’t due to the steam it produces, but its aroma? Aromatherapy has skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade, due in part to the ubiquity of stores like Bath and Body Works. Far from the mildly pleasing scent of hand […]
Stretches for the Low Back
STANDING HAMSTRING STRETCH: Place the heel of your leg on a stool about 15 inches high. Keep your knee straight. Lean forward, bending at the hips until you feel a mild stretch in the back of your thigh. Make sure you do not roll your shoulders and bend at the waist when doing this […]
Warm Stones Add a Healing Touch
Warm stone therapy, also known as hot stone massage, is one of the “hottest” massage modalities being used today. Most commonly requested as a relaxation method, this form of massage uses the direct heat and pressure of the warm, smooth stones to relax muscles and allow practitioners to manipulate deep muscle layers that otherwise are […]
Hand Strengthening – Basic Exercises
To begin with, the following basic hand strengthening exercises should be performed approximately 10 times, 3 times daily. As your hand strength improves, the exercises can be progressed by gradually increasing the repetitions and strength of contraction provided they do not cause or increase pain. Tennis Ball Squeeze Begin this exercise holding a tennis […]
All Knotted Up?
Ever feel like you have a knot in your back, neck or shoulder that causes pain elsewhere but is tender to the touch? This concept was first theorized by Dr. Janet Travell in 1942 in her revolutionary work on trigger point therapy. Also known as myofascial trigger points, these nodules in muscle fiber that […]
Stretches During Pregnancy
Always consult with your health practitioner before beginning any kind of exercise program (including stretching) during your pregnancy. Stretch only to a comfortable level, not to pain. If you feel any of these movements are difficult because of tension, let your massage therapist know you would like to work on releasing that area. If you […]
Prenatal Massage
Perfect for women who are pregnant looking for a bit of relaxation and stress relief, pregnancy massage has been determined to be both safe and beneficial. Studies have concluded that massage specifically given during pregnancy not only decreases stress, anxiety and depression, but also effectively relives pain and has a positive impact on labor […]