As the temperature drops and the threat of snow draws near, you might be thinking of curling up in a blanket and hibernating all through the winter. I don’t blame you. But you shouldn’t let the weather changes disrupt your regular massage appointments. Winter is the exact time of year when you want to be coming in for regular bodywork. Here are a few major reasons not to skip your November and December appointments. Give your immune system a much-needed boost. When you come in for a bodywork session, the…
When you get a massage, it’s so easy to feel self-conscious. For whatever reason, people’s minds can move a mile a minute when they think about the physical and emotional vulnerability that comes with receiving bodywork. My job as a therapist is to help you relax into the experience. So, why not start now? If you’re reading this before your session, here are 5 things I want you to stop worrying about. 1. Stubble On your legs. On your underarms. On your upper lip. Anywhere. Life moves fast. Some mornings,…
As a massage therapist, I am often exposed to the most raw, vulnerable side of my clients. It goes without saying that this is a tremendous responsibility. Each client has unique concerns and inhibitions that it is my job to help them move past through bodywork. Each client has special goals in pursuing massage therapy treatment. In joining in with my clients on their healing journey, I find myself doing something called “holding space.” What Does It Mean To “Hold Space”? One who holds space is a person who simply…
What is a Trigger Point? The first thing to remember here is that the entire body is connected. I discussed this in my blog post about CTT, but to summarize: your body is essentially a vast network held together by connective tissue. And that network allows for communication throughout your body. A trigger point is when a tight area or “muscle knot” communicates pain or discomfort to other parts of your body. This type of pain is called referral pain. Here’s an example of how a trigger point works: You…
What is Connective Tissue? Connective Tissue, abbreviated CT, is exactly what its name suggests: tissue that connects. It can be found amidst other tissues throughout the entire body – including the nervous system. In fact, the brain and spinal cord are all enveloped in Connective Tissue, making it one of the most important kinds of tissue in the body. As we learned in massage school, our bodies are shaped by our Connective Tissue. If all of our other tissues were removed and CT remained, we would still retain our physical…
Swedish Massage is perhaps the most fundamental of all massage modalities. It’s a term that even a first-time client seems to be familiar with, but few really understand what the technique is. Today, I’m going to explore the basics of Swedish Massage for my clients who are interested in learning more about this enjoyable massage style. Benefits There are many benefits to Swedish Massage. Here are a few of the most common ones: – Increased blood and lymph circulation. – Increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients to bodily tissue. –…
Kinesthetic Awareness Movement (abbreviated KAM) takes massage beyond relaxation and encourages clients to develop a deeper awareness of the way they move. Most of us perform repetitive movements during the day. Washing dishes, using computer keyboards, and even gardening can require habitual movements that cause us to pay less attention to our bodies. This lack of attention can lead to diminished sensation in some areas and increased tension in others, as some neural pathways are overused and others are underused. KAM calls on many techniques, but centers around the idea…
Your Prenatal Massage Massage has a long history of healing and nurturing those who receive it. During pregnancy, your body is under unique kinds of stress and dealing with pains that are often new and unfamiliar. This makes pregnancy the perfect time to seek out the relaxing and pain-relieving effects of massage. Why Massage? Here are some of the many benefits of undergoing massage treatment during pregnancy: – Reduced anxiety and/or depression – Relief from muscle aches and tension – Relief from joint pain – Improved labor outcomes – Healthier…
What to Expect During Your Session In order to give you the best, most comfortable bodywork session possible, there are certain aspects of the massage process you should be aware of before you arrive. Though I’m always available to answer questions and discuss concerns as they come up, being prepared before your session can give you peace of mind and help your massage be even more enjoyable. Here is an overview of what you can expect during your session with me. Preparation & Intake I’ve already provided an overview of…
How to Prepare for Your Massage Getting the most out of your massage requires one major factor: you have to feel relaxed. At my practice, I want clients to experience the full benefits of bodywork, and that means feeling comfortable with themselves and with me. So, here are a few things you can do to prepare for your session that will maximize your comfort and minimize any embarrassment. Hygiene The day of your massage, just get to a hygiene level you’re comfortable with. Don’t worry about un-polished toenails or un-shaved…