It's hard to believe that with all of the research, people still smoke. Then again, I still consume my ice cream sundaes on a regular basis, and my thighs definitely prove the research on trans-fat and high glucose corn syrup.
We all have our vices that we know are bad, but need to continue anyways. I would never tell you what to put in your body, nor judge you on it. That is, just as long as it does not effect me or my practice. I hold every one of you with the highest esteem. When you are in my room, you are the only I thing I care about at that time. I do my best to come up with ways to make your massage session not only therapeutic, but also a relaxing retreat.
To ensure the best experience for all, please do not smoke or drink before your session. No cocktails with lunch or dinner and please no smoking within an hour of your appointment. Smokers and drinkers (even just one recent glass of wine) exude a smell. The chemicals from the substance comes out thru the pores and fills the room. Since I am a non-smoker, I really do not want to spend the next hour in a room that smells like we sat down and shared a smoke. Nor do I want the next client to think I am a smoker or attempt to relax in a room that smells of stale alcohol or cigarettes. Plus, massing someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.
So enjoy life and by all means, enjoy your vices; but please don't share them with me. :)
2/19/2009
2/16/2009
TMJ
TMJ, Temporomandubular Joint Disorder. SO many people suffer from TMJ pain and have no idea what actually causes it! The most common cause of TMJ discomfort is from grinding and clenching the teeth. This is most commonly done at night while we sleep, but can also occur throughout the day when we are stressed. One of the most popular treatments is the purchase of a mouthguard from one's dentist. This apparatus is extremely important on many levels. First of all, it protects the enamal of your teeth. With constant grinding and clenching, the tooth itself can wear aware quite fast; leading to tooth loss, nerve damage, etc. Second, the mouthguard helps to reduce the habit. Our brain gets a feeling of satisfaction from feeling the 2 layers of teeth together. This is why this behavior increases during times of stress. The mouthguard places a layer of material between the teeth so that brain cannot get that stress relief it is looking for. Over time, our brain will find another outlet. I know they are expensive, but it is worth it. I wear a mouthguard and can feel a major difference if I skip a few nights. I have tried the ones from a regular drugstore and there is no comparison. I chewed right thru it within a few days. I have had my current mouthguard for 5 years now.
So what does a massage therapist have to do with a disorder that effects the teeth? Plenty!! if you suffer from this, you know about the headaches and neck pain. off the top of my head the list of muscles TMJ effects are the temporalis, masseters, pterygoid group, sternocliedomastoid, scalenes, splenius group, occipitals, etc. The referral pain from these muscles can lead to various types of headaches, neck pain, muscle stiffness, clicking and popping of the jaw, tinnitus (ear ringing), mock sinus infections, dizziness, blurred vision, etc. Trigger point work in the superior shoulder, neck, scalp, and face can make a world of difference if you suffer from TMJ. It helps to reduce the pain and over time, eradicate it.
Some other tips to help alleviate the pain is in prevention. It helps to not chew gum, avoid chewy dough (like on thick pizzas or hoagies), nail biting, etc.
Check out this blog to learn some TMJ self massage. The video is pretty good. I recommend NOT opening and closing your mouth during the massage like the therapist says. http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=7196758
So what does a massage therapist have to do with a disorder that effects the teeth? Plenty!! if you suffer from this, you know about the headaches and neck pain. off the top of my head the list of muscles TMJ effects are the temporalis, masseters, pterygoid group, sternocliedomastoid, scalenes, splenius group, occipitals, etc. The referral pain from these muscles can lead to various types of headaches, neck pain, muscle stiffness, clicking and popping of the jaw, tinnitus (ear ringing), mock sinus infections, dizziness, blurred vision, etc. Trigger point work in the superior shoulder, neck, scalp, and face can make a world of difference if you suffer from TMJ. It helps to reduce the pain and over time, eradicate it.
Some other tips to help alleviate the pain is in prevention. It helps to not chew gum, avoid chewy dough (like on thick pizzas or hoagies), nail biting, etc.
Check out this blog to learn some TMJ self massage. The video is pretty good. I recommend NOT opening and closing your mouth during the massage like the therapist says. http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=7196758
2/03/2009
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is an umbrella term for multipe disorders arising from entrapment of the brachial plexus or the subclavian artery and/or vein. The brachial plexus is the webbing of nerves that goes down into your arm affecting your neck, shoulder and arms. TOS can be identified by pain in the neck, shoulder and/or arm, muscle spasms, headaches, numbness and tingling of the fingers, weakness in the arm and hand.
The most common people to suffer from this condition are those that have obtained neck injuries in car accidents, but more often are those that sit at a non-ergonmically set up desk. Why the desk workers? Typically the average computer worker does not sit with proper posture, nor has their work station set up ergonomically. The repetitive motions and behaviors from this starting position over-work and tighten muscles that can entrap these nerves and blood vessels.
You can do a lot to prevent TOS from occuring or from getting worse. Those of you that have been to my office know the lecture well; watch your posture and stretch. One's posture is so importnant!! if you sit down and are automatically slunched over or extending your neck, you are then moving from an incoorect starting position. It is impossible for any other movement to be ergonomic after that. Also, while you are in that incoorect body position, your muscles are isometrically contracting and are going to get over-worked and subsequently tighten up and spasm. I cannot stress enough the importance of proper posture at your workstation.
I tell all of my clients to treat their job as if it were a workout. Warm up and stretch. That's it; it is that easy. If you were to play tennis for 8/9 hours straight, I would hope you would warm up your body prior, and take frequent breaks to stretch out related muscles. The same goes for your job. if you are going to sit at your desk all day, warm up before hand. This means do some shoulder rolls or close the door to your office and do some kickboxing punches. it is also quite important that you stretch constantly throughout the day. if you cannot remember, pair it with another behavior. For instance, every time you get up to use the restroom, strecth before you sit back down. You can also program your computer to remind, like it does for meetings and appts.
As a Neuromscular Massage Therapist I can go into the related muscles (scalenes, levator scapula, pec major and minor, etc) and work out the Trigger Points associated with TOS to assist relaxing and lengthening the muscle tissue. With massage, posture, stretching and sometimes physical therapy Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can be alleviated and can be eradicated. But it is hard work and you have to do your part in the healing process as well as prevention.
The most common people to suffer from this condition are those that have obtained neck injuries in car accidents, but more often are those that sit at a non-ergonmically set up desk. Why the desk workers? Typically the average computer worker does not sit with proper posture, nor has their work station set up ergonomically. The repetitive motions and behaviors from this starting position over-work and tighten muscles that can entrap these nerves and blood vessels.
You can do a lot to prevent TOS from occuring or from getting worse. Those of you that have been to my office know the lecture well; watch your posture and stretch. One's posture is so importnant!! if you sit down and are automatically slunched over or extending your neck, you are then moving from an incoorect starting position. It is impossible for any other movement to be ergonomic after that. Also, while you are in that incoorect body position, your muscles are isometrically contracting and are going to get over-worked and subsequently tighten up and spasm. I cannot stress enough the importance of proper posture at your workstation.
I tell all of my clients to treat their job as if it were a workout. Warm up and stretch. That's it; it is that easy. If you were to play tennis for 8/9 hours straight, I would hope you would warm up your body prior, and take frequent breaks to stretch out related muscles. The same goes for your job. if you are going to sit at your desk all day, warm up before hand. This means do some shoulder rolls or close the door to your office and do some kickboxing punches. it is also quite important that you stretch constantly throughout the day. if you cannot remember, pair it with another behavior. For instance, every time you get up to use the restroom, strecth before you sit back down. You can also program your computer to remind, like it does for meetings and appts.
As a Neuromscular Massage Therapist I can go into the related muscles (scalenes, levator scapula, pec major and minor, etc) and work out the Trigger Points associated with TOS to assist relaxing and lengthening the muscle tissue. With massage, posture, stretching and sometimes physical therapy Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can be alleviated and can be eradicated. But it is hard work and you have to do your part in the healing process as well as prevention.
1/20/2009
Why Are You Working On My Neck When My Thumb Hurts?
The term 'Trigger Point' is thrown around a lot in my office. Most clients are confused as to what exactly one is and is it the same as a knot.
Yes and No.
Yes - They both are pretty much the same physiologically. Get ready for the anatomy lesson; A sarcomere is a microscopic unit of tissue that is part of a muscle fiber that is responsible for contracting. Contraction occurs in a sarcomere when its two layers come together and interlock. Millions of sarcomeres have to contract in order for a particular muscle to move in the slightest. A trigger point and/or knot occurs when sarcomeres are chemically prevented from releasing from their interlocked state. Typically, a muscle works by its sarcomeres acting like tiny pumps, contracting and relaxing to circulate blood and nutrients, as well as getting rid of waste products. When a sarcomere holds their contraction, blood flow halts in the immediate area. The resulting oxygen starvation and accumulation of the waste products of metabolism aggravates the TP/knot and begins a painful cycle of pain and energy crisis in the cells.
This occurs from over use (repetitive motions or strenuous workout), under use (laying on the couch sick for a week), or improper use (poor posture and ergonomics).
No - A knot is merely multiple sarcomeres locked up in the muscle tissue causing acute discomfort. Trigger Points are more complex. Not only is acute discomfort possible, but also referred pain into other areas of the body, tenderness, muscle weakness, motor dysfunction, and autonomic phenomena (sweating, ticklish, ear ringing, burning, numbess, etc.)
As a neuromuscular therapist, I primarily focus on TP's and their tested patterns to facilitate you feeling better. This is why I ask so many questions and require working on multiple muscle groups in order to troubleshoot your complaint.
Yes and No.
Yes - They both are pretty much the same physiologically. Get ready for the anatomy lesson; A sarcomere is a microscopic unit of tissue that is part of a muscle fiber that is responsible for contracting. Contraction occurs in a sarcomere when its two layers come together and interlock. Millions of sarcomeres have to contract in order for a particular muscle to move in the slightest. A trigger point and/or knot occurs when sarcomeres are chemically prevented from releasing from their interlocked state. Typically, a muscle works by its sarcomeres acting like tiny pumps, contracting and relaxing to circulate blood and nutrients, as well as getting rid of waste products. When a sarcomere holds their contraction, blood flow halts in the immediate area. The resulting oxygen starvation and accumulation of the waste products of metabolism aggravates the TP/knot and begins a painful cycle of pain and energy crisis in the cells.
This occurs from over use (repetitive motions or strenuous workout), under use (laying on the couch sick for a week), or improper use (poor posture and ergonomics).
No - A knot is merely multiple sarcomeres locked up in the muscle tissue causing acute discomfort. Trigger Points are more complex. Not only is acute discomfort possible, but also referred pain into other areas of the body, tenderness, muscle weakness, motor dysfunction, and autonomic phenomena (sweating, ticklish, ear ringing, burning, numbess, etc.)
As a neuromuscular therapist, I primarily focus on TP's and their tested patterns to facilitate you feeling better. This is why I ask so many questions and require working on multiple muscle groups in order to troubleshoot your complaint.
1/06/2009
Run, Tight Boy, Run!
I don't know about you, but as soon as my MT leaves the room I rush to remove my clothes and make a mad dash for the table. What if they knock and I am not done yet? What if they come in and I am in the middle of the room with no clothes on? These are fears I have before and after the session. I should know better.....
For those of you that have are scared of the same, I assure you this will never happen. After our initial interview, I slowly walk to the restroom to wash my hands and sometimes to use the facilities (there are no bathroom breaks for massage therapists!). When I meander back, I quietly listen at the door. Do I hear movement? Were those footsteps over to the table. How long will they wrestle with the draping until they are comfortable? When all of these sounds have disappeared and I hear a long loud sigh, I knock and wait for your response. Then and only then will I walk into the room.
After the massage is a different story. I wait until you get off the table, get dressed, and decide to open the door yourself. I must wash my hands and arms after the massage, so when I say, "Take your time." I really mean it. Just don't take too long.... ;)
For those of you that have are scared of the same, I assure you this will never happen. After our initial interview, I slowly walk to the restroom to wash my hands and sometimes to use the facilities (there are no bathroom breaks for massage therapists!). When I meander back, I quietly listen at the door. Do I hear movement? Were those footsteps over to the table. How long will they wrestle with the draping until they are comfortable? When all of these sounds have disappeared and I hear a long loud sigh, I knock and wait for your response. Then and only then will I walk into the room.
After the massage is a different story. I wait until you get off the table, get dressed, and decide to open the door yourself. I must wash my hands and arms after the massage, so when I say, "Take your time." I really mean it. Just don't take too long.... ;)
12/23/2008
Need a New Mattress? Try This First.
I know I am part of the minority, but I am a sleeper. I can fall asleep anywhere. I get a good 8/9 hours of sleep every night, and wake up ready to take on the world. This is why those 8am Saturday appts. are always the best ones to get!
Being that I sleep long, I know that I have to make sure I am positioned appropriately, or I will have hell to pay the next day. When we medical professionals give advice on sleeping positions, it is usually to get you into the most anatomical position.
Think about it; when you stand, there is space between your legs. So when you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees. This will keep that space there and relieve pressure off of your low back. Again with the knees… when you lay on your back, put that pillow under your knees, just like the bolster in a massage treatment.
If you sleep on your side and tend to have shoulder issues, try “hugging” a pillow. If you notice while you lay there, your shoulders get scrunched inward. “Hugging” a pillow will pull your shoulders back and keep you from rolling them in.
Notice how I did not mention stomach sleeping. This is because it is the worst position to sleep in. It can wreak havoc on your neck and especially the lower back/hips. I know this is comfy, so if you must, try putting a pillow under your ankles. That will at least relieve some low back pressure and prevent you from pulling your leg up and knotting up your hips.
I sleep with a pillow to move around with my knees and one next to the bed for when I roll onto my side. For my neck, I use a memory foam contour pillow. I do not like to endorse any products, but I have had success from this pillow. Before you ask, I bought it at Kohl’s on sale (of course) for less than $15.
Being that I sleep long, I know that I have to make sure I am positioned appropriately, or I will have hell to pay the next day. When we medical professionals give advice on sleeping positions, it is usually to get you into the most anatomical position.
Think about it; when you stand, there is space between your legs. So when you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees. This will keep that space there and relieve pressure off of your low back. Again with the knees… when you lay on your back, put that pillow under your knees, just like the bolster in a massage treatment.
If you sleep on your side and tend to have shoulder issues, try “hugging” a pillow. If you notice while you lay there, your shoulders get scrunched inward. “Hugging” a pillow will pull your shoulders back and keep you from rolling them in.
Notice how I did not mention stomach sleeping. This is because it is the worst position to sleep in. It can wreak havoc on your neck and especially the lower back/hips. I know this is comfy, so if you must, try putting a pillow under your ankles. That will at least relieve some low back pressure and prevent you from pulling your leg up and knotting up your hips.
I sleep with a pillow to move around with my knees and one next to the bed for when I roll onto my side. For my neck, I use a memory foam contour pillow. I do not like to endorse any products, but I have had success from this pillow. Before you ask, I bought it at Kohl’s on sale (of course) for less than $15.
12/09/2008
If Only I Could Afford it Everyday......
I know wonder how often they should receive a massage. It is really particular to your goals and how aggressive you want to accomplish them.
When your session is over, I will ask if you have any questions and see how you feel. Then we can discuss together the appropriate treatment plan for you. If your goal is to alleviate chronic pain, reduce discomfort/pain from an old or recent injury, then the sessions need to be much closer together. Some people come once a week for an hour, every other week for an hour, every other week for 90 minutes, or twice a week for 30 minutes each. Again, we will have to see how your body reacts to the session to decide which is best. A one hour session per month is usually used as a maintenance plan, after the “kinks” have been worked out. If you are coming for relaxation purposes, then it is only necessary when you feel the need.
I try to get a 90 minute massage every week. I see massage as a way of living well and as healthy maintenance. Just like working out and brushing my teeth regularly, I need bodywork. In reality w/ life and scheduling, it usually ends up being every other week.
When your session is over, I will ask if you have any questions and see how you feel. Then we can discuss together the appropriate treatment plan for you. If your goal is to alleviate chronic pain, reduce discomfort/pain from an old or recent injury, then the sessions need to be much closer together. Some people come once a week for an hour, every other week for an hour, every other week for 90 minutes, or twice a week for 30 minutes each. Again, we will have to see how your body reacts to the session to decide which is best. A one hour session per month is usually used as a maintenance plan, after the “kinks” have been worked out. If you are coming for relaxation purposes, then it is only necessary when you feel the need.
I try to get a 90 minute massage every week. I see massage as a way of living well and as healthy maintenance. Just like working out and brushing my teeth regularly, I need bodywork. In reality w/ life and scheduling, it usually ends up being every other week.
11/25/2008
To Remove or Not To Remove, That Is The Question.
Modesty. Some have more than others. I have a lot. There are also laws regarding exposure and draping during a massage session.
When you get a massage you will be under a sheet and blanket/duvet the whole time. When I work on your arm, I will pull it out and expose your arm up to your anterior shoulder. When I work on your leg, I will remove the draping from your feet to your thigh, work on the leg, and then replace the draping to go on to the next muscle group. For those that have serious hip issues, I will expose the glutes to do some myofascial forearm lengthening. In this instance the draping will be removed from the foot to the hips on the same leg, making sure to tuck everything in and not to expose anything that shouldn’t be. Including the gluteal cleft.
So if you are wondering what to wear or not to wear during a massage session, it is simple. Do what you are comfortable with. You have the info above and can decide to leave on or take off your underwear.
As you read above, it doesn’t matter unless we discuss major hip work prior to starting the session. For women, it is of course essential to remove your upper undergarments so that I can properly work on your back and posterior shoulders. If you are ever uncomfortable, please just let your therapist know and we are always happy to do what we can to change that.
When you get a massage you will be under a sheet and blanket/duvet the whole time. When I work on your arm, I will pull it out and expose your arm up to your anterior shoulder. When I work on your leg, I will remove the draping from your feet to your thigh, work on the leg, and then replace the draping to go on to the next muscle group. For those that have serious hip issues, I will expose the glutes to do some myofascial forearm lengthening. In this instance the draping will be removed from the foot to the hips on the same leg, making sure to tuck everything in and not to expose anything that shouldn’t be. Including the gluteal cleft.
So if you are wondering what to wear or not to wear during a massage session, it is simple. Do what you are comfortable with. You have the info above and can decide to leave on or take off your underwear.
As you read above, it doesn’t matter unless we discuss major hip work prior to starting the session. For women, it is of course essential to remove your upper undergarments so that I can properly work on your back and posterior shoulders. If you are ever uncomfortable, please just let your therapist know and we are always happy to do what we can to change that.
11/11/2008
1 Step Back, 3 Steps Forward
The last entry I wrote about pain during a massage; what about after?
When your muscles are tight, the fibers are shorter b/c some of the fibers are stuck in constant contracture. When this happens, the muscles are not able to function at its maximum capacity. That is when other muscles come in to help out and compensate. After you get a massage that loosens thing up, your muscles let go and therefore elongate. At this stage, your body has to what I like to call reorganize. The tight muscles let the other ones know they don’t need help anymore and move towards functioning on their own. At this time, some people experience a little bit of pain or discomfort. It can happen the next day or right when you stand up from the table. This is why I always encourage you to take a moment before getting up, when you do, act very slowly.
Another reason is inflammation. Many times my clients come in with tightness and discomfort due to overworked muscles. Since I am predominately a NMT, my sessions can pretty deep and intense. This can cause some inflammation after the massage as well. If you tell me that you tend to get sore afterwards, I can apply Biofreeze (a topical anti-inflammatory gel) after I am finished with a particular muscle group. Also, taking Advil or the like afterwards helps. It is important to not take pain medicine prior to the massage, as your nociceptors are not acting as they should and will not be able to give me appropriate pressure feedback. And the number 1 thing you can do to help prevent soreness….. Make sure you drink plenty of water before and after your massage!
When your muscles are tight, the fibers are shorter b/c some of the fibers are stuck in constant contracture. When this happens, the muscles are not able to function at its maximum capacity. That is when other muscles come in to help out and compensate. After you get a massage that loosens thing up, your muscles let go and therefore elongate. At this stage, your body has to what I like to call reorganize. The tight muscles let the other ones know they don’t need help anymore and move towards functioning on their own. At this time, some people experience a little bit of pain or discomfort. It can happen the next day or right when you stand up from the table. This is why I always encourage you to take a moment before getting up, when you do, act very slowly.
Another reason is inflammation. Many times my clients come in with tightness and discomfort due to overworked muscles. Since I am predominately a NMT, my sessions can pretty deep and intense. This can cause some inflammation after the massage as well. If you tell me that you tend to get sore afterwards, I can apply Biofreeze (a topical anti-inflammatory gel) after I am finished with a particular muscle group. Also, taking Advil or the like afterwards helps. It is important to not take pain medicine prior to the massage, as your nociceptors are not acting as they should and will not be able to give me appropriate pressure feedback. And the number 1 thing you can do to help prevent soreness….. Make sure you drink plenty of water before and after your massage!
10/28/2008
Music
Speaking of speaking; or not….. What do I do for a whole hour if we are not talking?!?
Well, one thing is to relax and listen to the music. Music is such an important part of your massage session. It can totally affect and alter your mood at any given moment. Like I said before, this is your massage not mine. If you do not like the music I have playing, tell me. I have about 10 different playlists on my IPod that contain any genre of relaxing music you can think of. If you have a preference for a composer or genre, tell me, I most likely have it. Also, I can fit any size IPod in my speaker system, so I am more than happy to plug yours in! My office has a CD player as well, so if you have a favorite album, please feel free to bring it if you want to listen to that during your session.
Well, one thing is to relax and listen to the music. Music is such an important part of your massage session. It can totally affect and alter your mood at any given moment. Like I said before, this is your massage not mine. If you do not like the music I have playing, tell me. I have about 10 different playlists on my IPod that contain any genre of relaxing music you can think of. If you have a preference for a composer or genre, tell me, I most likely have it. Also, I can fit any size IPod in my speaker system, so I am more than happy to plug yours in! My office has a CD player as well, so if you have a favorite album, please feel free to bring it if you want to listen to that during your session.
10/14/2008
It's my party and I will talk if I want to.
Every once and awhile someone asks me if it is alright to talk during the massage. I say it is your massage, talk if you want. If it makes you more comfortable chit-chatting in the beginning then tapering off, please do. If you want silence, that works too.
When you come in for an appt, I will ask how you are etc, and I really do want to know. I am an incredibly friendly person and am happy to hear about what is going on with you and your life if you feel like sharing. However, once we get on the table….. I WILL NOT TALK TO YOU UNLESS YOU TALK FIRST AND IT REQUIRES A RESPONSE. Of course, I will need to ask about pressure a few times, but that only requires 1 sentence by me and a few words by you.
So please do not feel obligated to talk to me or to remain in absolute silence. It is your massage and your time, speak if you must…
When you come in for an appt, I will ask how you are etc, and I really do want to know. I am an incredibly friendly person and am happy to hear about what is going on with you and your life if you feel like sharing. However, once we get on the table….. I WILL NOT TALK TO YOU UNLESS YOU TALK FIRST AND IT REQUIRES A RESPONSE. Of course, I will need to ask about pressure a few times, but that only requires 1 sentence by me and a few words by you.
So please do not feel obligated to talk to me or to remain in absolute silence. It is your massage and your time, speak if you must…
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