Massage and My Baby

If you recall, I posted awhile ago that my baby son did not really like my massages. Well, Zack is 10 months and he still prefers my husband. When My husband massages him prior to naps or bedtime, he lies still and relaxes. When I do it, he wriggles and tries to escape. Does he not know I am a professional??

Do I take medication?

I sure do! When times are tough, why not? I do promote going without if possible and I follow that myself. If something hurts, I figure out why. What is the cause? How can I adjust or eradicate the cause to relieve myself of the symptoms? After I figure that out, I usually wait and see how it goes. Most times this is all I need. If I injured myself or I can tell if something is inflamed, I will surely use ice or Biofreeze over taking an anti-inflammatory. If the pain is not going away or I am about to go to a playgroup with 6 infants, then it is time to consult the medicine cabinet.

During allergy season... I certainly will take a decongestant. Do you really want to hear me sniffling throughout your massage??

Ahhhhh

I used to get a 90 minute massage every week. However, with running a business and taking care of a baby on the move it has slipped a bit. I am on an intense workout program so I should be more vigilant than ever, but life takes over sometimes.... I had my massage this morning and I have no words besides a big long . How does a massage make me feel? Like myself again. Yes, I feel looser, pain free and more relaxed but it goes deeper than that. My body feels like it is functioning how it is supposed to. My parts are moving smoothly with a wide range of motion, I can breathe better, I feel lighter..... I just feel like a free woman on the move and nothing can stop me. You simply cannot bottle that feeling.

Sleep

My upcoming newsletter is on sleep. I have always been a strong advocate on sleeping and slothing when appropriate. This is why I love Sundays; I never feel guilty about laying around and being lazy. Of course the definition of lazy is different when you are running around after a baby and trying to loose 5 pounds/month. Nonetheless, I find a way. ;) The medical field suggests everyone should get about 8-9 hours of sleep per night. Though my husband lives happily on 6-7. I know many people that survive on much less. I say survive, b/c our bodies really need sleep to function properly. I myself need at least 8 hours to feel normal. 9 hours and I feel like Snow White waking up to the animals singing in the forest. Do I get my 8 hours? Yes. I make it a priority. I am more of a morning person so my productivity level at night is zero. I know that I will be running on empty for a good part of the day if I don't get 8 hours so I make it happen. If I go to bed on time, I can wake up naturally on my own, feel good, and am ready to tackle the day. And I do! If I get 30 minutes less, forget it. I am pretty useless. I owe it to myself, my family, and my clients to get the right amount of sleep so I can function at my highest ability. Another reason sleep is so important to me..... I am allergic to caffeine.

How long should I schedule for?

I offer 30, 60, 75 and 90 minute sessions. Here is a breakdown of what you should make an appointment for.
30 Minute Massage - 30 minutes is only enough time to work on one muscle group. Have a kink in your neck? Did your hamstrings pull out your low back? This length session is good for working out a specific muscle problem in one grouping of muscles. Or... if you simply want to relax and don't want too much deep work done, I can do your whole back or multiple muscle groups.
60 Minute Massage - This is the most popular length session. I can do a full body massage and focus on a few specific muscular issues. Or I can spend the hour in one area and be real specific and get real deep in with the massage work. For example - I often will work on clients' back, shoulders, arms and neck only for the full hour if they sit at a desk and need a lot of therapeutic work done.
75 Minute Massage - 75 minutes is good if 60 minutes is not quite enough. I have time to do more specific work on more muscle groups, or I can so something like the example above then work on your hips and legs real quick with deeper Swedish techniques.
90 Minute Massage - 90 minutes is good if you have a laundry list you want me to work on. especially if they are larger muscle groups. For instance, you are a runner and sit at the computer all day. You will most likely need extra deep work on multiple larger muscle groups. Nothing less than 90 minutes will do.

How did I become a MT?

When did I become a massage therapist? After college.

I went to the University of Pittsburgh to study forensic psychology in hopes if becoming an FBI profiler. Yes, it's a bit of a different vocation. Pitt has wonderful opportunities for every student and I worked on various research projects (working with juvenile sex offenders) as well as many interesting internships (city police department, homicide detectives, etc) While this was all very interesting and educational, I also learned that I would most likely not be happy in this profession. I had already seen too much and had answered all of my questions regarding my professional curiosities.

I was thinking of going on to become a chiropractor, but let's face it. After 4 years of college I was not looking forward to 4 more. So I decided to go into massage therapy school, get into the field and go from there. At least I was doing something with my life! Well, 7 years later.... I love what I do. I love going to work every day. I love taking continuing education courses to add to my specialities. Most of all... I love my boss!

I am just like you!

Clients always assume I eat great, work out great, stretch etc. For the most part I do exactly as I preach. For those that don't know I have an 8 month baby which takes up the majority of my time and prevents me from being as healthy as I was and should be. Since it is getting cooler out, I don't fit into my slacks, and I refuse to buy newer and bigger ones.... It is time to make time. So many of you are on a journey to getting well; whether it is posture, stretching, working out, relaxing... I am here to tell you that I am now joining you. I have a goal of 5 pounds per month until Zack's birthday which is the end of February. You recall all of those lectures I give on body mechanics, warming up, stretching ??? I am now at a place where these things are really essential.

Befriend me on Facebook and follow me thru my journey back to me.

Running

So many people run and so many people have muscular issues from running. Is running bad? Of course not! People simply need to educate themselves on how to run safely. If you can do it without hurting yourself I think it is a fabulous way to stay healthy. You can burn calories, get some air, see sights, nature etc. As with any sport, it is important to have the right equipment and body mechanics. Runners also need to remember the importance of warming up, cooling down and stretching.

Do I run?? No. I wish I could..... I am quite the clutz and have sprained both my ankles and have broken some bones in my feet over the years. This results in me getting shin splints way too easily. I even get them if I have to drive in rush hour too much in a week's time. I have attempted to strengthen my calves and started to train, but to no avail. I prefer more goal oriented sports anyways. Yes, I am aware that running does have very concrete goals. However, you will not find me running a couple of miles unless a hooded man with a knife is after me.

To See or Not To See

Have you ever looked up or to the side at me and noticed that I was not looking at you?? I may be looking at the art in the room, the flicker of the candle, fresh flowers, or simply nothing at all with my eyes closed. The reason for this is that I don't have to look at you. In fact, I don't want to look at you. ;) When I adjust the draping I do a quick glance over to see if there are any cuts, bruises, rashes, strange moles etc. Then, my sense of touch takes over. To do my job correctly, I feel around the muscles and fibers and dig in where I need to. Sight is not going to assist me in this. In massage school the teachers would blindfold us while we were practicing our technique. The reasoning is so that we would get a greater understanding of the human anatomy and how to work with it. This skill helps me to do my job in the best way I know how. So if you see me not seeing you, know that you are still my primary focus.

Silly Faces

Have you ever looked up or to the side at me while receiving a massage and noticed I had a peculiar expression?? There are 3 possibilities:
1. Breathing. I have always despised it when a massage therapist breathes on me. So if I am working on or near your head, I am directing my breather so the exhalation does not go into your face.
2. I am holding in a sneeze. Over the years I have learned how to hold in a sneeze. It works 100% of the time, but the process causes me to make a very strange face.
3. My nose tickles/itches. I obviously cannot touch my face during the massage for multiple reasons, but sometimes I simply cannot ignore that stubborn itch on my cheek or nose. Hence the silly expression.
Next time you see me making an odd expression, know there is nothing wrong, I am simply trying to make your massage the best one ever!

Yabba Dabba Do

A new running fad was brought to my attention. Some are running in bare-feet. The thought behind this is that humans were made to locomote without shoes and therefor will be efficient without. There is a lot of research out there that essentially proves this. The researchers study the runners' gait as well as where their feet strike the ground. The evidence is very interesting and even has me sold....... almost. Humans were designed to run without shoes, but humans were not designed to run marathons, triathlons, etc. It did not take 26.21875 miles to hunt down the mammoth. Also, our muscular and skin tissue was not designed to run on cement, pavement, gravel, asphalt or dirty city streets. Plus, as we develope our bodies are conditioned to run with footwear. So going bare-feet will have a tremendous maleffect on the whole body. A runner could possibly achieve a better time, in theory, but I am not sure it's worth the consequences. I asked an ultra runner their opinion on this topic. (an ultra run is a 50 mile race, so you can just imagine the kind of training this person goes thru) His thoughts were that this was just the newest craze in the runner's world and that runners need to troubleshoot their handicaps without finding an easy way out that could hamper their sport. Interesting.

Rate Increase

Some of you may be wondering why I have increased my rates by $5. It is to stay competitive in the area. Most places in DC charge well above what I do for less quality work (to be perfectly honest). I have always tried to keep my rates at a reasonable level, because I think it is more important that people can afford to get and remain well. I do have multiple discounts available, including packages. All of these are listed on my website at www.dcdeeptissuemassage.com/Pricing.

I have recently moved my office to a new location with many new amenities. This is NOT the reason for the rate increase. I just thought that with a fresh a start this would be a good time to do it. Looking in the past, I have not raised my rates in 4 years so we are due.

I appreciate your business and really do love working with you in maintaining your healthful life!

My new office will be under the name "Georgetown Wellness group".
it is at 1740 Wisconsin Ave, which is at a traffic light where S T-s into Wisconosn. I am located above a nail salon named Harmony Spa.

Every few years a shoe company comes out with a shoe that allegedly tones and strengthens your glutes and thighs while you simply walk in them. How does this work? Supposedly, by increasing the height at a specific point in the shoe. Myself, and other body professionals (chiropractors, personal trainers, PT's and kineosologists) all agree: they do more harm than good. The theory behind the shoes is that they mock a certain yoga position that is used to tone and strengthen the legs and hips. The problem is that our bodies were not meant to function and locomote for a period of time in this position. Every single person that walks thru my door that has purchased these shoes have complained of hip and low back pain that is effecting their quality of life. Not to mention a nice dent in their wallet with no results. Our bodies are a very precisely engineered machine. If you adjust the foundation it will not function properly. My advice? If you want to work on your hips and legs stick with what really works: squats, lunges, weights, walking, running, etc. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as the easy way out in exercising.

Isn't it Ironic

I obviously spend a lot of time with my chosen career. I am constantly continuing my education, blogging, reading, and simply enjoying each day at work. The funny thing: My 8 week old son prefers my husband massaging his feet and not me. When I do it, he could care less. When my husband, Ryan does it, Zack smiles, squirms, and coos. Ryan can also soothe the loudest cry with his foot massages. Me? Nothing, he simply gives me this looks that I know translates into, "Mom, you're doing it all wrong. That's not how Daddy does it..." ;)

Sciatica

So many people say that they have Sciatica, but they don't. Actual sciatica refers to a herniated disc in your back that presses on the sciatic nerve. This obviously needs to be examined and diagnosed by a Dr. This condition causes pain in the low back that refers down thru the hip and into the back of the though all the way down your leg. A lot of people experience this type of pain but do not actually have nerve compression between L5 and S1. Often this painful syndrome is caused by tight hip muscles. The sciatic never comes out of the back and runs between a posterior hip muscles called the Piriformis. If this muscle is tight, it can impinge the nerve and cause the same symptoms as actual sciatic compression in the spine. Also, there are a few other hip muscles (like the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, other deep hip rotators) that when they are tight and consist of Trigger Points, the referral pain pattern will mock sciatica. This is where I come in. I can get in their (usually with my elbow) and release the Trigger Points in these muscles and manipulate the soft tissue so that you can have some relief. It is especially important to have a massage therapist work on these muscles as we will know where all of the structures and attachments are. Plus, we will be able to work on the related muscle groups to alleviate the tightness from the domino affect of everything be connected.

If you have sciatic type pain from these tight muscles, you can prevent by avoiding prolonged standing or leaning, not sitting on a thick wallet, making sure you are properly warmed up for sports events and especially walking uphill as well as stretching your hip out afterwards, proper foot support, and using cruise control on your car when appropriate.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is an umbrella term for the inflammation of the connective tissue on the plantar (bottom) surface of the foot connecting on your heel and up towards the toes. It can range from being mildy uncomfortable to excruciatingly painful. Anyone can acquire it, but mostly it occurs to athletes, people standing on their feet for long periods of time, pregnant women, and those with inadequate support. How do you know if you have it? Easy. Does the bottom of your feet hurt when you wake up in the morning? Does the pain return if you've been standing or when you get up from sitting for awhile? If you answered yes, you more than likely have plantar fasciitis. Of course you would need to see a doctor to diagnose this.

For those that have suffered from this condition know that it is quite painful and seems to take forever to heal, but there are a few things that you can do to avoid it:

• Avoid walking in barefeet (In shoe-less households try having house-shoes or wearing slippers)
• Make sure you have appropriate support in your footwear.
• Wear orthotics if necessary
• When standing for long periods, take a break and stretch and sit with your feet up.
• Have someone you live with massage your feet at the end of the day.

If you think you have plantar fasciitis, make an appt. with your doctor so that you can start to heal as quickly as possible. Your recovery might include new shoes, orthotics, stretches, exercises, massage, anti-inflammatories, and/or a special boot from your Dr. it is very important to treat this as soon as possible as it can get worse and start to effect the rest of your body. If your foundation is off, it is going to reverberate up your whole body and effect the muscles in your legs, hips and back.

Massage can tremendously help to alleviate the pain and discomfort of plantar fasciitis. During the day (and while you sleep) fluid builds up in your feet. Massage geared towards this condition will assist the body in circulating the fluids back up as well stretching the fascia, tendons and ligaments. With your feet in pain, you are most likely walking differently. This is going to effect the muscles all the way up to your back. To prevent or troubleshoot this chain reaction, a deep tissue massage is your best bet.

Yoga and Self-Care Stretching

You all know my lectures on daily stretching so I won't go into that. What you don't know is that yoga is not sufficient for self-care. I have had enough clients report this as to make me want to inform you that you need more. Yes, yoga does stretch out your body and make you more flexible and resilient. What it does not do is replace the need for you to stretch out your overworked, muscles from daily wear and tear. Yoga in of itself is a strength training workout. That is why in class the teachers warm you up and stretch you out during the session. I think yoga is a wonderful thing for your body, but it does not replace a daily stretching routine.

Common Thread

Is it your imagination, or does every single blog and newsletter article go back to you using your body correctly and applying workout principles to everyday activities? NO, it is not.

I obviously cannot stress this point enough. The body is a very intricately designed piece of machinery whose parts were made to function in a certain way. When we use them incorrectly, the parts do not work as well and will end up having some signs of wear and tear. I am clearly an advocate of prevention and good health so I try to always emphasize that you have the power and responsibility to avoid many everyday muscular injuries. One might say it is adventagous of me to keep proclaiming this, after all, don't I want people to be in pain so they will make more appts?? No; I see myself as a medical health professional so I want and strive for you to be well. I see myself as a coach. I am here for support and to help guide you in your health, and when that is not enough I can troubleshoot the problem for you so you are 3 steps ahead than where you were before.

Insurance & Massage

Insurance companies have been covering massages for quite awhile now. Some of them cover the full cost, some partial. Some need a Dr.'s a note saying that you need them and some you can just pay out of your pre-tax account. Either way, this is always good news. To some of your dismay I do not accept insurance. I will provide you with a receipt, and excel chart of your appts, and/or a write up of the work we did, anything for you to be able to get reimbursed. Why don't I just accept your insurance and be done with it? My dad is a dentist and I grew up listening to him and all of his friends gripe about the insurance companies. Problems such as cost and care control or the driving factors. I cant have someone telling me I can only provide a 15 minute massage for someone that needs a full hour etc. I went into private practice for a multitude of reasons, a top one being control issues. I love what I do for a living and I prefer to do it all on my own terms. One simply cannot do that when they are chained to an insurance company. It may be a slight pain in the rear for you, but in the end you really get the most benefit in the current scenario.

Winter Sports

No one is a bigger kid than me; my favorite holiday is Halloween, I can't resist jumping in a pile of leaves and winter is definitely my time of year. The snow ball fights, sledding, building a snowman, nothing is more fun than playing in the snow knowing at any time I will be able to smush snow in my husband's face without any repercussions.

OK, so let's bring this around to your body and massage. Think of all the other winter pastimes: sledding, skiing, even shoveling. These are all body intensive activities. it is truly imperative that you treat all of these as workouts. You must warm-up, stretch, and make sure you are using proper form. Not only are your muscles working hard to perform the action, but you also have to add the element of keeping balanced, trying to see etc. Without recognizing these are workouts, you could put yourself in a position where you wake up the next day sore and in a lot of pain. To make sure you remain well and can get up early the next day for something else fun, treat these winter activities as workouts. Warm up and stretch with winter sports. Stretching does not include lifting a glass of hot cocoa or Irish coffee, so make sure you get it in before. When performing a snowy clean-up task, remember to warm-up and lift from your legs. If you keep bending over with all the weight of the snow you will most likely hurt your back. Lift with your legs and not only will you avoid the later pain, but you will get an amazing leg and glute workout in the meantime!

Ice & Your Low Back

There are multiple muscles that are used in keeping balance; spinalis group, quadratus lombardum, gluteus group, IT etc. These are just the major and larger muscles that assist in this action. All of these large muscles also have a few common boney attachments which leads to a lot of pulling and tugging in the same area in different directions. This can lead to a lot of lower back pain and discomfort.

When we are walking our muscles are functioning in a certain way to provide you with that bipedal action. If we slip on the ice, snow or slush, these muscles are jerked in one direction or another quite quickly. It is not to the degree of a whiplash, but enough of a stretch for a comparison.

So be careful when walking in the winter. Try to wear boots of some sort to keep you stable. if you do fall or slip and are i n pain, of course call me and we can work that out. ;)

Maternity Leave

As a reminder, my maternity leave is February thru March. I will be completely connected at this time so please feel free to call or email me with any questions or concerns you may have. Also, you may schedule an appt. for when I return so you do not have to wait for your care. My returning schedule is as follows:

April - I will be back to work on Saturdays from 8am-5pm
May - Along with Saturdays, I am adding my Monday and Thursday evenings where I will be seeing clients in the 5:20, 6:40 and 8pm appt. slots.
June - I plan on being back to on full schedule with Mondays and Thursdays from 9-9 and Saturdays 8-5.

This is the plan. I really love what I do and take a lot of pride in the practice I have developed. I do plan on sticking with this return-to-work schedule.

Thank you for understanding and I look forward to seeing you soon!