Best Raleigh Massage

Find a Massage Therapist

2012-01-25T12:12:00.001-08:00

So you woke up with a kink in your neck or you helped a friend move over the weekend and you feel like now is as good a time as any to finally get that massage you’ve desperately needed. Where and how do you start to find a qualified massage therapist that fits your needs?

The first thing you should decide when looking for a good massage therapist is what is your ultimate goal for your massage? Are you interested in working out a specific area that has been bothersome for some time or do you want to relax and reduce stress? Did your doctor or chiropractor suggest you try massage therapy for a chronic condition? Your answers to these questions will help determine what skills you are looking for in a massage therapist.

After your goal has been set, you can begin your search. If your healthcare provider suggested you try massage for a chronic condition, usually they have the knowledge to refer massage therapists that have specialized training and experience in techniques that are effective in treating your condition. If you are searching on your own, you can begin looking with professional organizations such as The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), or Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) to name a few. Most states require licensing and certification to practice massage, so make sure the therapist you select is current with their licensing requirements and also insured for the state in which they practice in. In North Carolina, it is required that each therapist has graduated from an accredited massage therapy school, has completed a minimum of 500 in class hours, and has proof that he/she has passed the state licensing exam. It is also required that every two years the therapists renew their license and fulfill 24 continuing education credits. This helps to keep their knowledge of their profession up to date.

When you finally pick a therapist, don’t be afraid to ask if they are licensed to practice in your area, if they are a member of one of the professional organizations listed above, or what their education entailed. You’ll find that professionally trained massage therapists will not hesitate to share their credentials with clients. Please remember, you should always be very cautious when selecting a massage therapist solely based on websites, yellow pages, local magazines, or newspapers. Most of these advertising venues do not screen for therapists who are self taught and practicing illegally, so it will be up to you to do some homework.

Be on your way to finding a qualified therapist that’s perfect for you!
AMTA: http://www.amtamassage.org/index.html
NCBTMB: http://www.ncbtmb.org/
ABMP: http://www.abmp.com/home/
North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy: http://www.bmbt.org/

Best of Raleigh - 2011 Massage

2012-01-21T04:43:00.000-08:00

Absolute Body Balance receives 2011 Best of Raleigh Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
NEW YORK, NY, October 21, 2011 -- Absolute Body Balance has been selected for the 2011 Best of Raleigh Award in the Massage Therapists category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce AssociationCONTACT:U.S. Commerce AssociationEmail: PublicRelations@uscaaward.comURL: http://www.uscaaward.com

Can my child have a Massage?

2012-01-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

Absolute Body Balance Massage provides a warm and relaxing environment for youth as well as adults. Our therapists are licensed professionals who care about your health and well-being. Absolute Body Balance adheres to the guidelines set in place by the board of massage. Anyone under the age of 18 is required to have a parent or legal guardian present in the massage room. People of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from therapeutic massage. Dogs are often massaged in their latter years for arthritis and even race horses for the purpose of performance enhancement. So why would a child get a massage? What could they possibly be stressed out about?

It turns out that kids do have stress in their lives. If exams are coming up, a massage could be a great reward for the hours your son has spent studying. Studies show that employees that receive chair massage during the work day find themselves more focused and productive. Your daughter has a huge soccer tournament coming up and she has been doing extra sprint drills at practice. A sports massage can really help to loosen up the legs where the muscles have been working overtime.

We recommend speaking with your family physician if your child has specific health concerns.
Some benefits of massage for children:
Helps reduce anxiety and behavioral disorders
Can reduce chronic sinus and chest congestion
Helps children who suffer from ADHD to focus better
Promotes general relaxation relief from growing pains
Promotes better attitudes about self-care
Improves overall mood

The Touch Research Institute in Miami, FL has found "Children who learn healthy views of touch...are more likely to grow up to be adults with healthy self-esteem, a sense of appropriate boundaries and long-lasting intimate relationships."

A 30 minute or an hour session would be appropriate for most children. A full body massage would typically include arms, legs, head, neck and shoulder area, and the torso. It is required that the parent or legal guardian remains in the massage room for the duration of the massage so I would recommend bringing something to read. The massage room can be lit enough to allow you to read and still dim enough to promote a feeling of relaxation for the child. We understand that at first it may be difficult to relax, but soon, with everyone focused on their breathing and the soft music playing in the background, the whole room will take on a peaceful energy. Your child has the same choice that you do as an adult, they can undress completely or they can leave all of their clothes on and anywhere in between. With any client proper draping is required. If a child prefers to leave their clothes on there will be no lotion applied to that area. Our therapists are trained in different modalities that would include range of motion, stretching and sports massage techniques that would be more appropriate.

Please call Absolute Body Balance Massage at 919-841-9344 for any questions you may have concerning scheduling a massage for a child.

Massage that Works for you ...

2012-01-14T07:22:00.000-08:00

With today's technology, everyone does searches and shopping online. If you have a laptop, tablet or smart phone then you can search the web and find practically anything you need. Looking for gadgets, medical providers, service providers or vacations ~ it's all available in the comfort of your home with a click of the mouse or a touch of a button. Websites offer comparative shopping, reviews, referral links and discounts so that when you are looking for what you need you can consider all the options.

Finding the massage therapist that fits your needs is just as easy. If you don't have someone who can recommend a local massage therapist, then you can go online and look at the websites through google searches, or whatever search engine you find most accommodating. Personally, I try to read the reviews about a product, Amazon makes this easy when I am shopping. Why not apply that same premise to searching for your massage?

Whether you receive a referral from someone or find a massage therapist online, call or email and take the time to initiate a conversation prior to scheduling an appointment. This contact should be the beginning of your massage treatment, so take the time to discuss scheduling conflicts, muscle discomforts, medical concerns, allergies and any personal preferences on pressure or therapist that could possibly provide a better customer service experience for you. If you are recently diagnosed by your doctor, newly pregnant or have physical limitations this is a perfect time to let the massage therapist know so that she can be prepared for you and make certain that your massage is everything that you need. Adjustments can easily be made to the massage table height before you are on it, our office stocks several types of lotions to accommodate allergies and sensitive skin types, bolsters can be used to help with positioning and knowing that you would like heavy pressure or a relaxation massage ensures that you are scheduled with right massage therapist.

Absolute Body Balance Massage makes it our goal to provide exceptional customer satisfaction and we will ask several of these kind of questions to a client calling to say, "I'd like to schedule a massage". The information helps our massage therapists provide you with the best care that we possibly can.

How's the Pressure?

2012-01-13T05:24:00.000-08:00

When clients call to schedule an appointment with Absolute Body Balance they let us know of any specific muscle aches or pains they may be experiencing and how much pressure they typically like. Pressure is relative to the individual. One client may come in for a massage and say he wants heavy pressure, but then the muscles in his leg twitch and shake so it is important for the therapist to know when to back off. Or a client may come in and say they want a deep tissue massage, but then when that same therapist applies heavy pressure, he asks for an even deeper massage.

It is our job as the therapist to find the balance between too much and not enough. We take into consideration what the client says, but then we must also take into consideration the feedback that we are getting from the muscle tissue. There are many different techniques that we can use to achieve similar results and they don't always involve extremely deep pressure.

Sometimes with heavier pressure a client may feel soreness, tenderness, burning or even a tickling sensation in the muscle tissue. When a client verbally gives us the feedback about how it feels, we can adjust accordingly with more or less pressure. With therapist and client communication we can find that balance. The therapist may not need to adjust the pressure, they may just adjust the speed of the massage stroke or the surface area of the tool they are using.

You may find that your massage therapist uses heavy pressure on your back but lighter pressure on your neck or arms. If the therapist does not find areas of tension that need to be addressed, then your body is likely not asking them to do deep work in that area. Just because the work is not deep it does not mean it is ineffective. If your therapist does not ask you, you should still inform them if it feels too light or too heavy.

Deep tissue massage refers to a specific massage technique, not to how heavy the massage is. A deep tissue stroke requires that the therapist engages pressure where the muscle starts and keeps that pressure consistent throughout the full length of the muscle. This technique is used to lengthen tissues that are constantly in a short or contracted state. A therapist may find that Swedish massage is more appropriate for your pain management, but then they can add in some TriggerPoint therapy if they find knots in a specific muscle group.

It is very important that the therapist takes your feedback in to account. If you find yourself telling a massage therapist that the pressure is too much and you are being told that it's supposed to hurt or that you'll be fine or just a few more seconds, that may not be the right therapist for you. If you are finding yourself sore in the areas that were worked on for more than two days after your massage, that may not be the right amount of pressure for you. If you are finding yourself bruised every time you leave your massage, that may not be the right amount of pressure for you. The "no pain, no gain" mentality does not apply to massage therapy. Due to past injuries, traumas, posture or lifestyle, the body may be locked in a holding pattern and no matter how hard the therapist pushes, for whatever reason, that muscle may not be ready to let go. Having said that, your therapist might coach you in some deep breathing exercises to get through TriggerPoint therapy. By forcefully exhaling, your body can shut off some of the pain signals that it is firing to the brain. Your therapist may instruct you to breath out deeply as they are applying more force. On the other hand, and this does happen; if you are constantly asking for more pressure and your therapist does not adjust accordingly, they might not be the right fit for you either.

A great massage is not measured by the amount of pressure used. Recognize how you feel before, during and after the massage and try to be open to more or less pressure than you may be used to. Your therapist at Absolute Body Balance will check in with you during the session and follow up with you afterwards through email or phone contact to get an idea of how to best structure your next massage.

Katherine Strange, lmbt10115

2012-01-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Absolute Body Balance Massage has one part time massage therapist; Katherine Strange has been with us for one year now. We are very pleased and happy to have her on our team! Her relaxation massages receive more compliments about her smooth flowing massage and her quiet pleasant personality.

Katherine went to massage school at Miller-Motte College in Cary, North Carolina. She has completed 940 school hours, including 60 clinic hours where she worked at Miller-Motte College Massage clinic during her education. She has experience in Swedish Massage, Therapeutic Massage and Sports Massage. Katherine has been licensed since June of 2010 and has been practicing massage ever since. Giving the gift of relaxation and pain relief to her clients is the reason she chose this profession.

In her spare time she enjoys being outside, hiking and camping. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family relaxing and cooking.

Massage Reviews

2012-01-05T16:57:00.000-08:00

It’s no secret client retention and satisfaction is key to running a successful business in the massage industry. Every thriving business needs to know how to attract clients and how to keep them. Obvious things like doing good work, being on-time with appointments, being polite, trusting, responsible, and devoted all exhibit the meaning of professional. You receive no credit for doing them, but unfortunately these characteristics alone are not enough to keep your clients coming back. You need something that sets you above the rest.

At Absolute Body Balance we strive at making our clients our number one priority and making sure they know how important they are to us. After every appointment we make sure to call and/or email our clients to “check-in” and see how they’re feeling after their massage, especially if they were dealing with pain prior to treating them. A personal call and/or email demonstrates our level of caring. We customize each massage session by listening and never losing site of what the clients needs are for each appointment. For all new clients, we offer a discounted rate on your first 60 minute massage, so you can get a feel for our environment and to see whether you and your therapist are a good fit for working together. We also discount our 60 minute gift certificates around various holidays to make it easy and affordable to give the gift of relaxation to your loved ones. All senior citizens 65 and older receive a standard rate of $55 for a 60 minute massage. We hope to leave a long-lasting impression with our clients by making it easy and convenient for them to take better care of themselves. In return, those clients will tell their friends and loved ones about their experience and the cycle continues with new folks.

The best way we can measure our client satisfaction is through online reviews. Luckily for us, we have a fantastic network of clients who continue to uphold their loyalty to our practice and make others aware of it by writing about their experiences with Absolute Body Balance. To those we say thank you for placing your trust in us to take care of your massage needs. For those we have not yet had the privilege to work with, we welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver the best massage in Raleigh!

Feel free to see what people are saying about us by clicking on the following links:

http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Absolute.Body.Balance.Raleigh.NC.919-841-9344

http://raleigh.citysearch.com/review/35685157?reviewId=477692391

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&gs_upl=2581l5143l0l6867l15l9l0l5l5l0l295l1307l3.4.2l13l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1440&bih=781&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=absolute+body+balance+raleigh+nc&fb=1&gl=us&hq=absolute+body+balance&hnear=0x89ac5a2f9f51e0f7:0x6790b6528a11f0ad,Raleigh,+NC&cid=7672254349114806986&ei=8REGT5qVFIPftgeptpXQBg&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=placepage-link&resnum=1&ved=0CDQQ4gkwAA

Benefits of Massage ...

2012-01-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

Massage is generally considered part of alternative and complementary medicine. Massage is increasingly being offered in addition to standard doctor's treatment for a wide range of medical conditions, symptoms and situations.

Studies have found massage helpful for the following :

Stress relief
Managing anxiety and depression
Insomnia
Pain
Stiffness
Blood pressure control
Infant growth
Sports-related injuries
Repetitive strains
Boosting immunity
Cancer treatment

Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often involves caring, comfort, relaxation and the commitment to take better care of yourself. Massage isn't meant as a replacement for regular medical care, and your doctor may have suggestions on trying massage with his treatment plan for you.

Massage certainly can be an integral part of your self-care and with the New Year beginning it is the perfect time to resolve to take better care of you. Happy New Year to all of our clients and friends and thank you for the success we enjoyed n 2011. We look forward to seeing you in 2o12!

Holiday Massage Gift Certificates

2011-12-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

Last chance to purchase $55 gift certificates for your friends or family! Every holiday season here at Absolute Body Balance we discount our one hour massages to help make giving the gift of relaxation a more affordable option. Over the years, we have found that the gift of massage is one that is greatly appreciated. No need to worry what size to buy or will they like this color? Our licensed massage therapists cater each massage session to address the goals of the individual.

If a client complains of a stressful work environment, their number one goal may be to help them to relax. Or, perhaps you know a mom who has an aching back from holding their newborn baby all day. We could focus on the areas that are filled with tension in addition to providing a comfortable and relaxing environment. Monday, December 19 marks the beginning of the last week to purchase the hour massage gift certificate at a price of only $55. There is no limit to how many you can purchase or who they can be purchased for -younger than 18 years old would require a parent/guardian to be in the treatment room during the massage session. We have therapists certified in prenatal massage as well, for the expectant mother in her second or third trimester.

The gift certificate expires in June 2012, so the recipient has 6 months to redeem their gift from you. Please call us at 919.841.9344 to inquire about gift certificate purchase. Stop by our office on Six Forks Rd between 4:30 and 6:30pm M-F, or on Christmas Eve from 9:30-12:30 and a member of our team will be there to assist you with your purchase. Absolute Body Balance is also happy to mail out your gift certificate. For only $1 extra we can send it directly to your intended recipient, just keep in mind your desired date of arrival. Happy Holidays from all of us here at Absolute Body Balance Massage!

Holiday Stress

2011-12-11T04:36:00.001-08:00

Stress can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. The holidays come with a never ending list of demands - shopping, decorating, parties, family visits, cooking, baking, cleaning - just to name a few. Add to that a packed schedule with extra activities, more responsibilities and higher expectations and you have a recipe for fatigue, frustration and stress. This year can be different, though, if you try a combination of cutting back on activities, taking shortcuts and adjusting your own expectations. So with a few practical tips, you may be able to minimize the stress that accompanies this holiday season and actually enjoy yourself to the fullest without maxing out your energy, schedule and credit cards.

Think about what has made this season so stressful in the past and make a plan this year. You can make specific plans to better handle these situations so that you'll be less stressed when you face them this time around.

You can say no and cut out unnecessary activities. Really enjoying the things that you do end up doing is what will make the holiday something you'll want to remember and help to reduce your stress.

Everyone has certain expectations about what makes this season special. The good thing is that most of the activities we associate with this time of year are fun. However, it's easy to become so overwhelmed by all this activity that we become too busy to actually enjoy what we're doing. For those activities that are important enough that you'd really miss them if you didn't include them in your celebrations - cards, baking, wrapping, decorating, entertaining - there are ways to cut corners or otherwise simplify the experience without sacrificing what makes these activities fun. Simplifying frees up your energy so you can do more, or enjoy more of what you're doing.

Taking care of yourself is crucial to avoid stress. Be sure to make the time to eat a healthy diet, keep regular sleeping hours and continue to exercise; because these are all strategies for committing to better physical health and well-being. If you don't take care of yourself, how will you manage to take care of anything else?

In an effort to reduce your stress during the holiday season, Absolute Body Balance Massage offers one hour massage gift certificates for a special price of only $55. Gift giving made easy and affordable!! Enjoy the Holiday Season!!

Give the Gift of Relaxation & Stress Relief!

2011-12-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

As Christmas quickly approaches and we all scurry around trying to find the perfect gift, we should all take time to remember that the joy of exchanging presents lies in the act of giving. When it comes to what people would most like to give, the ability to help someone get relief from stress and improve his or her health is truly a special gift to give.

A soothing massage can help you unwind, but that’s not all. There are many health benefits to receiving regular massage therapy as well. While stress reduction is the most commonly thought of benefit others include: decrease in aches and pains, such as low back pain; increase in blood flow to the muscles, which helps them heal faster; decrease in blood pressure; migraine relief; improved sleep; relief from arthritis pain; better focus and concentration; less anxiety and depression; and reduction in PMS symptoms, such as pain, water retention and mood swings. Massage can also help boost your immune system by reducing the body’s level of the stress hormone, cortisol.

Because massage therapy has such a wide range of health benefits, gifting a session is a wonderful present. So help those you care about commit to being more relaxed and healthful in the New Year by giving the gift of massage therapy. We have Christmas gift certificates available for $55 for a one hour session (normal rate is $70 for an hour session). We offer a wide range of modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Trigger Point, Hot Stone, Prenatal, Geriatric, Medical and Neuromuscular Therapy.

To purchase this gift of health for someone in your life, you can call our office at 919-841-9344, or visit our website at www.absolutebodybalance.com

Give the Gift of Massage!

2011-12-03T04:09:00.001-08:00

With the holiday season in full swing, how many of you are struggling with what to get your loved ones this year? Take the stress off yourself by not having to worry about size, style, or color and give the gift of relaxation for that special person on your list.

Massage has been proven to increase relaxation and reduce stress. With holiday stress affecting many people this year, a massage gift certificate would be the greatest gift of all for a family member, friend, or colleague! By giving the gift of massage to those you love, it demonstrates an investment in caring and health. Absolute Body Balance is offering specially priced one hour holiday gift certificates for $55, which are regularly priced at $70. We offer a wide range of therapies including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Trigger Point, Medical, Prenatal, Neuromuscular, and Hot Stone so there is something for everyone! For all you last minute shoppers, we’ll be running this special from now until December 24. Visit our website (http://www.absolutebodybalance.com/), call our office (919.841.9344), or stop by or location on Six Forks Road to order yours today. We are open Monday thru Friday 9 AM – 7 PM and Saturday 9 AM – 4 PM.

Kinesio Tape in Raleigh

2011-11-20T15:07:00.000-08:00

Absolute Body Balance is now pleased to offer Kinesio Taping for our clients!! This requires certification classes and seminars for practitioners. The tape is applied in a specific pattern, and either stretched or not stretched, depending on the injury. Research shows that in addition to supporting injured muscles and joints, the taping method helps relieve pain by lifting the skin, allowing blood to flow more freely to the injured area. Spidertech kinesio tape is being used not only for athletes and the physically active, it is also being used to assist with those suffering from chronic pain. The sensitive tape is perfect for pediatrics, geriatrics and those who have difficulty with adhesives.

Some benefits of Spidertech kinesiology tape include:

Relieving both acute and chronic pain
Reducing swelling and inflammation
Accelerating recovery after intense exercise
Preventing and/or relieving muscle cramps and spasms
Enhancing strength and muscle tone
Reducing fatigue and stiffness in overused muscles

Spidertech is the only kinesiology tape that offers pre-cut applications for different parts of the body. The pre-cut tape saves time during the application process and extends patient wear by eliminating fraying and loosening of edges. It’s breathable and waterproof and can be worn up to five days during intense exercise, swimming, and showering.

The tape is a perfect addition to other treatment methods, like massage, since it also sends feedback through the nervous system to decrease pain and restore normal muscle function. The tape has the ability to correct muscle dysfunction and to stabilize joints. Runners, cyclists, triathletes, diverse sports competitors, martial artists, track and field athletes are among the many who are all benefiting from using Spidertech kinesio tape. Since the tape’s indications are virtually endless, you can always find a way someone will benefit from its application. Spidertech is an effective modality that can improve clinical outcomes immediately or after just a few days of wear.

Massage Therapy Awareness Week

2011-10-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

The AMTA dedicates one week every year for the purpose of education and recognition to increase the public's understanding about the benefits of massage therapy. This year that week is October 23rd thru Oct 30th. The demand for massage continues to increase every year as consumers strive for alternative healthcare for pain relief, stress relief and other health issues. Glenath Moyle, current AMTA president says "Our recent survey shows that 90 percent of respondents perceive massage as effective in reducing pain and we think this is highly reflective of the good work done every day by our members across the nation."

Some clients come to find relief from health concerns like low back pain, headaches, insomnia, and stress. According to a recent Consumer Reports survey, respondents indicated that they view deep-tissue massage, along with stretching, yoga and Pilates, as effective as prescriptions for the relief of back pain. It was also reported in a news article last year that regular massage decreases the body's production of the stress hormone cortisol which can help boost the immune system. Other clients call seeking massage therapy to compliment their athletic training: golfers, runners, tennis players and athletes of all ability level (from weekend warrior to professionals). Massage can assist as a maintenance for athletes as well as enhancing performance and recovery. As massage therapists, we believe that anyone who is breathing can benefit from massage.

As we take this week to share and appreciate the benefits of massage therapy (which are too many to name here) we encourage you to make therapeutic massage an integral part of your health and wellness routine. If you're in Raleigh, NC give us a call at 919-841-9344 or visit our website, http://www.absolutebodybalance.com/. At Absolute Body Balance your first one hour massage is only $55 and we offer package pricing to keep massage affordable. If you're not local, we encourage you to find a licensed massage therapist in your area, the AMTA has a great free national online locator service. Invest in your health.

Absolute Body Balance Massage - Bid on Raleigh

2011-10-18T04:28:00.000-07:00

Several times a year Clear Channel Broadcasting of Raleigh hosts a web event called Bid on Raleigh. Clear channel radio stations consist of G105, 93.9 Kiss FM, and 100.7 The River. This is a week long event where people bid on significantly reduced items and services throughout the Triangle. It is very similar to the way Ebay works. People have a certain amount of time to bid on items, in this case – one week. After the auction has closed, the person with the highest bid wins that item or service. There are hundreds of items and services to bid on including vacation packages, landscaping services, entertainment items, restaurant deals, jewelry, dental services, and massage packages to name a few.

Absolute Body Balance has been participating in Bid on Raleigh for a couple years now. This time around we’ll be auctioning off two sixty-minute massages, two ninety-minute massages, one sixty-minute couples massage, and one sixty-minute hot stone massage. Once you have confirmation that you have won an item, you will have one year to redeem your service.

The next Bid on Raleigh runs from Monday, October 31 until Monday, November 7 2011. All bidding will end at 5 PM on November 7. The radio stations listed above will also be airing commercials to help remind you of when bidding will be underway. Items will get bid on pretty quickly, so make sure you keep an eye on your favorite things. Also make sure you check out there website prior to bidding in case you have any unanswered questions about how the event works. The site will open the morning of Monday, October 31.

Good luck and happy bidding!!!

Paws for Life 5K, Franklin Co Humane Society

2011-10-13T03:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 22 marks the annual Paws For Life 5k Road Race & One Mile Dog Walk. The event is held in Wake Forest every year and is sponsored by the Franklin County Humane Society. This non-profit organization strives to continue removing adoptable animals from local shelters and educate the public about spay/neuter programs. Their long-term goal is to build a shelter to house these homeless cats and dogs. Run solely by volunteers, the FCHS fosters the animals with the help of donations raised through local charity events. Proceeds from the day's event go towards the efforts of the FCHS.

Absolute Body Balance is a locally owned business whose staff realizes the importance of giving back to the community and finds events like Paws For Life can also be a great opportunity to introduce therapeutic massage to the general public. Every year our therapists set up a few massage chairs underneath a tent and encourage participants age 18 and older to enjoy a seated chair massage. The participant remains clothed and the therapists use their hands to relax some of the tension in the neck, shoulders and back area. Chair massage can last anywhere from three or four minutes to 15 minutes depending on the event. ABB does not charge for chair massage at Paws For Life but will gladly be donating any tips to the FCHS. As pet owners, the therapists at ABB really enjoy putting our time towards a good cause that helps get dogs and cats the temporary foster care they need to find their forever homes.

For more information on the event, visit www.fchsnc.org and for free chair massage before or after the race, come visit our therapists, Katherine Strange and Amy Perry

Shops at Seaboard - SPCA Down by the Tracks

2011-09-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Oct 9th the Shops at Seaboard in downtown Raleigh are hosting "Down by the Tracks" an outdoor event to benefit the Wake County SPCA. This is a Fall Block Party from 3pm to 7pm and will offer a variety of vendors, silent auction items, live music and food and drink will be offered for a $10 adult admission fee. Absolute Body Balance Massage is excited to be able to provide chair massage for donations to the SPCA during this fun afternoon.

The massage therapists at Absolute Body Balance Massage are always happy to help our community animal rescues and shelters. We all have dogs and/or cats and have made a heartfelt commitment to donate silent auction items as well as attend these events to provide chair massage as often as we can. This is the community in which we live and we are dedicated to helping as much as we do.

Absolute Body Balance Massage opened in 2002 and one of my goals was to be "hands on" with our local charities and I am privileged to be working with five exceptional massage therapists whose generosity is admired and appreciated. All six of us will be at Seaboard Station on Sunday offering chair massage so please come out and enjoy a chair massage and support our Wake County SPCA!

Amy Perry, LMBT

2011-09-20T05:12:00.001-07:00

I became interested in massage years ago when a friend, who is a massage therapist, shared with me some of the benefits of massage for pain reduction. At that time, I worked in an office and sat at a computer most of the day. My neck and shoulders ached on a daily basis. After a few treatments from my friend, my neck and shoulder pain were greatly reduced. It was then that I knew I'd be a massage therapist some day, too.

Fast forward about 8 years, and through many other "jobs", to last year when I was looking for a long over-due career change. I was stumped on what direction to head in, when a friend said to me "whatever happened to you wanting to be a massage therapist?" Oh yea, I did have that dream a long time ago, didn't I?! So after some research for a school and some schedule juggling with my job, I began night classes in July of 2010 at The Medical Arts School. It was a long, hard year of working full time and going to school at night, but it was all worth it! I graduated at the end of June this year and became licensed in August.

There are many different modalities that can be used in massage and I enjoy them all. Whether it's a swedish massage for relaxation or a deep tissue massage for pain reduction, or to help correct postural imbalances, I want to encourage everyone to make their own health and wellness a priority. Massage is beneficial on so many levels for people of all ages.

I am excited about this new path I've chosen and look forward to all the clients I will get to meet and work with on my journey. I am thankful to Kim, Leacy, Lindsey, Tara, and Katherine for welcoming me into their wonderful group.

Chair Massage

2011-09-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

Let’s face it, some days after a long hard day at the office we want to feel less tired, rejuvenated, and our bodies need relief from long hours spent focused on particular tasks. Muscles ache, backs feel stiff, necks hurt, and is that a stress headache coming on? What if you could make all that disappear before you get home for the evening?

Why not talk your boss or co-workers into hiring our licensed massage therapists to come to your workplace and offer on-site chair massage?! Taking ten to twenty minutes to revitalize yourself during the work day can make a big difference on your well-being as well as your productivity at the office. This is why so many people consider chair massage on a routine basis to be an integral part of their personal wellness program.

On-site chair massage is a reliable and convenient way to calm anxiety and help employees regain focus. Studies have shown that the brain begins to recharge in just a few minutes and muscles begin to feel rejuvenated right away. Cognitive function, creativity, and alertness are improved after receiving just a few minutes of chair massage. Massage puts employees in a good mood, leaves them relaxed, boosts energy, and promotes productivity in the workplace.

Our therapists come to you with all the necessary equipment needed, including a portable massage chair, soothing music, disposable face rest covers, and disinfectant wipes so that the chair is wiped down and cleaned before each client. Typically the massage lasts anywhere from ten to twenty minutes at a rate of $1/minute if the employee pays for themselves or $60/hour if the company is providing the service for their employees. After the massage, we may give some pointers and ideas on how to stretch throughout the work day and keep your muscles loose and free from tightening up. When it comes to our bodies we all have different areas of concern, so the massage is customizable to your needs.

Feel free to visit our website (www.absolutebodybalance.com) or call us (919.841.9344) for any additional questions you may have about setting up an appointment for on-site chair massage. We look forward to working with you!

Therapeutic Massage & 5Ks

2011-08-19T04:16:00.000-07:00

With fall just around the corner, the local race scene is getting closer and closer. Whether you’re planning to run your first 5k, your first marathon, or something in between therapeutic massage should be an essential part of your training regime. Many runners already know the importance of massage, but for those of you who don’t – listen up!

Massage therapy has been an integral part of training programs for years. No matter what your fitness level is massage can increase circulation, lower blood pressure, increase flexibility and range of motion, increase muscle tone, and decrease the body’s fatigue and soreness by flushing out lactic acid in the muscles often experienced from tough training schedules. It can also enhance your running experience as a whole by increasing body awareness, preventing injuries, and speeding up recovery times. The benefits are endless when it comes to massage; it’s not just about relaxation anymore. If you’ve ever had a therapeutic massage after a hard run, you know it can work like magic to relive post workout pain. Regular massage keeps muscles free of knots (constricted muscle), which if left ignored, could lead to injury.

People are beginning to realize that massage isn’t just a luxury anymore. Without it you’ll train in pain, you’ll be prone to more injuries, you’ll take longer to recover, and you may never reach your potential. If you’re participating in any of the events listed below or would simply like to enhance your training routine give Absolute Body Balance a call to schedule your next therapeutic massage!

August 27: Raleigh 8000 8k, Raleigh, NC

September 10: Tunnel to Towers 5k, Wake Forest, NC

September 17: Magnificent Mile Race, Raleigh, NC

September 24: Fitness World 5k, Durham, NC

September 24: Compelled by Love 5k, Cary, NC

September 24: Women’s Distance Festival 5k, Raleigh, NC

September 24: Pink Shamrock 5k, Raleigh, NC

October 2: Ron-A-Thon 5k, Chapel Hill, NC

October 8: APC 5k, Raleigh, NC

Headaches and Tight Muscles

2011-06-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

Headache pain can be debilitating at its worse. Whether you suffer from the occasional tension headache, sinus headache, stress headaches or migraines massage therapy can be beneficial to relieving your symptoms. There is nothing that starts your day worse than waking up with a headache!

Massage can address all of the upper back, shoulder and neck muscles connecting to the headache region which helps alleviate the tightness and pressure of the attaching muscles. Staring at a computer or laptop for hours can strain the suboccipitals, trapezius and levator scapula making them tight and sore even to the touch. Lenghtening and broadening these muscles with therapeutic massage assists with the tension and tightness to these muscles as well as their attachments and connecting muscles.

Posture is a big problem with prolonged computer work or desk work since staring down or leaning towards the computer can really wreak havoc on your neck and shoulders. Think about how your shoulders roll in to accommodate working on a laptop and your shortened arm stance for the laptop keyboard happen without any effort, unfortunately these actions cause Repetitive Stress Syndrome and Carpel Tunnel after years of continued poor posture at your laptop. The same can be said when you are using a right handed mouse every hour of the work day while working on your desktop. These muscles can become increasingly tighter and eventually tighten up the arm to the shoulder to the neck and constrict circulation to your head, resulting with a headache.

Massage therapy can be very helpful in relieving the stress, tension and tightness accompanying your headache. If you are experiencing recurring headaches or you are suffering headache pain more often, consider a therapeutic massage to help with the muscles in your neck, shoulders and upper back. You will find yourself happily surprised with relief just from the increased circulation and release of endorphins which are natural responses to massage therapy. You may also feel greater flexibility and more range of motion to help the entire connecting area where the headache could be originating.

Massage for Low Back Pain ... the legs?

2011-06-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Low back pain is one of the most common complaints that we hear. It is a huge reason why people research and seek out massage therapy. That nagging gripping tightness in the lower back area that worsens with bending, leaning, standing and moving is enough to bring some people to their knees, literally.

When a client comes to our office with low back pain, we do massage the posterior upper torso - the back. But we also explain the importance of massaging the large connecting muscles like the hamstrings, glutes and quadriceps. Far too often clients will come to us with continued low back pain even thought they have tried massage in the past. Simply massaging the affected localized area can be helpful but it certainly does not address the contributing factors which can cause the the low back pain to return time and time again.

Our strong leg and glute muscles can become over tightened and begin to pull on the muscles of the lower back, quadratus lumborus especially. That tension will create a pulling sensation in the low back and can radiate upwards into the lattisimus dorsi or radiate downward into the glutes and piriformis and quite possibly contribute to sciatica. So we try to communicate the necessity of massaging not only the muscles that are in pain or too tight but we try to assist all the connecting muscles responsible for the discomfort.

So if you come to see one of our massage therapists and you are experiencing low back pain, do not be surprised if your massage will include massaging your legs, calves and glutes. Loosening all of these connecting muscles can help ease the pain and continued stretching of these areas may even help keep the pain at a lesser degree for a longer period of time. A follow up massage between one week and ten days is also suggested to assess and finish any of the trigger points found during the previous massage. Drinking plenty of water afterwards is our first recommendation, then gentle stretching and regular therapeutic massage depending on your activity level and availability. In this day and age when everyone is working harder, playing harder and stress is at an all time high it is more important than ever to take the steps necessary to take care of your body and maintain your health and wellness.

Expectant Moms & Massage

2011-04-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

If you're a healthy woman having a normal pregnancy chances are you will continue working until the day you deliver, or close to it. During pregnancy, physical and emotional changes cascade throughout the body. Nausea, fatigue, swelling, heartburn, headache, and emotional turbulence are just some of the symptoms that come with the territory. Not only is mom-to-be dealing with the physical and emotional changes, but triggers at work and/or home could be stressful for her as well. Fortunately for you expecting moms, massage can help ease these issues, so that you can focus on what's most important: your baby.

It has been known that massage performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, relieve muscle aches and joint pain, reduce back pain, improve your sleep, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Pregnancy massage addresses different needs through varying techniques, which aim to relax muscle tension and improve blood circulation. The massage therapist generally uses mild pressure to address many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.

Two common complaints of expecting moms are edema (swelling in the joints) and sciatica (nerve pain beginning in the buttocks and radiating down the leg). Pregnancy massage can help address both these issues. Edema is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints, which also improves the removal of tissue waste, carried by the body’s lymph system.
Sciatica is experience
d by many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on surrounding muscles. Fortunately, we have worked with many expectant moms who have experienced significant reduction in sciatica during pregnancy through regular massage.

The benefits of massage can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. You should always check with your doctor first, but massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care to improve maternal health and help calm you down from those stressful days at work!

Mothers Working Outside the Home

2011-04-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

As Mother's Day approaches, we all can try to show a little extra appreciation towards our moms, for all that she does to support us. Emotionally, financially, and physically in some cases, moms are there to catch us when we stumble. As a mom, a woman's job is to juggle her family's needs with her own. For a working mom, whether full or part-time outsdie the home, the demands of the workplace get thrown into the juggling act.

Ask any mom, you don't stop being a parent just because your kids have grown and moved away. For many, you just become a different kind of parent with new things to worry about. Will my child be alright out there on their own? Will my son wear clean socks to work? Will my daughter learn to cook anything besides macaroni 'n' cheese? With any luck, you have provided them with a stable upbringing and a sense of responsibilty and more likely than not, you have little reason to worry. All this worry can cause undue stress on the body.

What better way to treat your mom then through the gift of massage? Working moms typically have full schedules that require supreme organization and flexibility. When the stress of life and one too many snags takes hold, it is time for you to take a break. Imagine how you would feel after a long day of answering emails, returning phone calls and dealing with disgruntled employees. Now add to that the groceries and dry cleaning you have to carry into the house. And don't forget the baby asleep in the carseat. Now once everything is in the house, mom can start on dinner. (Hopefully, at some point dad comes in to help share the load, and he could probably use a massage too, but we'll save that for another day.)

A quiet soak in the tub, a nap on a sunday afternoon, a nice relaxing hour massage after work; the goal of all these activities is to promote a sense of calm and peacefulness in an otherwise hectic existence. Even the most organized women want to pull her hair out sometimes. Ask for help, no one knows your struggles but you. Whether you are the mother of one child, two children, three kids, two dogs and a rabbit, the workload never stops. Just realize, there will always be dishes to wash, but wouldn't you rather enjoy washing them? Massage is just one way to give back to yourself, so that you can get back to enjoying life, and all the ups and downs that come with.

You can give yourself the gift of time, 10 minutes to read a chapter in your book, half an hour for a quiet walk around the neighborhood, an hour for a massage. By giving this precious time to yourself, you are also setting a great example for your children to take better care of themselves and it really will stick with them in their lives. When you feel calm, people around you can sense this, it caneven become contagious. Stop and smell the roses is an ageless expression and has held true for a reason. Life is precious and the better equipped we are to deal with all that life throws our way, the more we can enjoy, not only the fruits of our labor, but also the labor itself.

Happy Mother's Day ... Stay at Home Moms

2011-04-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

We have touched on some of the effects of daily stress on the body, and how over time, the body will begin to compensate for poor posture, weight gain or trauma as well as how it responds to non-physical stress. Moms are right at the top of the list when it comes to daily stress. Not the kind of stress you would have if you had to run a country, but in most cases moms do run a household. Roughly 80% of moms make the decisions when it comes to finances. As the manager of your family, you have to allow yourself some time off. Next time your friend or coworker offers to babysit, take them up on it!

Stay-at-home moms have a special job and because of the assumption that they are home to care for the children, the children go almost everywhere that mom goes. Mom is walking around the lake pushing a stroller, mom is carrying a crying baby through the grocery store, mom is lifting the baby out of its car seat. Get the idea? Babies and children are wonderful blessings and they will hold your attention for the next 18+ years and you will give it lovingly and selflessly. Full time moms sometimes say they feel guilty "pampering" themselves by getting a massage. Women who work outside of the home typically get to interact more with adults as well as having tasks outside of the care and well-being of their children. Moms that do not hold jobs outside the home are more likely to be with the children all of the time and an hour to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit can really help change your outlook. Suddenly the sun seems brighter and the sky more blue!

A relaxing hour massage can address your aching back, your sore neck, your headaches, as well as your stress level. Some moms experience lower back pains which could be from constantly picking up children, or it could be a residual pain following a C-section. Some moms carry tension in their neck and shoulders. The continued stress to their muscles could contribute to headaches and by getting regular massage to the area it can help to keep those at bay so that you can continue enjoying the time you have with your children.

By tending to your own needs, be them mental or physical, even spiritual, you can come back to the family unit as a renewed and more balanced individual. A massage is just one way to enjoy your time to yourself. Try to think of one thing to do a week that is just for you and then really stick to it! I think I would feel more guilty if I didn't take time for myself because I would want to set a good example for my children.

Swedish Massage

2011-03-16T05:28:00.000-07:00

Swedish massage is the most commonly known and practiced massage modality. It is a systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. It uses a combination of 5 different strokes gliding, kneading, friction, percussion, and shaking. The massage session is not a rigid progression. It is a dynamic procession of massage techniques and strokes. The transition between strokes and sections of the body are fluid. Swedish massage is usually light to medium pressure, making it a perfect introduction to massage for a new client. Swedish massage is the foundation of most Western types of massage. All of the therapists at Absolute Body Balance are well trained in Swedish massage techniques.

Everyone can benefit from receiving a Swedish massage. Many people come into Absolute Body Balance looking for stress and pain relief from daily activities such as working and exercising. Swedish massage increases blood and lymph circulation, relieves insomnia, increases relaxation, and soothes tired and achy muscles. Swedish massage will help with rehabilitation and injury prevention. If you are wondering which type of massage to receive because you are unfamiliar with the different types, Swedish massage is a great choice!

Deep Tissue Massage

2011-03-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

Deep tissue massage is a specific type of massage therapy that concentrates on the deep layers of muscle and fascia in the body. The therapists at Absolute Body Balance are thoroughly trained in various massage modalities, but deep tissue is one we focus on quite a bit. By using deep finger pressure and slow, firm strokes, deep tissue massage is used to treat a variety of physical ailments. Many of our clients have been prescribed deep tissue massage from their doctors as a treatment option because of its many benefits.

This type of massage is aimed at relieving chronically tense sets of muscles by using heavy pressure on the muscles. Typically, these consist of the classic stiff necks and the tightness often found in the lower back and shoulder area. Besides relieving muscle tension, there are other added benefits associated with deep tissue work. An immediate benefit is an increase in the blood flow through and around the problem area. Knuckles, thumbs, elbows, and forearms are often used to apply a great amount of pressure, resulting in a loosening of the blood vessels. As the blood flow increases in the area, the flow of oxygen will increase as well. This will also allow for a reduction in lactic acid building, which is also a prime cause for discomfort. Deep tissue is especially useful for athletes or other individuals consistently involved in heavy physical activity that tend to gather scar tissue deep in various parts of the body. The intense pressure can aid in breaking up that scar tissue and relieve tension and aches in muscles that are overworked or strained.

Another common problem we see everyday are people who sit or stand in one position all day and those who suffer from poor posture. The causes poor posture are various, but most commonly are associated with sitting at a desk for long periods of time - the classic 8 AM – 5 PM office worker. Muscles tend to compensate for one another, which can create an imbalance in the muscular structure of the body. Deep tissue massage serves to ease the tension in over compensating muscles and to alleviate stress on particular muscle groups. It is great for realigning the body into better posture by the stretching and relaxing of tendons and muscles.

Plenty of individuals suffer from various types of chronic pain. Osteoporosis and carpal tunnel syndrome are two common examples of chronic pain that force individuals to turn to deep tissue therapy. The pressure tends to increase the blood circulation and therefore helps reduce the pain.

Many people mistakenly believe that deep tissue massage should hurt, and that if the therapist applies more pressure, pain will be instantly relieved. In reality, deep tissue massage should not hurt, though it might be uncomfortable in comparison to swedish massage. Massage therapists will always encourage you to say something if the pressure becomes too much to handle. It is important that you should only seek the work of skilled and trained professionals. Allowing someone with no expertise or experience can not only worsen the problem, but could lead to injury.

Absolute Body Balance Massage

2011-03-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

Conveniently located in North Raleigh, Absolute Body Balance specializes in Therapeutic, Sports and Medical Massage herapy. We are located at 6612 Six Forks Road, which is in Georgetown Office Condos directly off of Six Forks Road, in between Lynn Road and Wind Chime Court. Six Forks Road is an easy exit off of I-40 or #540, depending on where you are coming from. Our hours of service are Mondays through Friday from 9am until 7pm daily and Saturday's hours are 9am until 4pm.

Massage therapy services by appointment only. We offer 30, 60 and 90 minute massages. Our therapists are experienced in Deep tissue, Sports, Prenatal, Swedish, Trigger Point, Neuromuscular, Hot Stone, Geriatric and other modalities. Our fee is per the hour, not per the type of massage or the experience level of the therapist. Most massage in our office is a combination of these modalities based on the specific requests and needs of the client. For example, one may want sports massage on their legs from running but would prefer deep tissue on the back, neck and shoulders from prolonged computer work.

Presently, we have four full time licensed massage therapists and one part time licensed massage therapist to be able to accommodate short notice and same day appointment requests. The website provides several ways to contact us individually, send an appointment request online or simply call the office number, 919-841-9344, and speak with one of us. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have in regards to your massage and scheduling your appointment. Gift certificates can also be purchased at the office, online or via telephone.

New clients receive a discount as an incentive to give Absolute Body Balance a try, and we encourage you to read reviews and make an informed choice. Packages are available for clients to save on regular and multiple massages. Absolute Body Balance Massage is pleased to donate massage certificates to many local charities as well as to provide chair massage during local non-profit events in our effort to support the community in which we work and live.

Please visit our website and feel free to contact us for further information; http://www.absolutebodybalance.com/

Chair Massage to you!

2011-03-05T04:15:00.000-08:00

One of the services we offer at Absolute Body Balance is on-site chair massage. There are benefits to both the companies and to the employees that we provide chair massage to. The company benefits by having satisfied employees who are less stressed and generally more productive. The relaxing time away from the desk allows them to come back to work refreshed and more focused. They appreciate the extra steps that their employer has taken on their behalf, and happy employees can make the work day run smoother overall. Employees find the relaxing chair massage experience to be just what they need to jumpstart the middle of the day or the work week. We often hear the employees look forward to their appointment all week!

Sitting at a desk can cause strain and tension in the upper and lower back, as well as through the neck, shoulders and down into the wrists and hands. Because of the position of the person in the chair, it is very easy to access all these areas. People stay clothed during chair massage and no lotion or oil is used on the skin. Simple kneading techniques are used to bring circulation to the areas of tension and can promote an overall feeling of calm. The massage therapist will typically provide their own music to help set the relaxing atmosphere and cleaning supplies to keep the chair sanitized between every client. There are also simple stretches that can be done back at the desk, so feel free to ask the therapist if there is anything they could recommend to help keep tension at bay in between visits. Sometimes just being more aware of your posture can help you to make the right adjustments throughout the work day. The massage chair can be brought just about anywhere because of its portable design.

There is on-site chair massage offered at airports, malls, charity runs & walks, health fairs, and of course places of business. If you are interested in setting up a chair massage event at your office, check us out on the web at www.absolutebodybalance.com and please give us a call or send us an email request. Each chair massage appointment typically lasts between 10-20 minutes, so ideally, we try to set appointment slots for the employees to fill on their own. We will gladly work with each individual company to design a plan that will best accommodate the employees. A small travel fee may be applied to businesses outside of our area, feel free to inquire when you speak with one of our licensed massage therapists. We look forward to helping your employees relax.

Pregnancy Massage

2011-02-27T06:20:00.001-08:00

Pregnancy brings with it a variety of changes and the most common complaint I hear are the low back and hip pains of expectant moms. The growing baby causes pressure and strain on the muscles in the pelvis; the hips, the glutes, the low back and even the leg muscles begin to experience aches and tightness. Massage therapy can be extremely helpful in relieving those tight feeling muscles and help the pregnant mother to feel better.

Prenatal massage is also great to help expectant moms relax and reduce their stress. It is by far one of the best ways for anyone to give themselves an hour dedicated to taking better care of themselves. But more so during pregnancy because of all the emotional and physical changes that accompany this joyous time for expectant mothers.

Massage therapy during pregnancy is done on a inclined wedge and side lying for most effectiveness while being mindful of both baby and mom. Extra pillows and bolsters are used to keep the mother most comfortable and to offer support for the legs and pregnant belly. A certified prenatal massage therapist is recommended and if there are any questions regarding your personal health issues, we would suggest you ask your obstetrician.

Pregnancy can be a wonderful and exciting time and prenatal massage is perfectly safe and extremely helpful with the muscle aches and pains that can arise.

Upper Leg Stretch

2011-02-17T04:24:00.000-08:00

If you are trying to get some relief from tension in your lower back or hips, you can try stretching. Since the lower back is difficult to isolate with simple stretches, you can try to access some of the large muscle groups in the same areas of your body.

First start in an upright position, standing next to a wall or a piece of furniture for extra balance.
Cross your ankles and bend forward in an effort to reach the floor.
You should feel a slight pull in your glute and hip area, maybe all the way down the side of your leg.
Hold this pose for 20-30 seconds while taking steady, controlled breaths.
Stand back up and cross the other ankle over.
Bend forward and hold again for 20-30 seconds.

By switching the leg that you lead with, you are able to get a better stretch in a more specific area, and one side is getting more of a stretch at a time. We can stretch muscles that work together to complete an action, or we can stretch them individually if they are able to function on their own.
This would be a great stretch for new parents who are consistently carrying their newborn on their hip, or for a mechanic or plumber who is often bent over or contortioned to get their bodies to fit in their workspace. Runners can add this stretch to their routine to get lengthening in their outer thigh and through the hips and glutes.

For an advanced stretch, you can try to glide your arms to reach across your body in the direction of the front foot. It is important to do this in a space where you can grab onto the wall or furniture in case you start to lose your balance. Remember to breath as you stretch so your muscle tissue can get healthy oxygenated blood which promotes better self-healing. By loosening the tension throughout the glutes and hips, you can begin to affect the lower back muscles that connect in to your pelvic girdle.

Neck Stretch

2011-02-08T04:50:00.000-08:00

Whether you're cramped from sitting at work all day or warming up for your exercise routine, try this simple stretch to loosen up your neck.

• Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees slightly bent.

• Slowly tilt your right ear towards your right shoulder and then move your chin slightly towards your right shoulder to feel a stretch in the left side of your neck.

• Place your right hand on top of your head to add slight pressure. DO NOT pull your head with your hand. This stretch can be done while standing or sitting and you should try and hold the stretch for 10 to 20 seconds.

• Repeat the exercise to stretch the right side of your neck.

To keep neck muscles flexible, you should try and stretch on a regular basis. Stretching your neck muscles is a good way to relieve stress since our neck tends to store a lot of the tension our body accumulates everyday. Remember to avoid neck stretches that bend your head backward, as these stretches can compress the vertebrae in your spine. You can perform stretches after your workout or every hour or so if you work long periods of time at a desk.

Computers and Forearms

2011-01-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately we all spend more time on computers where the keyboard and mouse can cause the muscles of the forearm to tighten, ache and sometimes burn from overuse. Personally I find the positioning to be worse on my laptop, especially if I am sitting on the couch or bed with the laptop on my lap. This muscle pain is not limited to computers and laptops, I am certain that smart phones have become a contributing factor too. This blog is to share a few suggestions that may help with your flexor and extensor stress, strains, aches and pains.

The simplest and easiest forearm stretch is to extend your left arm straight in front of you,away from your body. Using your right hand, grasp your left hand and gently stretch the hand downward in a ninety degree angle to the arm. You will feel a pull like stretch in the forearm muscles as the hand moves downward. Hold for a few seconds and then stretch the forearm in the opposite direction. So holding the left hand with your right hand, gently move your left hand in an upward position, ninety degrees to the arm the other way and hold here for a few seconds again. At the end of each of these movements, you can use your right hand to apply a slight amount of pressure which will increase the stretch. Do not over do the stretch at the farthest point. Switch arms and repeat.

I can do this stretch for my flexors and extensors standing, sitting and even driving. I find this stretch relieves tension in my forearms especially during prolonged periods of computer use. Another self care tip I like to use for my forearms is an ice massage. This is quite simple, take a paper cup filled with water and place in the freezer. Remove frozen papercup and holding the cup upside down so that the ice is on your arm, you can glide the ice up and down the area. As the ice melts inside the cup, you simply tear down the paper to adjust the size. You do not need any pressure as the ice numbs the pain and relives any inflammation.

I find far too often that we do not stretch until there is discomfort, so I like to share these easy and quick stretches as a way to avoid as much pain as possible. Stretching can be done in fifteen or twenty minutes every day to better take care of your body. If you require more than stretching, massage therapy is optimal for this particular muscle strain.

Leg Stretches

2011-01-25T04:35:00.000-08:00

Many people suffer from tight leg muscles. A very common cause of leg tightness is due to the amount of time we spend sitting throughout the work day. As our knees are bent in this position, the muscles that flex the knee joint become used to being in this shortened position. Tight leg muscles can predispose one to injury during daily and recreational activities as well as contribute to the development of back pain. To prevent this, it is important to perform leg stretching exercises to loosen tight muscles.

Tight hamstrings (the large muscle group found on the back of the thighs) are a common finding in most people. However, there are many easy exercises you can do to increase your hamstring length. Here are a couple:
• Sit on the floor with both legs out straight.
• Extend your arms and reach forward by bending at the waist as far as possible while keeping your knees straight.
• Hold this position for 10-20 seconds.

Next stretch:
• Sit on the floor with one leg out straight.
• Bend the other leg at the knee and position the sole of that foot against your opposite inner thigh.
• Extend your arms and reach forward over the one straight leg by bending at the waist as far as possible.
• Hold this position for 10-20 seconds and then repeat with the other leg.

Running, biking, and other daily activities, are a few things that can lead to tight quadriceps muscles (large muscle group found on the front of the thighs). Here are a couple stretches for tight quads:
• While standing, hold onto a counter top or chair back to assist in balance.
• Bend your knee back comfortably as far as you can by grasping your ankle with one hand.
• Hold this position for 10-20 seconds and then repeat with the other leg.

The same stretch mentioned above can be done while lying prone (on your stomach) as well:
• Lay on your stomach.
• Bend your knee back comfortably as far as you can.
• Hold position for 10-20 seconds and then repeat with the other leg.

Lastly, tight calf muscles are common in most people as well. In women, this is sometimes due to wearing high heels. Here is an easy calf stretch:
• Sit with your feet in front of you on the floor.
• Hold a sheet or towel with one end in each hand forming a loop.
• Place the loop around one foot and pull your toes toward you.
• Stop once you feel a comfortable stretch in your calf muscle.
• Hold for 10-20 seconds and repeat with the other leg.

Regardless of one's athletic talents or physical stamina, keeping the leg muscles loose and flexible can help prevent injury and increase range of motion around the knee, ankle, and hip joints. While stretching, always remain aware of comfort and pain levels as a means to prevent injury to the leg.

The Pec Stretch

2011-01-20T05:43:00.000-08:00

A great stretch can really help rejuvenate you in the middle of a hectic or stressful day. It is important to breathe while you are holding the stretch. Fresh oxygen can get to your tissues while steady calming breaths can bring you back to the present. Being able to step outside of the tornado can allow you to better assess and prioritize.

So if stretching can do all that, why aren't we all doing it? Maybe we don't know how to stretch or what muscles should be stretched or how long to stretch them:
Begin by standing in a doorway.
Position your arms so that they resemble a football goalpost.
Now, only stretching one side at a time, place one arm flush against the wall or doorway and turn your upper body/chest away from your elbow.
You should feel a slight pull in the front of your chest underneath your collarbone area, maybe even travelling into your armpit.
Now turn around and place the other arm flush against the wall or doorway.
You should try to hold the stretch between 20 and 30 seconds on each side.
Discontinue stretch if you feel sharp or sudden pain.

For a more advanced stretch you can slide your arm up and down the wall at different angles than 90 degrees to get a broader stretch of the pectoralis muscle. This muscle can have tension because of poor posture or repetitive use. Some people who spend long hours typing at a computer could benefit from stretching this space between the shoulders. Our shoulders roll inward when they should be back more. Try to be mindful about how you are seated and pull your shoulders back from time to time. You can stretch your pec muscles a few times a day, and it's a great excuse to get up from your chair.

My Favorite Stretch - Piriformis

2011-01-16T14:03:00.000-08:00

The piriformis muscle is a pennant shaped muscle that connects from the largest bony protuberance in your hip, the greater trochanter to your sacrum, the central connector of your low back and pelvis. This muscle can become tight or strained and cause a calamity of problems including sciatica, low back pain, hip pain and leg pain. Running and exercising without stretching as well as over exertion can contribute to tightening the piriformis. There are a list of daily activities also which can cause strains and stress on this muscle; prolonged sitting, standing while favoring one leg, sitting with a wallet on one back pocket or sitting cross legged for long periods of time.

Since I unfortunately find myself unable to avoid many of these situations, not to mention traveling which strains all the muscles, I have become very fond of the piriformis stretch. Technically all of these similar activities assist in shortening the muscle which puts undue pressure on it and the other connective muscles causing the discomfort and pain. As previously discussed, there are alternatives like the Grid that helps loosen connective tissue and promote greater flexibility.

But you can do a simple pirifomis stretch while sitting straight up in a chair without arms. Scoot to the edge of the chair with bent knees. Now bend the right knee and raise the calf sideways so that the ankle is on the opposite leg, keep the left leg bent at the knee while in a seated position. Hands at your sides for stability, gently lean your torso forward slightly so that you feel the stretch. You do not need to lean very far forward since most of us are tight in this area. Switch legs and stretch the left side, you will notice that one side is tighter than the other as everyone does. This is a great stretch to do in the middle of a work day, while traveling in an airport or practically anywhere you can find a seat with leg room.

Another way to perform this stretch is lying flat on your back on the floor with your legs in the same position, right ankle on left thigh and left leg bent at knee like sitting. Using both hands grasp behind the left knee and gently pull towards your torso, again this is a small movement which results in the stretch. This modification requires more space and a little more agility but provides just as good a stretching feeling for the piriformis. If you don't already do this stretch, add it to your repertoire, and if you do know this stretch, make use of it often. Greater flexibility and greater range of motion should assist in your fitness regimen whatever it may be.

Stretching

2011-01-06T04:31:00.000-08:00

The number one new year's resolution is to get fit in 2011. Even if that is not your resolution, you should consider a regular stretching routine to help you feel better this year. Stretching is one great way to care for yourself in between massage appointments.

Muscle pain and tension can be caused by repetitive use. The soft tissue that forms your muscles stays in a contracted or tight position for too long and stretching can counterbalance this. Stretches are meant to loosen and lengthen the muscle tissue and that can help to relieve the pain and tension.

We will follow up with specific stretches that are meant to target some of the major muscle groups in your body.Whether you go to the gym every day or work at a desk from 9-5, there are stretches that you can benefit from.

Many people have careers that place physical demands on their bodies like plumbers, car mechanics, and dental hygienists. Or maybe you are a parent to a newborn and your back is strained from hours spent holding your child. Massage is a great way to relieve the muscle pain and tension, but clients often ask what they can do in between appointments to make the relief last that much longer. Once the muscles have been loosened from massage, it can be very beneficial to focus on doing stretches that can help to keep those tissues loose.

The Backnobber, The Grid & Biofreeze

2011-01-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

So often we are too busy taking care of others that we do not make ourselves a priority. Then time continues and pain arrives and we all scramble for the quickest and easiest way to relief. Regular massage is an ideal way to increase the success of personal fitness and decrease the amount of strains, aches and pains that happen but not everyone has the time for a weekly massage. I would like to take this blog and share a couple of successful ideas that have worked for me in addition to massage therapy, especially on my own.

Biofreeze is a wonderful product that is applied directly to the sore and aching muscles. It helps with the soreness and stiffness that accompanies workout fatigue and excessive training. The gel begins by feeling very cold upon application and then warms up nicely heating the sore areas and providing comfort. Heat always makes the pain feel better but it is not always the best choice for inflammation. If you have questions, consult your physician, but I use Biofreeze for shin splints after running to ease the discomfort.

The Backnobber is a two ended "S" shaped hook that is used for trigger point pressure in the back, neck and shoulders. One end is adjusted on the knot in the back and the other end is used for leverage. It requires a small amount of manipulation to apply the necessary pressure to the affected area and does work in decreasing the size of trigger points. I have used this also for my low back, hips and piriformis regions too. It is effective and great for individuals who work consistently on computers. The shape allows it to attend to the area in between the shoulder blades and right against the shoulder blade itself.

The Grid was introduced to me by Lyndsey after I began to train for my first 5K. This product is a thick cylinder with grids resembling tire treads on the outside. It is mainly for the lower extremities and does a wonderful job loosening the fascia on the hamstrings and quadriceps. I have found it to be very helpful with shins and calves when positioned correctly. It can be used also on the glutes and back with a little caution for the back since it is a very hard surface. It does provide relief and is a great assistance to stretching for runners.

These three items are easily found online and implemented in your self care basket of tricks may help you to enjoy your pursuit to fitness even more. There are many other products that offer to relieve pain and assist as training devices but I have not personally tried any others so I feel confident to share these tips and my successes. As with any exercise program, consulting your family doctor is the best advice I can give when pain arises, so after that, here are some tried and tested methods we can recommend since we have some experience with each of these products.

Tennis Ball Massage

2010-12-14T04:20:00.000-08:00

Working at a desk all day, commuting, typing, washing dishes, whatever it is you do, it seems that everything involves hunching over or leaning forward. By the end of the day you are most likely all knotted up in your shoulders and upper back. This hunching forces the back, shoulders, and neck muscles to work extra hard in order to support your torso and head.

One of the easiest ways to work between the shoulder blades and the upper back is to use a tennis ball. A tennis ball is a simple, effective, and inexpensive self-care massage tool that everyone should keep on hand. Two very common areas of tension in the back are the erector spinae - the muscles that run along the length of the spine, and the rhomboids - the "wing" muscles that run diagonally downwards from the spine to the inside edge of the shoulder blades. Both of these muscle groups are easily accessible with a tennis ball.

Place the ball below the muscles you want to work on (making sure the ball is next to the spine, not on it), and then lean against the wall, allowing the ball to sink into the knot. Roll the ball up and down by bending and straightening your knees and lingering on areas that feel tight or painful. You dictate the amount of pressure by how much of your weight you lean against the ball. The goal of using a tennis ball is to achieve a “release” by applying just the right amount of pressure, enough to get the knot or trigger point to let go. The sensation you feel should be strong but satisfying; what is often referred to as “good pain.” If you have a stubborn knot, try lying on the floor with the ball under the knot and slowly letting the weight of your body press the ball into the knot. If you have to grit your teeth it is probably too much pressure; ease off a bit, you need to be able to relax while doing this. If the ball feels too hard, put a towel over it or use it on a soft surface like a bed.

Once you have found the right spot and the right pressure to use, relax as much as possible and wait for the sensation to subside to about 75% of its original intensity. This is the “release” of the knot or trigger point that you’re trying to achieve. This may take a few seconds or several minutes. Remember the key is to relax and breathe rather than trying to “grind” the knot out.

A knot in a muscle can constrict local circulation, which can limit nutrients getting to the muscles and not allow the body’s natural waste products to get out. So sometimes when a knot is broken up, toxins are released. That's why you should always drink plenty of water after a massage or after doing self care - to make sure the body has enough liquids to flush the toxins. It's also a good idea to gently stretch the muscle you just worked on. This will encourage the muscle to retain its original resting length, and therefore function with the best efficiency.

Heat Therapy

2010-12-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

Do you have stiff/sore/tight muscles, suffer from muscle spasms or nagging joint pain? Then your massage therapist may send you home with this directive: use heat.

But what does that really mean? Let’s talk about the basics first. The application of heat to an area on the body will increase skin temperature, the elasticity of connective tissues, and circulation locally. Heat therapy is best used for injuries that are more chronic in nature and just like an athletic trainer may recommend that you warm up your muscles before lifting heavy weights, heat can be used the same way before (but not after) you exercise on areas that tend to cause problems (like a chronically stiff shoulder).

Moist heat is more effective than dry heat because water transfers heat faster than air. Consequently, most of the self-care techniques that your massage therapist may recommend to you for heat involve moist heat. The most common applications of heat that we recommend are: taking a hot shower, applying a moist heating pad to the affected area and Epsom salt baths. We recommend these all for the same reasons, that they will increase circulation and help to relax the muscles.

There are a few things to be careful of when applying heat therapy. Just as with cold therapy, you should make sure that the temperature whether it’s of the bathwater or the heating pad, is at a bearable level because you don’t want to burn your skin. You only want to apply heat for 15-20 minutes at a time, remove the heat source, let the skin return to room temperature and then you can apply for another 15-20 minutes. You should generally not apply heat to acute injuries (sustained within the last 24-72 hours) or in cases where there may be inflammation The heat therapy will only increase inflammation and may cause more harm than good.

Heat therapy can be a great addition to your self-care toolbox as long as it is done safely.

Ice Therapy

2010-11-24T04:28:00.000-08:00

Let's say you've been playing basketball, gone for a jog, or just wrestling with your kids on the living room floor, when suddenly you realize that you've pulled a muscle. What's your first impulse? Like many people, do you struggle to remember how to treat minor muscle aches, pains, and strains? Is it ice or is it heat? The answer depends on the type of injury you’ve sustained. Ice can be a wonderful self-care tool that anyone can administer for recent muscle strains, sprains, and injuries. When used properly, it's safe and effective and it's as close as your kitchen freezer!

Ice therapy is the best immediate treatment for acute injuries because it reduces swelling and pain. Ice limits internal bleeding at the injury site and is known as a vaso-constrictor, which means it causes the blood vessels to narrow. You should apply ice (wrapped in a thin towel for comfort) to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Leaving the ice on for any longer could cause freezer burns on the skin, which can make the injury worse. Allow your skin temperature to return to normal before icing a second or third time. You can do this several times a day for up to 3 days.

The best way to ice an injury is with an ice pack that conforms to the skin either with a thin towel or an ace bandage wrap. There are also a number of products on the market you can buy that have the same effect. You can also get great results from something as simple as a bag of ice, an ice massage with water frozen in a paper cup (peel the cup back as the ice melts), or a bag of frozen vegetables.

Using ice to treat minor injuries has been one of the oldest methods of pain control. It’s been a proven tool that’s safe and effective at reducing swelling, relieving pain, and decreasing muscle spasms. If you feel an injury occur remember to ice as soon as possible and continue the next 2 to 3 days at 10 to 15 minute intervals. Let’s hope you don’t have any need to ice - but if you do, now you’ll be an expert!

Massage and Taking Better Care of Yourself

2010-11-18T04:07:00.000-08:00

As massage therapists we are trained to understand how the muscles move the body. Our bodies, and all the chemicals that make up our bodies, strive to create a state of harmony and balance. It is a term known as homeostasis. When certain areas of the body experience pain and fatigue it can be a clue that something is out of balance. There are many different ways to positively influence the body, to assisst it in reaching this balance.

People seek massage for different reasons, and it is up to the the therapist and the client to decide what kind of treatment plan to have in place. For some, it may just mean one session, a Swedish massage for relaxation purposes. Other clients may have a plan that would involve them returning for a follow-up visit, and then coming in for regular visits every few weeks to address a particular issue.

Along with the treatment plan for therapeutic massage, your therapist may recommend some type of self-care. This could include stretching, heat or ice therapy, self-massage, or even a referral to another healthcare professional. Therapeutic massage is meant to help affect change in the muscle tissue. A licensed massage therapist can encourage muscle tissues to lengthen or broaden with certain deep tissue techniques. Some of these types of massage are meant to affect muscles that are layered underneath other tissues and muscles, which has the possibility to create some inflammation, possibly leave the tissues sore similar to a vigorous workout. If your therapist senses that there may be some inflammation in the tissue they might recommend using ice as a treatment method. Tired or sore muscles may benefit from a heating pad.

Some massage therapists might introduce you to stretches that could help to lengthen the muscle tissues. Stretching is a definitely a process that takes time and effort but i believe it may be one of the most important things you can physically do for your muscles.

There are many tools on the market to assist you in self-massage. There are s-shaped tools that can allow you to reach places on your back without causing strain in other areas. Hand-held, self-massagers have different settings, there are plastic wedges, wooden knobs, you can even use a tennis ball in a pinch. Your massage therapist can assist you with movement or placement of these tools in relation to your body.

Referrals are another important aspect to self-care because there is more to your body than just muscles, so there will be things outside of your massage therpist's scope of practice. Chiropractic work affects your skeletal structure and physical therapists can show you exercises meant to stregnthen your body, they're not just for injury recovery. Your massage therapist might recommend that you get checked out by an orthopedic specialist, a psychiatrist, nutritionist, or even a dermatologist if they notice a suspicious mole.

Your body strives to be in balance and there are numerous ways to help it along. A therapeutic massage with Absolute Body Balance is one great way to start. Please, ask questions! Even if your therapist doesn't know the answer, they will try to help you find it. This is the only body we've got, so we've got to take care of it.

Running my First 5K!

2010-11-12T15:56:00.001-08:00

It was August and I had volunteered to help raise money for my favorite charity and their annual 5K in October. For the past five years I have attended the Paws for Life 5K and provided chair massage to participants and anyone who attended the event, but this year would be different. After losing my both beloved golden retrievers this spring it was even more important this year to help other rescues find their forever homes. When I asked a dear friend to donate she inspired me to run the 5k with her complete with a training schedule and motivation.

I began training and knowing that I drink plenty of water could not explain why my thighs and calves and hips felt so tight. The second week I noticed my low back was tightening too from all the running and that was directly connected to my glutes and all of the extra work they were doing now. By the end of that week I couldn't wait to get a massage!

A full hour on my lower extremities, hips and glutes with some very focused attention on all the areas where the muscles attach. My iliotibial band, the muscle down the outside of each thigh, could not stand very much pressure at all during the massage but I could immediately feel the circulation improving and the soreness decreasing. My legs felt so much better after that massage that it became a once a week appointment for me to have my legs massaged.

I continued to train, running more and running faster; in fact, one Sunday we ran the actual course. My shins and calves burned that evening because of the terrain and I was so grateful for my Monday morning massage therapy. Therapeutic massage and training went hand in hand for me and I know that I could not have finished the run successfully without injury or pain if I had not been getting the care that my muscles so desperately needed.

So when the week of the 5K came around, I had two massages, both on my legs, glutes and hips so that my muscles could have every advantage that I could possibly obtain. Those last couple training sessions were the easiest I had during the entire two months. The morning of the run was very cold but I was ready after some stretching and last minute coaching. I ran with my friend (and two more friends in addition) and we made it up the two hills and were able to finish in less time that I had set as a goal for myself.

After the run I was shocked at how great my legs felt. My feet, calves, shins, hams, quads, glutes and hip flexors all felt remarkably good for having just run through the streets of Wake Forest. It amazed me that just three weeks prior after running the course my legs burned for two days even with stretching and icing, but now after two months of continuous massage in conjunction with the training I was able to enjoy not only my run, but the entire rest of the day!!

I know that as a massage therapist I encourage everyone to implement therapeutic massage into their workout and fitness routines, but until recently I had never experienced the wonderful benefits. I can now personally attest to the benefits of massage therapy in any training program and will continue regular massage as I am now training for another 5K.

The therapists at Absolute Body Balance Massage that work with me ~ Leacy, Tara & Lyndsey were each instrumental in helping me to reach my goal with their expertise and exceptional skills. Having actually been the client in this situation, I can literally say, I know I was in the best of hands!

Raleigh Chair Massage

2010-11-08T03:50:00.000-08:00

This blog is in answer to all of the questions about on-site chair massage. Absolute Body Balance Massage will come to your business and provide chair massage for your employees at the cost of $60 per hour per massage therapist when the company is paying for our services. If the business is permitting the time for onsite chair massage for employees but each employee is paying for their own massage, then the cost is $1 per minute for those individuals. The therapist needs a few minutes in between each massage in order to clean, disinfect, replace the disposable head rest cover and readjust the chair for each participant, which is calculated into the total time for the company expense and appointment scheduling.

Our therapists arrive with a portable cd player and relaxation music in an effort to maximize the stress relief. Each therapist needs an area to accommodate the massage chair and the accessories necessary for on-site chair massage. A small table or desk is perfect for the consent form and printed schedule for the visit.

The employees arrive for their chair massage and sign the consent form, discuss any medical issues or muscular concerns and can than relax and enjoy the next ten, fifteen or twenty minutes. The most requested amount of time is ten minutes per person but we are happy to schedule up to twenty minutes per person during onsite chair massage.

I am very happy to report that chair massage is extremely well received in the corporate setting. It is easy to slip away from your desk for a few minutes of individual care and attention to those muscles overused while sitting at the computer all day. At least a weeks notice is appreciated so that we may provide the best possible experience and service for your business. So with the holidays approaching, make the decision and schedule onsite chair massage for your best referrals, your dedicated employees, and your loyal clients.

Lyndsey Anderson, meet our massage therapists

2010-10-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

I learned about massage therapy the hard way. I got hurt.

Badly.

I fractured my pelvis. To put it in layman's terms: I literally broke my back. Not fun (the understatement of the century). I went from varsity athlete to couch-potato in 3.5 seconds. Sometimes it's scary how fast that can happen. I spent months in rehab and physical therapy.

What I learned was that just about everything you do in a day requires your core muscles (you know, the ones attached to your pelvis). From laughing, to sitting up, to walking or picking up things. All these actions seem effortless. We take them for granted. I took them for granted. Well I did, until all my core muscles were frozen, attempting to brace my body against another traumatic accident long after my bones had healed.

I couldn't walk well or very far. I was terrified to laugh, because I was afraid it would bring on another episode of debilitating muscle spasms. Sitting up was probably the hardest thing I would do in a day. And this was all AFTER I was supposed to be fully recovered.

Finally as a last ditch attempt, it was recommended that I go see a massage therapist. After a few sessions, I could walk, and laugh and sometimes even sit up without my core muscles freezing up every time, avoiding the considerable pain those actions usually caused. It didn't happen overnight, and it took a LOT of hard work on my part and my massage therapist's part. But I became a different person, a much happier and more mobile person. I'm sure that not being afraid to laugh probably helped :-)

From my experience, I have gained a deep understanding and appreciation for people struggling with pain and recovering from injuries. I was there once. And now, through my training as a massage therapist, I know how to help. That is, as long as your pain or injury is muscle-related. After working with me, I get to watch people leave the office standing up taller, looking more relaxed and sometimes in less pain than when they walked in. I am blessed to have found such a rewarding career, I couldn't ask for anything more from a job.

http://www.dianemckinney.com/

Thanks to Diane for these great shots of us! Please visit her website to see all of her exceptional portfolio.

Leacy Smith, Massage Therapist

2010-10-21T04:49:00.000-07:00

I feel very fortunate to have found myself in a career that is not only beneficial to my mind, body and spirit, but also to the clients I come into contact with at Absolute Body Balance.

For me personally, massage has brought on a self-awareness that I did not have before. Not only an awareness of my own body, how it moves and functions, but also of my actions, my behaviors and interactions with others. How to present my best self and how to be present for others.

Care-giving and wellness careers can drain people. They complain of being burnt-out, having nothing left to give. This is one reason why I find balance to be so important in my life and my career. I try to remind my clients to say 'yes' to themselves every now and then. Instead of feeling guilty for taking time out for yourself, we should feel more guilty about never giving ourselves the chance to recharge.

How can you be any good to those around you if you neglect yourself on a regular basis? There has to be balance a between how much you give out and how much you give to yourself. To begin to have balance i found it important to look for joy in the small things. That way I didn't have to treat myself to a pedicure or a new pair of jeans every time I wanted to give back to myself. A sundae at Goodberry's is great but treating yourself to these things can get expensive! Instead it can be a treat to walk the dogs and breathe in the fresh air, preferably with the sun on my face. I try to be present in that moment instead of wasting that time to think about all the things I still have to do before my head can hit the pillow that night.

I feel that when I am able to find joy in small things, like a hot cup of tea on a rainy afternoon, then I can be fulfilled and can then give to others. Learning how to live more in balance has also taught me to find the good even where it seems it cannot be found. Without the bad, there could be no good to compare it to.

Massage is one way that people have tried to seek harmony and balance. People practice yoga, they talk to therapists, they pray; but finding what works for you is the important part. It is also important to accept that it may change. If what used to bring you peace has gradually become more of a chore or a burden, then allow yourself to try something different. Maybe once you take the pressure off, you can learn to enjoy your outlet again.

Massage school taught me all about muscles, but I also learned about people. I began to understand that we all go through different things, but we all really want the same things deep down, to be joyful and to be balanced. It truly is an honor that my clients trust me to take care of them and help them find their joy and balance.

www.diancemckinney.com
Diane McKinney Photography provided our professional headshots and does exceptional bridal, baby and family photography in Raleigh.

Raleigh Massage with Tara Bauer

2010-10-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

I began my massage career in August 2007, but didn’t go full-time with it until July 2008. I’ve been asked many times, “What got you into the massage business?” I obtained my Bachelors in Health Science from SUNY Cortland in New York, so I always knew I wanted to do something in the health and wellness field. After working in corporate America for four years, I knew the 8 hour days, 40 hour work weeks behind a desk, computer, and telephone just wasn’t for me. So I began researching massage schools in the area, went and met with other massage therapists, and knew right away this is what I needed to be doing. I needed to be in profession that was rewarding for me, and at the same time allowed me to help others. The benefits of massage are endless and it’s very pleasing knowing I play an integral role in helping someone overcome aches, pains, and strains.

Although I am certified in various massage modalities, I would say deep tissue and sports massage is my favorite type of massage to give. Many of the clients who need deep work live very active lifestyles and exercise regularly. This can include triathletes, marathon runners, football players, or fitness instructors to name a few. Many of them come in with pain from a previous injury or something as simple as sore muscles from their workout regimes. It’s a challenge working out the knots and adhesions in the muscles, but that’s what keeps my job exciting; every client and every massage plan is different and altered to the clients needs. These clients place their trust in me to help them overcome that pain and coach them on techniques or stretches they can do at home to help with their recovery process.

With only three years under my belt, I can honestly say I am extremely happy with the path I have put myself on thus far. I love that every day I am able to help people live a better life; hey, it doesn’t get any better than that right?!

http://www.dianemckinney.com/

Thank you Diane for being the best Raleigh photographer!

Massage Therapist, Kim Perry

2010-10-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

Absolute Body Balance Massage started in 2001 and in 2004 when we needed a larger space we moved to our current location on Six Forks Road in North Raleigh. We have four massage therapists in the office, including myself, where we provide mainly therapeutic and the most often requested deep tissue massage. In addition we offer on-site chair massage throughout the area; Raleigh, Cary, Durham and RTP.

I wanted to make massage affordable, so to our new clients we offer a discount for your first massage and for our regular clients we offer package discounts so that purchasing several massages at once results in a savings per massage. And for holidays throughout the year I advertise gift certificate specials at a reduced price to encourage our clients as well as newcomers to try our business while enjoying a savings.

It is extremely important to me to give back to the community in which we live so you may have seen Absolute Body Balance at a charity event or a silent auction. We try to participate in as many fundraising events as we can each year, and it is a privilege for me to offer free chair massage at these runs, walks and charity events. Personally, I enjoy being able to do the hands on volunteering and meeting the participants while introducing some of them to massage therapy for the first very time. By far, my favorite event every year is the Paws for Life 5k with the Franklin County Humane Society. Those volunteers work tirelessly and are truly dedicated individuals for the fortunate rescues that find their way into the FCHS and I am grateful that we can be a small part of their success.

I look forward to going to work every day and helping my clients feel better, work better and live better. Massage therapy is an integral part of any health and fitness routine; the numerous benefits are all to your advantage. I was once asked, "Who can benefit from massage?" and my answer remains, "Anyone who's breathing."

http://www.dianemckinney.com/

Thanks to Diane McKinney Photography for our new website headshots. Diane is incredibly talented, easy going and extremely professional.

Unplug for a Massage

2010-10-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

These days so many people carry the internet in their pockets. Social media sites like Facebook aren't going anywhere any time soon. We like to be plugged in. Tweets and updates, email alerts and instant messages going off in our purses and our pockets. The overwhelming number of people we feel we have to respond to can be stressful.

We are constantly in demand. Gone are the days where we leave messages on home answering machines. We want a reply and we want it quickly.

For those of us who are mobile, available at a moment's notice, we can feel trapped. People know they can get in touch with us in an instant, and they can be seemingly put-off when that does not happen. It can seem there aren't enough hours in the day to get back to everyone.

Time-out.

We should be able to turn off our gadgets during dinner without the feeling that we will inevitably miss something crucial. Society will not collapse in on itself if tomorrow twitter were to cease to exist. Your office will not burn down if you don't respond to emails at 9:30pm. No one is suggesting burning your iPhone or tossing your Blackberry into the Neuse River. I am merely saying that an hour a day it is more than fair to give yourself permission to be unreachable.

One way to spend your "unplugged" hour is with a relaxing, therapeutic massage. Massage helps to increase circulation, decrease stress and tension in muscle tissue and promotes more body awareness.

Facebook is a great way for friends and family to share pictures and update the grandparents who live in Michigan and can't visit all the time. Your Blackberry keeps you connected to your international business demands so that you can ship your product to the right company at the right time. The conveniences that this mobile technology allows are staggering. Things we never thought possible twenty years ago are happening every minute at high speeds. Our children are doing most of their schoolwork around a computer with access to any information their little brains can soak up..

Same advice goes for anything else that we have the tendency to overdo, just be sure to take time for you and be able to allow yourself a break. A nice glass of wine in the evenings, dinner with the family, or a relaxing massage can all be just the excuse you need to unplug.

Massage and Tennis Elbow

2010-09-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Ahh my favorite time of year - the fall season in North Carolina. Warm temperatures during the day, very little humidity, and cooler temperatures at night make September and October my favorite months. And even though the days are getting shorter, both tennis players and golfers alike would agree that this is the perfect time of year to be outside playing their respective games. However, with more action on the court and course, comes more pain associated with their nicknamed sports conditions - tennis and golfer’s elbow.

Tennis elbow, also know as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition where the outer part of the elbow becomes sore and tender due to overuse of the arm and forearm muscles. Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, refers to the same process only the pain occurs on the inside of the elbow. Obviously this is a common problem among tennis players and golfers (due to the repetitive action of twisting the wrist and extending the forearm); however you don’t have to play either sport to become affected by this condition. Baseball players, bowlers, landscapers, mechanics, even house/office cleaners (due to vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, etc) can suffer from this as well.

A few tell tale signs of tennis elbow are pain radiating down the forearm, into your middle and ring finger; pain when you extend or flex your wrist; or progressive weakness in your grip. With golfer’s elbow, flexing your fingers and bending your hand down toward your wrist; making a fist; or numbness and tingling radiating down your ring and pinky finger can all create pain. Sometimes just picking up a gallon of milk, turning a doorknob, or shaking hands with someone can be challenging and cause discomfort for both conditions. If ignored and left untreated, symptoms worsen and the pain becomes constant even when your arm is in a resting position.

There are many different ways you can treat tennis or golfer’s elbow, but depending on the severity of your injury will determine what methods will work best for you. Rest (most important), ice, compression, over-the-counter pain relievers, and stretching are all traditional methods to help alleviate the pain. If you’ve tried all these options and they don’t seem to be helping as quickly as you would like, then maybe you should give massage therapy a try. Massage can be very successful in stopping muscle spasms surrounding the elbow, by relaxing the arm and promoting healing. By applying massage to the surrounding muscles, this improves the condition and flexibility of the muscles themselves, which takes some of the strain off the tendons. A combination of deep tissue massage of the forearm muscles (to increase circulation) and cross fiber friction of the tendons (to break up scar tissue) is a very effective treatment for tennis elbow. Massage also works to help stretch bundles of muscle fibers by being manipulated lengthwise as well as sideways; this helps in releasing any tension or pressure buildup in the arms. There are also various stretches your therapist can demonstrate to you at the end of your session that will help any future flare ups of tennis or golfer’s elbow.

So depending on the severity of your condition, the pain may linger for several months — even if you take it easy and follow instructions from your therapist or doctor. Be patient while you're recovering, and remember rest is the single most important step in your recovery process. Sneaking in a game of tennis or a round of golf before your elbow heals won't help you feel better - it may prolong your recovery.

Lyndsey's running a 5K!

2010-09-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

I just signed up for my first 5K. Ok, maybe it's not my first one exactly...but it will be the first race that I have ever actually trained for. My training schedule consists of 10 weeks of timed runs, 10 weeks of sweat and toil, 10 weeks of trying to find that perfect balance between training and making sure I don't hurt myself in the process.

As a massage therapist, I was feeling pretty confident about this. I said to myself, "I will be great at this, I know all about self-care. I know how to stretch. I show other people how to do it every day, it's a large part of my job. I've got stretching down pat, this will be a piece of cake."

Right?

Cut to me at the end my first few weeks of training. At each run I diligently warmed-up and stretched before and after my run. I made sure to drink plenty of water. Yet, somehow at the end of those few weeks I had calf muscles that felt like rocks and hamstrings that were making it more impossible to bend over and tie my running shoes by the day. Houston, we have a problem. And it's not just that I am no fan of slip-on sneakers.

What did I miss here?

In my enthusiasm about working towards this new goal, I neglected to get massage as regularly as I usually do. And I suffered for it.

Moral of the story: Sometimes stretching just isn't enough. A few sports and/or deep tissue massages throughout this training process (instead of at the very end) would have saved me a ton of grief, not to mention leg pain. Please, let mine be a cautionary tale.

Massage for Everyone

2010-09-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

In the past, massage was once thought of as a luxury but therapeutic massage is now recognized as an alternative healthcare, recommended by doctors and is an option considered more frequently by the general public. Massage therapy is benefiting more and more of those suffering from pain and stress. Therapeutic, sports and medical massage is becoming more acceptable, affordable and available as the solution to numerous complaints including headaches, muscle strains, sciatica, anxiety and stress.

As much as massage therapy is known for helping with relaxation, massage assists well-being and health maintenance. Massage can be an integral part of any fitness routine since it provides the benefits of greater flexibility, increased range of motion and better circulation. Therapeutic massage assists in injury rehabilitation for some of the same benefits as well. Currently, massage is utilized in the treatment of chronic pain, muscular and arthritic conditions, prenatal care and repetitive strains to name a few.

While the economy struggles, America as a whole is experiencing greater levels of physical and emotional stress. TIME magazine published an article recently, Massage Going Mainstream, reporting that massage is being sought more with people's greater awareness of the adverse health effects of stress and the benefits of therapeutic massage. Stress is accumulative and its negative affect on well-being is unfortunately also becoming mainstream as Americans battle the aches and pains that accompany the increased stresses in their daily lives.

Massage therapy is not just for relaxation any more ...

Massage Specials

2010-09-03T04:32:00.000-07:00

I would estimate that $80-$85 is about the average price for an hour massage in the triangle area, this includes not only lavish spas but also the massage therapist who sees clients out of your chiropractor's office and also the massage chains. You can find all kinds of specials and discounts by checking daily coupon sites for who has the best deal running. Absolute Body Balance is a small, privately owned business with a caring staff of licensed massage therapists. We encourage those who are interested or curious about what massage has to offer to give it a try.

If you are looking for a way to manage chronic pain or to unwind from work or to find a way back in to your own body awareness, an hour massage could be beneficial for you. Its hard to put a price on a feeling of tranquility and rejuvenation. But this is America, so we do. Your first hour massage with Absolute Body Balance is $55.

There is no contract with our business to receive this special price. We do not try to lock clients into memberships that they don't want. We have a well-trained and professional staff and one of our goals is to offer a peaceful and relaxing experience but we do understand that we are not going to have every single client come back for a second visit. We offer a great deal to try and make massage more accessible and more affordable!

If you were given the gift of massage, i.e. a gift certificate, when you come back in for another visit then Absolute Body Balance will honor our new client special, and as a first-time paying client, your first hour massage will be $55. Let's say it's been awhile since your last massage and you are shopping around for a new place. You come across some reviews for Absolute Body Balance and decide you would like to schedule a 90 minute massage. It will be regular priced and when you feel encouraged to schedule a follow-up visit to pay more attention to your shoulder and neck area because you're on the computer all day, we will charge you $55 for that hour because we want to honor that discount for everyone. I want to make it clear because there are so many gimmicks and disclaimers out there. Your first hour visit will be $55.

You can check out our website www.absolutebodybalance.com for discounts on gift certificates, especially around the holidays because again, while trying to earn a living and run a business, we strive to make massage accessible and more affordable for our clients. We encourage people to buy gift certificates with greta holiday discounts.

There are other ways to find a spot in your budget for massage. After your first hour at the price of $55, check out our massage packages. By purchasing a package, you can save significantly on the price of massage while making a commitment to yourself. At Absolute Body Balance our packages do not expire and you are free to use them at your own pace. Keep in mind they are transferable, so if you buy 5 massages and then next month you want to send your husband or your friend Julie to our office, either one can use one of your prepaid massages. Guess what?! Then when Julie comes in for her first hour massage it will cost her $55. We are confident she will return and pretty sure she'll thank you.

Chair Massage

2010-08-29T05:56:00.001-07:00

Office chair massage has become extremely popular for to its portability and its capacity to provide therapeutic massage to a large number of people in a short period of time. Clients remain clothed which allow shorter turn-around times, less distraction and disruption to the work place and most importantly help create a comfortable environment. Receiving just five or ten minutes of chair massage has been found to be an effective relief of aches and pains and a reduction of stress.

Chair massage in the office has become commonplace; it is fast, easy and relatively inexpensive compared to other employee benefits. Our massage therapists arrive completely prepared and ready to work when your company needs a little relaxation or deserves a reward whether it is a Tuesday morning, Wednesday afternoon or lunchtime. Professionally skilled massage therapists can come to you at the office and provided a much needed break for everyone.

The benefits of chair massage for the employees include decreased stress, improved circulation, less muscle pain, headache relief, better concentration, lower blood pressure and greater flexibility. Massage also reduces the adverse effects of prolonged sitting at a desk working on a computer as in repetitive strain syndrome. All of these benefits certainly contribute to an increase in performance and productivity as well as an improvement in workplace atmosphere and attitudes.

Obviously the company benefits from increases in productivity, better attitudes and continued employee loyalty. Lower employee stress levels result in less absenteeism, longer retention rates and fewer ergonomic related injures. Work related stress costs companies more and more every single year and chair massage can help reduce that stress in each and every employee enjoying their ten to fifteen minute massage during the work day at their place of business.

On-site chair massage is also available for trade convention shows, grand openings and other corporate celebrations. For more information and pricing, please visit our website.

Massage and Computers

2010-08-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

Throughout many computer workstations, the distinguishable tap-tap-tap can be universally understood as someone who is working on a computer. With most schools back in full swing you have to wonder if a lot of these one-size-fits-all work stations are ergonomically correct for the students and teachers. A few quick and easy changes can ensure that all students and teachers are comfortable as they type and surf the net.

Little did we know, but the same keyboard I’m typing on now can produce long-term adverse effects on my wrists and other locations on my body by the simple action of repetitive motion. It’s highly recommended to stretch, take breaks, and maintain good posture when working longterm on the computer. Other steps you can take to minimize your risk for harmful effects include: adjusting the monitor of your workstation to the proper height of your eyes to make sure that you aren’t slouching when you look into the screen; having a chair of the proper height for your body size; placing the mouse within easy reach of the dominant hand; and lastly, having something as simple as a keyboard pad for your wrists allows you to rest them while still maintaining an altitude on the keyboard itself.

However, if you feel like it’s too late and you’ve already felt the effects of a poorly designed work station, massage therapy could be the key to reducing your pain and preventing future sprains and strains. Massage will help stretch and elongate muscles and help to heal torn and damaged fibers by breaking up scar tissue. It also increases circulation which allows for better nutrition and more effective removal of toxins held within the tissues. A few other benefits include reduce muscle spasms, increase joint flexibility, and improve range of motion.

By keeping your work stations ergonomically correct, you’ll be able to reduce any type of repetitive strain injury that could be caused from working on the computer. Hopefully, some of the tips I mentioned above will help you when heading into the classroom or office tomorrow morning!

Hot Stone Massage

2010-07-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

Hot Stone Massage is especially nice in the wintertime because the heated basalt stones assist in the warming of the muscles and connective tissues. The massage therapist uses basalt stones which are black volcanic rock which absorb and retain the heat. Various shapes and sizes of these rocks are utilized effectively for different muscular areas of the body.

During the massage, the massage therapist begins warming the connective tissue with light Swedish strokes to apply the lotion and then while holding the heated stone in her hand proceeds with the Hot Stone Massage. Some therapists can perform the massage with stones in both hands which provides a more continuous flow over larger areas like the back and upper legs. When each stone starts to cool down it is replaced with another warmer stone and the massage continues in that fashion. The therapist may place heated stones in areas to remain during the massage for specific attention to that area which should be wrapped in a towel or other material for safety. The heat from the stones during this massage is both deeply relaxing and helps tight muscles. The best description that I have heard is that a Hot Stone massage is soothing to the body.

A Hot Stone massage is more expensive than a regular hour massage because of the added preparation and clean up time involved. Therefore, a Hot Stone massage cannot be provided when you arrive at your appointment, because of the time involved in heating the stones to the proper temperature this massage must be scheduled in advance. Before scheduling a Hot Stone massage, make sure your therapist is certified in Hot Stone massage and that she has experience practicing this modality. Technique is extremely important in this modality and as a client your feedback is necessary if the stones feel too warm or the pressure is too much it is your responsibility to inform the therapist. This would not be an ideal massage for an acute injury since heat increases inflammation, but would be a consideration for those suffering with chronic pain as heat often feels better on painful muscles.

Hot Stone massage can be very therapeutic and beneficial for stress, aches and pains, as well as relaxation.

Swedish Massage

2010-07-12T03:45:00.000-07:00

Massage therapists may be trained in one massage technique, however, most are trained in a few methods to satisfy various needs of the client. There are about eighteen different types of massage therapy, with subtypes in some of these categories. Understanding the various types of massage will help you choose the best style of massage therapy for your needs.

Swedish massage is the most common type of therapeutic massage. This method involves long, rhythmic strokes, kneading, and a circular flow of movement and focuses on relaxing the superficial layers of muscle. The massage is gentle and soothing and is an excellent style for those who are receiving a massage for the first time or for those who prefer a lighter touch. The main goals/benefits of Swedish massage are to provide relaxation; improve circulation; reduce muscle spasms; reduce stress; stretch the muscles, ligaments, and tendons keeping them supple and pliable; increase the oxygen flow in the blood; and promote well-being to name a few.

The direction of massage strokes are what help facilitate blood flow improvement and help to promote relaxation. Swedish massage consists mainly of five basic strokes: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration/shaking. Effleurage is typically one of the first strokes during a Swedish massage. It is a warm up stroke to get your body loose and relaxed and is typically performed by using the padded parts of the finger tips and/or palms. Petrissage strokes are when the massage therapist applies deep pressure and compresses the underlying muscles. This is done by kneading, wringing, rolling, and squeezing techniques. Massage therapists will use their palms, fingers, thumbs, and sometimes knuckles to do petrissage strokes. The third stroke, friction, is perhaps the deepest Swedish massage technique. This is done by the therapist using deep, circular movements directed at the soft tissue, causing that soft tissue to rub against each other. The end result of friction strokes is to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue. The fourth technique is tapotement, which is a tapping technique used during the massage. The therapist will use their hand’s edge or cupped hands and typically will tap the shoulders as a stimulator which will release lymphatic build up in the back. The fifth and final stroke of Swedish massage is vibration/shaking. This is simply when the therapist gently shakes or vibrates a specific area of the body to help increase blood flow.

Swedish massage is beneficial in many ways and adds to the overall quality of life for the recipient. As long as you communicate well with your therapist, he or she will be able to give you the best type of massage depending on your physical condition and preference. Swedish massage is the foundation for many other types of massage including deep tissue and sports massage. Check back next week to learn about another massage modality.

Repetitive Strain Injury

2010-06-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt a burning aching pain in your arms after too much exercise or too many hours spent at the computer? Have you ever felt shooting pains and weakness in your arms and hands after golf, tennis or cycling? If the answer is yes, you've probably experienced the early stages of repetitive strain injury (RSI). Strain is caused when a muscle or muscle group is called on to work harder, stretch farther, impact more directly or function at a higher level than it is prepared for. The immediate result is minimal but when this stress occurs repeatedly over time the constant muscle strain causes damage. Anytime a muscle is forced to work in a way that is uncomfortable for a prolonged period of time, like sitting glued to your laptop or video game controller, stress and strain are an unfortunate result.

Repetitive Strain Injury can be caused by your profession, especially if your work requires computer usage but it is not limited to the computer field. Photographers, artists, musicians, nurses, hair stylists and athletes are all candidates for RSI. Unfortunately this pain may accompany recreational activities like gardening, fishing, sewing and cooking when enjoyed over the years. Not to mention, new mothers and fathers holding, feeding and rocking their newborn baby. These seemingly simple activities when performed over and over again for lengths of time create muscle stress and strain that is irreversible.

Massage is used to help relax and lengthen tight, restrictive muscles, break down scar tissue in injured muscles, reduce adhesions on affected tendons at their point of attachment to the muscle or to the bone, remove toxins from muscles and increase overall circulation and nutrient delivery to the associated tissues. All of these wonderful benefits help overworked muscles to relax and injured muscles to recover. Massage therapy assists in the treatment of RSI for these preceding reasons and also for the simple relief of pain. Therapeutic massage as an alternative health treatment for RSI is a positive successful avenue and can be most effective with regular massage therapy. However, as with any injury, unexplained persistent pain should be discussed with your primary physician to alleviate any further complications.

Wait for Massage if ...

2010-06-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

There are not many reasons to avoid massage. It can be gentle and relaxing, vigorous and rejuvenating, but most people could not imagine a scenario where massage could be harmful. As a licensed massage therapist it is important to know what these contraindications are so that we can best protect our clients, and the general public should be able to find out from their physician if their condition is not indicated for massage therapy.

Every licensed therapist in North Carolina is required to take continuing education which helps to not only further their knowledge and skills in massage, but to refresh and review past information. One continuing education course offered is prenatal massage. There are conflicting ideas surrounding this issue, but most physicians would agree that expecting mothers should not receive massage therapy during their first trimester. At this point in the pregnancy, the fetus is undergoing most of its major development and as health care providers we feel the health and safety of our clients is a priority. Once cleared by your physician, massage during the second and third trimester can be very beneficial.

People undergoing treatment for cancer should avoid massage therapy until cleared by their doctors. Typically we would want to increase our circulation of blood flowing through our tissues but there is still much debate as to how the cancer spreads through the body and whether massage would have an adverse affect. Heredity and environmental factors have much to do with this. Once you have completed your cancer treatment and/or have been cleared by your doctor, seek out a licensed therapist that is certified to treat those affected by cancer.

People seek massage therapy for relief from chronic pain and injuries. An acute injury is a sudden trauma to the body. Consider a bad fall, a sprained ankle or even whiplash from a car accident to be acute. With acute injuries there is typically a good amount of inflammation in the surrounding tissues, it is our bodies natural defense when such a trauma occurs in order to protect those tissues. It is important to wait 48 hours before scheduling an appointment for massage when suffering from an acute injury. Also check with your physician, they may advise you to rest, treat the area with ice, apply compression, and/or elevate the affected area above the level of your heart. Once some of the inflammation subsides it should be safe to seek massage therapy. Be sure to communicate with your therapist how the injury occurred, what activities still cause pain, any limitations with range of motion, as well as the amount of pressure that is comfortable during your session.

Open wounds, contagious skin conditions such as rashes, pinkeye or poison ivy, sunburn, or any contagious conditions especially when accompanied by a fever are just a few more examples of reasons to avoid massage temporarily.

An open line of communication between you and your healthcare providers can increase the effectiveness of your treatment, as well as protect you from unnecessary or potentially harmful situations.

Find a Massage Therapist

2010-06-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

Research shows that in 2009, the percentage of Americans getting massage for medical or health care reasons tied with massage for relaxation and stress relief. Twenty five percent of Americans ages 35 - 44 had discussed massage therapy with their doctor or healthcare provider this past year, compared to only fourteen percent in 2008 according to the American Massage Therapy Association. Of those having discussed massage with their doctors, fifty two percent reported that their doctor strongly recommended and encouraged them to find a massage therapist for their specific complaints.

This year already, thirty two percent of Americans reported they received a massage for stress management or relaxation. Comparatively, the number of Americans stating that they are more stressed than a year ago has increased to an alarming high of fifty seven percent. In the age range of 35 - 44 year olds, fifty seven percent considered massage therapy to manage their own stress.

Among those receiving massages in the last five years, forty one percent of those over 65 years old as well as forty one percent of those between 55 - 64 years of age received their last massage for medical or health reasons. Eighty six percent of Americans in this survey agree that massage can be effective in the reduction of pain. And an all time high of eighty five percent of Americans agree that massage can be beneficial to your health and wellness. Massage therapy is no longer considered solely a luxury for pampering, it is an alternative health care sought by Americans of all ages for stress, medical and health reasons.

As the number of Americans referred for therapeutic massage continues to rise so does the necessity to locate an experienced professional massage therapist. There are many considerations in the search for a massage therapist and obviously location, certification, license and a referral are at the top of those. A referral from family, friend or physician may be the most important for this choice while location for convenience closely follows. Discounts and gift certificates are next on the list of reasons someone chooses a massage therapist. Like any other service provider, do some research prior to making an appointment because there are multiple resources on the Internet to read, review and contact most businesses. Choosing the wrong business can increase your level of stress instead of helping to reduce it, so call or email and ask questions.

A good massage therapist realizes that your comfort begins long before your massage does; it starts with your first communication and she should be ready and willing to discuss your concerns. Your health and wellness need to also be her concern.

Therapeutic Massage

2010-06-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

Everyone gets stressed out! Your shoulder muscles turn to rocks, your headaches are throbbing, your skin is crawling or you feel like your heart is racing uncontrollably. How many times have you felt like George Jetson stuck running on the treadmill never getting anywhere at all? As simple as it sounds, therapeutic massage literally smooths away the tension. Research shows that the simple manipulation of soft tissues that accompany a very good massage will make a big difference in both your physical and mental health. Just one therapeutic massage session can reduce your stress and help you get a good night's sleep. Regular massage therapy can assist with chronic pain relief, speed recovery from many sports injuries, allow greater muscle flexibility, and improve concentration. A licensed massage therapist will be able to determine the best therapeutic massage for you and your needs.

It is believed that massage works in several ways. To begin, all of the soft tissue kneading and effleurage allows the muscles to relax, that sends a signal to the brain to produce fewer stress hormones. Therapeutic massage also improves blood flow to the brain. These combined effects, studies show, result in a feeling of relaxed alertness. Massage therapy can ease aches and pains as well by triggering the release of endorphins, the body's pain receptors. Overall, everyone can benefit from the greater state of relaxation that massage will provide.

Therapeutic massage is generally quite safe. However, it is an excellent idea to consult with your doctor if you have any serious medical conditions prior to scheduling an appointment for a massage. A professional and licensed massage therapist will be your best ally in addressing your massage therapy needs; massage is only one of her skills. Communication is also a very important skill; so let her know if you have any areas of specific concern, muscles that are too tender or sore, or any questions regarding treatment. A good referral can help you find the best massage therapist for you: so ask a friend, a coworker or your doctor. In this day and age though, everything can be searched for on the Internet including a massage. Do your homework first and make a well informed decision; look at the website information and bios to see if this therapist would be the best choice for you. The Internet can be a wonderful source of reviews and you can benefit greatly from someone else's experience, so read the available business reviews and consider what clients have to say about their massage therapist. Finding the right massage therapist for your massage can be the first step in reducing your stress.

Arthritis Relief

2010-05-23T05:23:00.000-07:00

Although massage therapy cannot cure or stop the progression of arthritis, it can ease the symptoms associated with inflammation and help improve your quality of life. While the cartilage damage of arthritis cannot be reversed, massage is helpful in reducing muscle spasms and inflammation of someone affected by arthritis.

Healthy cartilage in the joints allows the bones to glide smoothly and helps to cushion the stress of physical movement. In a person with arthritis, bones may not glide as smoothly and joints may be painfully inflamed. Symptoms of arthritis can include pain, stiffness, redness, swelling, heat, and limited range of movement. Two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis, the more common type, is mainly seen in older adults; joints are damaged because the cartilage wears down, causing inflammation. Osteoarthritis often affects the knees, making it difficult to walk in some people. Other commonly affected areas include the hips, fingers and spine. The wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles can also be involved when there is a prior injury or weakness from repetitive strain.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks parts of the body, resulting in inflammation. The most commonly affected areas include the hands and feet, although the elbows, shoulders, neck, ankles, knees, and hips can also be affected. As with osteoarthritis, cartilage is broken down and worn away by, causing bones to rub together. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis also have joint swelling, pain, and stiffness.

As the arthritis progresses, muscles tighten to compensate for the joint damage and protect the bones. One problem leads to another and that’s where arthritis and massage become partners. Understanding how massage helps relieve arthritis can give patients pain-free days with greater flexibility that many have not experienced in a long time.

Massage has many benefits including increased circulation, increased flexibility, decreased pain and inflammation, relief of muscle aches and stiffness, and a sense of overall relaxation and wellness. More specifically in arthritis sufferers, massage helps reduce muscle pain that is usually caused by spasms and increases the body’s natural ability to produce endorphins, which help reduce pain. Massage helps loosen up the joints and break up adhesions that slow or hinder movement. When gentle joint stretching is done it can actually stimulate the production of synovial fluid which acts as a cushion. As a result, inflammation and pain is reduced.

Just like with all therapies, this requires some attention to repeating to make it most effective. Sure, the first time you go in you will get some relief, but to get the most out of it you should try to schedule massage therapy on a regular basis. Depending on the severity of your arthritis, your therapist may suggest treatments once a week for about a month and thereafter, once a month should keep your condition maintained.

Stress and Moving

2010-05-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

No matter the circumstances surrounding a move, it can be a stressful situation. Maybe you still own a house, but have to move across the country for a job. It could be the first move out of your parents' home and the stress of realizing that you have to pay a deposit before you can get your utilities turned on! Or have you just split up with a spouse or significant other and on top of the emotional stress you are beginning the task of figuring out who gets the washer/dryer?

As for myself, I am in the midst of a move and am looking to massage to help alleviate some of the stress. I need to rent a u-haul for the day and need to be sure my help can be there because I cannot afford to hire a company to move my furniture for me. I like to be very organized about things and moving is no exception, but I need to remember that life will inevitably throw me a curve ball that will force me to adapt and change my game plan. So to reward myself for getting all of my help lined up I will get a massage first thing next week.

Not only will massage help to curb some of the stress that i am feeling prior to my move, it will also be a great relief after I move when my muscles are sore and tired. There are 14 steps up to my front door! I will do my best to watch my posture and lift from my legs, not straining my back, but after the 3rd load it may get a little tougher. By the end of the day I'm sure we will just be throwing boxes anywhere just to get finished.

As with any strenuous activity, make sure you are staying well hydrated. One of the first things I moved to my new place was a case of bottled water. I wanted to be sure there was plenty of cold water for my friends and I to keep us from being dehydrated, especially on these hot and humid Raleigh days.

So my game plan is to have a relaxing massage before the move, and a rejuvenating sports massage the week after I move, just to keep me balanced both physically and mentally. I would recommend anyone who is going through a stressful situation, like changing homes, to find a way to care for yourself and not get overwhelmed with all there is to do. There will always be stress in our lives, but when we have the tools to care for ourselves it can help us to be better focused on the task at hand.

Prenatal Massage

2010-05-09T04:35:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy causes many new changes to a woman's body and adjusting can be both physically and emotionally challenging. Massage therapy has been found to be very beneficial for expectant mothers. If there are any questions about yours or your baby's health you should discuss with your obstetrician prior to scheduling a massage; most suggest the second or third trimester are optimal given a healthy pregnancy. When searching for a massage therapist for your prenatal massage please consult one who is specifically certified in prenatal massage.

Massage positioning during pregnancy can be side lying on the table or as in our office, a wedge is implemented for the most comfort. The expectant mom is in an inclined seated position on the table similar to a hospital bed where the shoulders, arms, legs and feet can be massaged easily. Then a side lying position on the wedge with additional bolsters to stabilize is obtained to provide the much needed relief for the upper, mid, low back and hip areas. We do not have tables with the abdomen hole because of the excess pressure caused by dangling the abdomen without support. This position can place undue stress on the muscles and ligaments of the abdomen after a length of time during a massage. Therefore we continue to use the pregnancy wedge and can still provide a therapeutic massage for expectant mothers experiencing back pain from the additional strain of carrying the weight of a baby.

The benefits of massage can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance of a prenatal care provider, massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement proven to improve pregnancy outcome, and maternal health. As always, before starting any new therapeutic practice during pregnancy consult your doctor and when speaking to the massage therapist discuss any questions and concerns to allow the most enjoyable and beneficial experience during your prenatal massage.

Chronic Pain & Massage Therapy

2010-05-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Today's massage therapists are some of the best trained professionals to deal with myofascial and musculoskeletal pain syndromes. The reason is that is exactly what they are trained to do. Massage therapists are trained in anatomy, physiology, and pathology, and they spend many hours palpating and manipulating the muscles and soft tissue of the body. Regardless of the type of pain ~low back pain, arthritis or fybromyalgia, massage may be able to relieve the associated pain.

Massage used to be thought of as a luxury but is now recognized to provide great relief for people who suffer from chronic pain or long term illness. Massage therapy works for chronic pain by interrupting the cycle of chronic pain. When you continually experience pain a particular part of the body, the muscles around that area tighten to protect it which limits mobility and often reduces circulation. In addition, pain that began with an injury or illness can cause emotional and physiological stress that exacerbates the pain and sometimes persists even after the physical condition is healed.

There are many types of massage that can help reduce chronic pain, can help release deep muscle knots, reduce scar tissue and relieve muscle spasms that cause chronic pain. Massage for chronic pain restores flexibility by loosening tight muscles, trigger points and lengthening muscles. Massage therapy also improves circulation by increasing blood flow, as well as promotes relaxation and helps relieve the stress and anxiety that contribute to chronic pain. To treat chronic pain effectively with therapeutic massage, regular massages are necessary and relief may not be felt until after several massage treatments. A certified massage therapist will recommend the appropriate treatment plan individually and massage therapy works very well when it is part of a complete treatment program that includes other therapies. It is always best to consult your primary physician for referrals.

Massage and Arthritis

2010-04-23T16:55:00.001-07:00

Massage therapy can ease the symptoms associated with arthritis and assist in achieving a better quality of life for those diagnosed. While the cartilage damage is not reversible, massage is helpful in reducing muscle spasms and decreasing muscle compression causing joint pain. Recent studies have found that massage therapy seems to be helpful in the treatment of osteoarthritis; patients with chronic arthritis who received massage therapy on a regular basis experienced less anxiety and pain along with improved mood and greater strength. The study concluded that the massage therapy group showed greater improvement overall.

Simply, therapeutic massage is the manipulation of soft tissue with the hands or an instrument. Massage can improve joint movement, relax tense muscles and stimulate both blood and nutrients to the tissue and muscles. It can provide a stress relief that breaks the cycle associated with chronic pain for those suffering with arthritis.

The benefits especially important for arthritis patients include:
Increased circulation
Increased flexibility and movement
Decreased pain and inflammation
Relief of muscle aches and stiffness
An overall sense of relaxation and wellness

There are a variety of massage modalities that can help arthritis pain; Swedish is the most superficial and relaxing, Deep tissue can reduce pain and improve movement in specific muscles and joints while Reflexology is recommended when the pain is so severe that the muscles and joints cannot be touched and the areas of the foot can be massaged instead. Reflexology is the application of pressure points on the feet which correspond to areas throughout the body.

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases being diagnosed; massage therapy is an effective way to manage arthritis pain. As always, if you have medical questions about your condition please consult your physician. Like other treatments, massage can be most effective regularly so be prepared to schedule several weekly appointments and as you improve the appointments can than be scheduled farther apart to a monthly maintenance visit. Your massage therapist will assist in creating the best plan of action for you personally and your feedback is absolutely necessary. Together you and your massage therapist can successfully manage the stress and pain with your arthritis.

Massage & Weekend Sports

2010-04-19T04:50:00.000-07:00

So another weekend has come and gone, and Monday is upon us once again. With the temperatures slowly rising and the days getting longer, the weekend warriors are on the rise. For most of us, this marks the end of our winter hibernation and the re-awakening of our bodies. It’s the time of year where we begin to recondition our bodies with outdoor activities - working in the garden, hiking, walking the dogs, biking, swimming, playing hoops, or getting in a nice long run. It is also the time of year where we can easily injure our bodies due to our need and rush to become active again after the long winter. If this sounds like your typical weekend, consider a sports massage this week. It’s an ideal way to help with preventing injuries, rehabilitation of injuries, and to help with overall performance.

The main purpose of a sports massage is to help alleviate the stress and tension that builds in the body’s muscles during physical activity. Sports massage helps break down adhesions (knots in the muscles) that may form due to overexertion or overuse and may lead to minor injuries. The massage is a deeper and firmer massage focusing on specific muscle groups and generally uses a combination of vigorous techniques including compression and friction to broaden and elongate muscles. This allows the muscles to become more pliable and will give less resistance during a workout. The massage also softens scar tissue and brings back range of motion that may have otherwise been lost. Tight muscles are weak muscles and do not allow for an effective workout.

Sports massage is designed to help prepare our bodies for peak performance, recover after a big event, drain away fatigue, reduce muscle tension, promote flexibility, function well during training, and prevent injuries. However, it is also good for individuals with injuries, chronic pain, or restricted range of motion. Bottom line is regular massage treatments allow anyone to recover more quickly and efficiently from any activity. Give us a call and give massage a try; you’ll be amazed!!

30 minute Massage

2010-04-17T05:08:00.000-07:00

I have heard a number of reasons over the years as to why someone might get a 30 minute massage, but I would probably only recommend it if someone is short for time. True, an hour massage may provide more of a relaxing experience than a 30 minute massage, but don't completely discount the idea of a great massage in a short amount of time.

A 30 minute massage could be a great way to follow up on a particular muscular issue that is plaguing you. You may see your therapist every three weeks for regular maintenance, but suppose your elbow started bothering you after a couple days in a row of golf. Your massage therapist might recommend that later that same week you schedule a 30 minute massage to do some specific follow up work on your arms.

My hygienist told me that her hands bother her a lot because she has to be very precise with her movements when working with dental tools in peoples' mouths. She works on the same block as a massage therapist and goes weekly to get 30 minute massages from only her elbows down to her hands.

Though I do find that 30 minute massages can be beneficial for very specific issues, an hour is the better choice if you can make the time for yourself. The body is all connected and certain muscles are responsible for certain actions. It can be very beneficial for surrounding muscles and muscle groups to be addressed during a massage to encourage a healthier and stronger support system.

90 Minute Massage

2010-04-13T04:12:00.000-07:00

As a massage therapist, I enjoy 90 minute appointments, not only to give massages but also to receive them. We have three licensed massage therapists at our practice and we really enjoy what we get to do every day. When a client is not able to come in as often as may be recommended, then it is also possible to schedule a longer massage less frequently. Why else would someone want to have a 90 minute massage?

Well, for starters, I would schedule a 90 minute massage if I worked out regularly, drank a decent amount of water on a daily basis, and had not been for an appointment in the last 4-6 weeks. A 90 minute massage would allow the therapist time to address various muscle groups. I could have deep tissue work done on my calves and my hamstrings as well as some gentle traction to the hips to loosen up the lower body. My therapist would still have time to work on my back for 20-30 minutes and then spend the last part of the massage on my head and neck. Since I stay well hydrated by drinking water every day, the massage would really help to combat the tension in my body from my active lifestyle of running, strength training and of course, doing massage.

Another person might schedule a 90 minute massage because they want a full body massage with a little more detailed work on specific muscles. If he or she comes in complaining of chronic low back pain, and also requests the arms and hands to be massaged then I would recommend a 90 minute session so we could also have time to address the glutes and hamstrings if indicated.
If your massage therapist recommends some gentle stretching and assisted range of motion exercises, you could benefit from scheduling a 90 minute massage. This appointment could help if recovering from surgery or an acute injury (at least 48 hours after the initial trauma or as recommended by the physician). The therapist could gently move your joints through their natural motions after loosening up surrounding tissues with some specific soft tissue manipulation. This soft tissue manipulation could help to break up scar tissue buildup that could, over time, limit the mobility in those joints.

Don't forget that in addition to all of the muscle specific work that can be done during a longer appointment, it can also be a very rejuvenating and relaxing experience! What better way to spend the morning while the kids are at school and the dishwasher is running itself? However, I would not recommend a 90 minute massage for someone who had little to no prior experience with massage. A 60 minute massage is great for its own reasons, and not everyone feels like they have an hour and a half to spare anyways. But what if I am short on time but still looking for a therapeutic massage? Check out the next blog to find out what you could expect from a 30 minute massage appointment.

The 60 minute Massage

2010-04-08T04:42:00.000-07:00

When most people make an appointment for a massage, they schedule an hour long session. In an hour I can give someone a full body massage which includes their head, neck, shoulders, arms and hands, back, and legs and feet, not in any specific order. It just needs to flow well from one area of the body to another. It can be a very relaxing and rejuvenating experience. If I am giving a client a full body massage in an hour, I will be doing mainly Swedish massage at a moderate level of pressure because it is not possible for me to cover all that area and do muscle specific work.

In an hour, a massage can focus on a specific area or muscle group. Suppose a client has low back pain. I would probably suggest massage for the shoulders, back and glutes as well as the legs. I would spend the hour warming up the tissues and then performing some deep tissue work on specific muscles or muscle groups.

It would likely be a more vigorous massage than a full body because there is more time to spend on a smaller area. It is important to let your massage therapist know if you are experiencing pain during your massage. If that pain is related to pressure your therapist can easily adjust.

If you have a specific issue involving chronic muscle pain and tension you should benefit from a treatment plan of hour long massages. Your massage therapist can recommend a plan that works best for you. Keep in mind that chronic muscle pain was not created overnight, and it will take more than an hour to get you feeling back to normal.

But what if you are a weekend warrior who rides for miles and miles on their bicycle every Saturday... and paints their kitchen... and plants a garden... and plays tennis? What if your neck hurts from sitting in front of a computer all day every day and your legs are killing you because you went camping this weekend and hiked up Grandfather Mountain? Then I think a 90 minute massage might be best for you.

Next week check out our blog on the benefits of scheduling a 90 minute massage.

Senior Citizen Massage

2010-04-02T04:59:00.000-07:00

Therapeutic massage for senior citizens is specific to the needs of our aging population. It is soft tissue manipulation intended to improve blood circulation, relieve pain and increase range of motion. The aging process presents a variety of related diseases such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease which all result in poor circulation and limited physical activity. Anxiety, depression and loneliness can also accompany these age related diseases.

Geriatric massage, therapeutic massage designed for the older body, can help seniors maintain and improve their general well being as well as increase some physical functions that have decreased with aging. Additionally, massage therapy can alleviate anxiety and depression while providing comforting touch to lonely elderly persons.

Senior citizens can enjoy numerous benefits from massage including increased blood circulation, improved lymphatic flow, relief from joint pain and headaches, improved length and quality of sleep, partial restoration of mobility and also reduced healing time from injuries and illness.
Massage can definitely assist in relieving stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness, increase mental and physical relaxation and help improve the quality of life and self-esteem.

Massage therapy is a wonderful resource for the Golden Years. It is safe, effective and happens to feel very good. If you or someone you care for is older and experiencing discomforts due to aging, it is never too late to consider massage.

March Madness & Massage

2010-03-29T04:44:00.000-07:00

With spring finally upon us and March Madness in full swing, you don’t have to be a sports fanatic to know that March Madness is the highlight of the college hoops season. Do you ever wonder what kind of training goes into these athletes to become college basketball’s national champion? A lot of hard work and determination, with a side of massage please! Sports massage can play a very important part of an athlete’s regimen.

As we all know, there are many benefits to massage beside it just feeling good. It reduces the heart rate and blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, reduces muscle tension and spasm, improves range of motion, and improves the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness. Massage has also been known to increase the levels of endorphins and serotonin, which help reduce pain and contribute to reduced levels of delayed onset muscle soreness (see our blog “Muscle Soreness”). All these benefits contribute to an athlete’s overall performance.

As sports massage therapists, we must be familiar with each muscle, the muscle groups, and how they are affected by the specific movements and stresses of each sport. Sports massage is often based on Swedish massage and frequently includes the use of one or more of the following techniques: Deep Tissue Massage, Compression, Cross-Fiber Friction, and Trigger Point Massage. Deep Tissue Massage focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Compression massage helps soften the muscle tissue and is generally used as a warm-up for deeper, more specific massage work. Cross-Fiber Friction creates a stretching and broadening effect for larger muscle groups and helps reduce adhesions within the muscle. Trigger Point uses fingers and thumbs to apply pressure to tender points of the muscle to help reduce muscle spasms and referred pain patterns that characterize the point. With the use of some or all of these techniques, each muscle group can be targeted to improve an athlete’s ability to perform better than others.

By zeroing in on particular muscle groups and working specific tissues, we can help the athlete maintain or improve range of motion and muscle flexibility. The overall objective of a maintenance program is to help the athlete reach optimal performance through injury-free training. All athletes are looking for an edge that can help them train more effectively, perform better, overcome injuries quickly, and obtain bragging rights as National Champion. Did your team do everything they can to earn that title? I’m confident mine did!

Prenatal Massage

2010-03-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

Expectant moms experience unique physical and emotional changes resulting from increased weight, postural adjustments and shifts in hormone levels. Massage therapy relieves many of the normal discomforts that occur during pregnancy.

Prenatal massage can ease backaches, headaches, stiff necks and the shoulder strains that are caused by the muscle tension and changes in posture associated with pregnancy weight. Therapeutic massage can assist with hip and sciatica pain often experienced during pregnancy. Massage therapy will help alleviate the pressure on joints impacted by the extra weight of a growing baby. Improved flexibility, circulation, digestion and relaxation are all beneficial effects for the mom to be. Allowing the time to take care of yourself during pregnancy can be emotionally uplifting and help decrease the stress and anxiety from the continued changes in hormone levels.

Please check with your obstetrician for their guidelines and recommendations prior to scheduling a massage. When searching for a massage therapist be sure that you find one who is certified in prenatal massage so that you and your baby are best taken care of. Massage during pregnancy differs from a regular massage in a couple of ways but the biggest way it differs is that the person receiving the massage is pregnant, and therefore knowledge of pregnancy and the anatomy of a pregnant woman are very important. Be sure to share any health information and communicate with the massage therapist so that she will be able to provide a soothing and useful massage based on your personal needs and preferences.

Fibromyalgia and Massage

2010-03-11T04:20:00.000-08:00

Have the aches and pains of fibromyalgia robbed you of your energy and vitality? If so, then massage therapy might be just what you need to help put some spring back in your step. Research has shown that receiving massages on a regular basis reduces stress and pain and helps the body function in a more well-balanced way.
What is fibromyalgia? It is said to be a chronic painful condition that produces musculoskeletal pain and tenderness at specific locations in the body, pain and swelling in the joints, chronic sleep problems, and fatigue. Recently, massage therapy has become extremely popular among fibromyalgia patients. Massage works to reduce pain; eliminate stiffness; increase blood circulation to the muscles, allowing for faster muscle repair; and improve sleep patterns among a number of other health benefits. Massage helps manage the pain in fibromyalgia sufferers because it stimulates the central nervous system by enhancing the production of certain pain blockers, including endorphins and serotonin. These hormones work to counteract pain signals conducted by the brain; thus, dramatic pain relief in the client.
Ask your therapist what type of massage will work best for you, but most will advise a Swedish massage would work best for most clients starting out. This will allow your therapist get an overall assessment of your problem areas. The routine can consist of light to moderate pressure and stroking of the head, neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs, and feet. As you progress with your massage treatments, your therapist may suggest having some myofascial work performed, which will help relieve tightness in the connective tissue or fascia. When done properly, it may decrease the connective tissue’s pull on bones, allowing muscle fibers to relax and lengthen. Your therapist may also carry out some passive stretching; another approach to reducing muscle tension and spasms. Your therapist will perform the stretch while you fully relax. This increases range of motion and helps with the loss of flexibility often seen in fibromyalgia patients.
There are many different fibromyalgia treatments available and each person needs a customized treatment program. Adding massage once a month or every other week can dramatically help with your symptoms and alleviate the pain. It’s important to work with your doctor to find a new combination of approaches that fit your lifestyle while addressing your unique needs. Remember, in the area of soreness reduction nothing works faster than massage!

Better Posture

2010-03-03T04:57:00.000-08:00

How can someone improve their posture, and why would they even want to?
Posture is basically how the skeletal system lines up in each individual. Everyone has the same skeletal structure, 206 bones in the body, but not everyone has the same posture.
People can develop poor posture over time for a number of reasons. Constant slouching, sitting at your desk with your shoulders caved in and your head stretched out in front, or even carrying around excess weight in your midsection can lead to an improperly aligned skeletal system.
Massage can help you to improve your posture, one small step at a time. Most people cannot automatically change every bad habit over to a good one, but by making goals for yourself, and setting simple reminders, we can all begin to work on having better posture. Every time you answer an email, try to remind yourself to sit up straight, or make a conscious effort to pull your shoulders back every time you hang up the phone.
During a therapeutic massage, your therapist can manipulate muscle tissue as well as other connective tissues that help to hold our bones into place. By lengthening or broadening these soft tissue structures, some of the tension can be taken off of our skeletal system.
Your massage therapist may make suggestions on how to sit up straighter, stretch certain muscle groups that may be affecting the skeletal alignment or possibly rearrange your work or living space to create a more posture-friendly environment.
It is important to pay attention to your own body and therapeutic massage can help to bring about a greater awareness of one's self and one's body. By taking note of aches and pains, where they occur and when they occur more frequently, you and your massage therapist can try to set a plan that is realistic and achievable for you to better take care of your body. Over time, poor posture can lead to muscle aches, joint pains and even the inability to take in a full breath, amongst a whole host of other problems. I don't know about you, but I've got enough problems.

Chair Massage

2010-02-25T14:57:00.000-08:00

As more corporations continue to downsize, workplace stress is still at an all time high. Workers are increasingly worried about their job stability and employees are shouldering the burden of heavier workloads as staff numbers decrease. Many employees are even reluctant to take any vacation time. Within the current economic climate, these conditions are not expected to improve soon, and a rise in stress related illness is anticipated. Corporate chair massage is a proven way to ease physical and emotional stress and can aid businesses of all sizes to maintain a healthy workforce.

Anyone who has sat behind a desk all day will feel the effects of workplace fatigue and stress. Work spaces with poor ergonomic design can cause a rise in aches and pains and even lead to more serious repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Repetitive stress injuries usually involve the upper body, causing inflammation and recurring pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, or back. Chronic pain conditions are believed to lead to absenteeism, lost productivity, and increased healthcare costs. Scheduling regular workplace chair massage sessions can relieve the pain and swelling of injuries and lessen the need for costly prescription pain medications or surgeries.

At first, it may not seem like much. I mean how much good can happen in ten, fifteen, or twenty minutes? The answer turns out to be a lot! Corporate chair massage is a reliable and convenient way to calm anxiety and help employees regain focus. Studies have shown that the brain begins to recharge in just a few minutes and muscles begin to feel rejuvenated right away. Cognitive function, creativity, and alertness are improved after receiving just a few minutes of chair massage. Massage puts employees in a good mood, leaves them relaxed, boosts energy, and promotes productivity in the workplace.

Include chair massage at your next corporate event or as a special part of any celebration!

Stretching

2010-02-20T16:23:00.001-08:00

Most of us do not stretch on a regular basis. Most of us believe that if we are not athletic there is no need in our lives for stretching. On the contrary, stretching is one of the simplest things we can do to start taking better care of our bodies.
When we consistently stretch our muscles, we can benefit by becoming more flexible. A regular stretching routine can help improve our posture, and when we exhibit better posture it can help to ease the pain and stiffness of our tired muscles.
Stretching is so important because it can help to lengthen the soft connective tissues in our body. Our entire skeletal system is held into place by these soft tissues. It would make sense to think that if our soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) are overstretched, it will eventually pull our skeletal system into a different alignment.
Massage is another way to help lengthen the muscles and other soft connective tissues in our body. People can experience chronic pain from overuse of a particular body part. A person who works in construction may experience dull or sharp pain in their right shoulder from years of pounding a hammer. Someone in customer service who answers phones all day at their job may have pain in the side of their neck from constantly holding the phone to their ear with their left shoulder so that they can still use both hands to type. This neck pain over time can lead to headaches or even numbness and tingling down their left arm. A new mother who is breast-feeding her newborn may have pain in her low back from spending so much time leaning to one side. A lot of us are afraid to move for fear of disturbing the infant, so we stay in an uncomfortable position for longer than we should and before you know it that infant has grown from 8-10lbs to 25lb. That is heavier than holding a bowling ball for 20minutes straight!
Obviously we cannot all quit our jobs or stop holding our children but by making massage and stretching a regular part of your self-care routine you can achieve greater flexibility and range of motion with less pain. Your massage therapist can address the muscles and soft tissue that are being overworked during your office visit and can help guide you to some stretching exercises that you can do at home to help improve your over-all well-being.

Plantar Faciitis

2010-02-17T15:16:00.000-08:00

When you got up this morning, did your foot feel like you stepped on a railroad spike? Or did it feel as though it were on fire? You may have plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by overuse of the plantar fascia or arch tendon of the foot. The plantar fascia is a broad, thick band of tissue that runs from under the heel to the front of the foot. Your foot will feel a sharp, stabbing sensation or a burning sensation near the back of your arch, by your heel. You'll feel it when you get out of bed in the morning and when you stand up after a long rest period--a meeting, a long lunch or a movie, for example. After you've moved around for a few minutes, the pain will go away, only to resume after the next rest.

You have fascia, or a membrane, around every muscle in your entire body. The fascia along the plantar surface (the bottom of your foot) are tougher and thicker, and they connect to the bottom of your heel bone. When these plantar fascia get inflamed or slightly torn, the body tries to repair the damage while you're off your feet. When you get back up, though, you put weight on your arch, which pulls on the fascia, which retears the same damaged area. Your body gets used to the stress, so the pain goes away after a few minutes, but the damage is still there!

Finding a massage therapist who specializes in sports massage can help alleviate the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. However, be prepared for the pain to return when the therapist begins to work because contact and pressure is being applied to an area with slight tears.

Focus should be placed primarily on the area where the muscle joins with the bottom of your heel. Kneading techniques should be used and should continue from the heel to the Achilles Tendon and up to the calf muscle. Reason being because the Achilles and calf muscles are usually tight in a person with plantar fasciitis and the massaging will affect the movement of the fascia and make it easier to manipulate. Deep kneading techniques will also increase circulation which result in more oxygen moving to the affected area and move out wastes. Also working your ankle in slow circles will help loosen tissues and make the fascia more pliable. Perform simple stretches, such as bending your toes back to the point where you feel the stretch, placing your toes on a curb and stretching downward with your heel--anything to make the muscles on the bottom of your feet stretch. This will help keep your feet from tightening and will strengthen the affected area.

As professional massage therapists we have a unique and special contribution to make to help treat this problem. The more informed both parties are, the greater the client’s results will be!!

Headaches

2010-02-13T04:53:00.000-08:00

Headaches can cause pain for hours or even days and can sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms such as, nausea and sensitivity to light. When headaches occur more frequently or last for extended periods of time they can negatively affect your quality of life. Massage therapy is an alternative treatment for the relief of headaches and the many painful symptoms they present.

The two most common types of headache complaints are muscle tension and vascular headaches. Muscle tension headaches produce dull, constant pain on both sides of the head and can also cause aching neck muscles and scalp sensitivity. These tend to begin slow and may unfortunately last for hours or up to several days. The name is derived from the pressure of the connecting muscles of the face, head and neck which contract causing the pain. Tension headaches have been commonly described by sufferers as having their head in a vice because of the tightened muscles in the temples and at the base of the skull.

Vascular headaches are described as pounding or throbbing. These occur when the blood vessels that supply the brain and the muscles in the head swell and constrict. This type of headache pain intensifies with physical activity and usually lasts between four to seventy two hours. It can be associated with additional symptoms, such as vision problems, extreme sensitivity to light and nausea. Migraines, cluster headaches and headaches related to high blood pressure are all vascular headaches.

Since most headache complaints include neck pain, massage is one of the best therapies to provide relief. Massage therapy reduces the headache pain and the onset of other symptoms because massage relaxes tense muscles, relieves muscle spasms, increases circulation, improves blood flow and assists relaxation. All of which are extremely helpful in relieving both muscle tension headaches and vascular headaches. Relaxing tightened muscles in the head, neck and shoulders reduces muscle tension and pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that supply these areas. Circulation improves relieving the pain. Massage therapy not only assists the muscles of the body to relax but also effectively diminishes the anxiety and mental stress that can cause and worsen headaches. Regular, on going massage can also help in preventing headaches because the benefits of massage include reducing the overall stress and muscle tension that trigger headaches which can also aid in the reduction of occurrences.

Muscle Soreness?

2010-02-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

Sore muscles? If you are beginning a new workout regimen, exercising too strenuously or physically pushing yourself too far your body will respond with pain. When simple activities such as standing, sitting and reaching are increasingly slower and excruciatingly painful then you are experiencing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. DOMS results from your body's response to the microscopic tears within the muscles and surrounding connective tissues caused by the excessive exertion your body has tolerated. Increased intensity, duration and frequency all contribute to delayed onset muscle soreness for the beginner as well as the advanced fitness enthusiast. DOMS can appear within twenty four to forty eight hours following the physical activity and can continue for up to seventy two hours which can make getting out of bed, walking, climbing stairs and trips to the bathroom agonizing for days.

These are a few of my best suggestions to help prevent and relieve muscle soreness. Soaking in a hot tub or just a hot bath will assist in loosening the tightened muscles. Moist heat can also be applied to the affected area to decrease aches and pains. Although it is much more appealing, lying down or reclined sitting is not recommended; moving around will increase circulation, promoting the necessary blood flow to the strained muscles and speed recovery time. Gently stretching the affected muscles lengthens and broadens the muscle allowing blood flow to the area and providing greater flexibility while producing endorphins which reduce pain. Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration is important so that the muscles remain nourished and flexible.

Massage therapy is an excellent remedy. Massage addresses the cause of pain patterns contributing to DOMS, improves muscle and joint function with increased range of motion and flexibility, increases circulation, stretches connective tissue, relieves cramps and spasms, relaxes tired muscles and stimulates the production of endorphins which alleviate pain. Therapeutic massage can provide effective pain relief for both brief episodes and chronic pain. So ask for a referral from your doctor or friend for the name of a licensed professional massage therapist practicing in your area and start feeling better sooner.

Shoulder Pain

2010-02-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

The scapula is a very interesting bone in our body because it does not attach to another bone like the rest of the skeletal system, it floats more freely because it is attached to connective tissue. Muscle tissue, fascia and ligaments hold our shoulder blade in place in interwoven and overlapping intricacy. Any tightness, tension or strains to these muscles create havoc with the entire shoulder girdle.

Persistent slouching, repetitive phone to ear on the shoulder and constantly carrying heavy bags can all contribute to a shift in the fibers and tissues that over time can lead to pain in the upper back and shoulder region. Continued computer work, especially in awkward positions, constant same handed mouse clicking and laptop usage all contribute to the muscles shortening and causing the shoulder to rotate forward and inward. Activities, such as shovelling snow, sledding, accidents and most manual labor like painting, raking, mowing and gardening can be the instigator for shoulder pain. Even the simple task of walking an uncooperative dog who constantly pulls can create the burning aching pain in the back all around the shoulder blade.

Sometimes the muscles can be so tight that the pain radiates around the entire shoulder region, other times the pain can be localized and in a very specific area. Certain movements may increase the pain to a sharp stabbing unbearable point and at times make breathing difficult. Regardless of your shoulder pain location and intensity there are several things that you can do to gain some relief. Stretching the pectoral muscles is helpful because relieving the tension in the opposing muscles which maintain the shoulder releases the constant strain and pull on them. Addressing your posture and making an effort to maintain better posture during work, exercise and sleep will help. Therapeutic massage will best assist in the healing and recuperative process during these painful times and lastly, strengthening the muscles after the pain has subsided will assist in avoiding these shoulder issues in the future.

Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of soft tissues and therefore recommended to treat many soft tissue injuries including muscle strain, tendonitis, bursitis and frozen shoulder. Massage increases circulation, speeds healing, improves range of motion and relieves pain. If ice and stretching alone do not address the pain than therapeutic massage may be the best next alternative step before the doctor's office.

Illiotibial Band ~ ITB

2010-01-27T14:20:00.001-08:00

Since working in the massage field, I have enjoyed working with clients of all ages and sizes, but I particularly like to work with athletes suffering from some sort of leg and/or hip pain. One of the most common leg issues I come across is pain in the IT band. I have worked with a number of long-distance runners who have been very susceptible to this.

Illiotibial band (ITB) pain is common cause of pain along the outside of the knee and the lower thigh. The IT band is dense, fibrous tissue that runs along the outside of the upper leg. It starts at the hip, runs along the outer thigh, and down to the outside of the shin, just below the knee. The band works with the quadriceps muscle to help provide stability to the outer knee during movement. It also helps extend the knee as well as abduct the hip (move it sideways).

Long distance runners are prone to this syndrome because of the enormous work loads placed on their bodies, thus creating greater demands on the legs to absorb these loads. Many factors can contribute to pain in the IT band including running in worn sneakers, changing your training program too quickly and/or drastically, not maintaining proper strength in the hip and knee muscles or being predisposed to genetic issues such as "bowed" knees.

If training is continued without correcting some of the issues mentioned above, this problem can be very debilitating. First and foremost, any activity that causes pain should be stopped until further notice from a doctor. If you're the type of person who has to have some form of exercise daily, low impact workouts such as swimming, walking and biking should be okay. Using massage therapy would be a huge benefit in helping heal the affected area. Friction massage would be a great way to help break up any adhesions or scar tissue within the muscle. Massage therapists can also demonstrate proper stretching techniques. Stretching and strengthening the muscle, including all the muscles surrounding the IT band, will be helpful for recovery as well. This will help increase range of motion and flexibility to the hip. Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) is another great way to reduce initial symptoms and inflammation.

There are many things people can do to prevent IT band pain from ever occurring. It doesn't have to be a chronic, intolerable problem. A little prevention and proper diagnosis of the cause can lead to a full and speedy recovery.

SCIATICA

2010-01-24T05:30:00.000-08:00

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body beginning in the lumbar spinal region and proceeding down each leg. Sciatica is the result of injury, compression or irritation of that nerve. The symptoms can range from one sided glute pain, burning or tingling, shooting pain down the leg or weakness and numbness of the leg and sometimes foot. The pain can cause difficulty with walking, standing and sitting thus interfering with daily activities. Typically the pain is limited to one side of the body and can be localized within the pelvic area or span the entire length of the leg and into the sole of the foot.

Sciatica is not a diagnosis for the pain but the term used to describe the symptoms resulting from the source of nerve irritation causing that pain. A very important distinction because in order to best treat this pain the underlying cause needs to be determined. Spinal disc problems can cause these symptoms but so can soft tissue tension and tightness. Hypertonicity in the glute muscles, especially the piriformis, or in the hamstrings could be the culprit.

Prolonged standing, sitting with crossed legs, sitting with a wallet in a back pocket, trauma, pregnancy and extended time sitting can all contribute to these symptoms where massage therapy, stretching, physical therapy and exercises can assist with relieving the pain. Massage to the affected area will increase circulation which increases blood flow and oxygen to the area promoting healing. Massage also increases the body's release of endorphins which act as pain receptors reducing the amount of pain afterwards. Most importantly massage is manual manipulation of soft tissue, allowing the muscles to be broadened and lengthened addressing the immediate concern of tightness and tension.

Many clients seek therapeutic massage as relief for sciatica and when the pain originates from soft tissue this can be extremely helpful. Usually the symptoms will decrease within days to a few weeks at most when clients take an active role in their wellness. In addition to massages, stretching, ice to reduce inflammation in the area, postural changes and self care are all attributes to relieving sciatica. However, if there is any concern with spinal injury or disc problems your physician will be able to direct your treatment plan accordingly.

PAIN in the NECK ...

2010-01-19T05:36:00.001-08:00

Many people experience the discomfort of neck pain despite the fact that they have not experienced any significant trauma to the area. We put strain on our bodies and our muscles daily, and it is important to seek out the best ways in which we can counterbalance this.

Sitting for eight to ten hours at a desk or computer can easily contribute to those nasty aches or "cricks" in your neck. Some people sleep on pillows that are too soft and fluffy, or too firm that do not have any give and then they wake up feeling stiffness in their neck. Even an action as simple as resting the phone on one shoulder to talk can eventually cause neck muscles to tighten.

Massage is one way to address the daily stress we place on our neck. It is a big job to hold up our head up day in and day out, and there is a network of supporting structures in place to allow our bodies to do just that. With massage therapy, the muscles supporting our head and neck can be loosened up to allow greater flexibility in the area and over time can lead to improved posture. Massage also increases circulation which will help to increase the flow of healthy, oxygenated blood to our muscle tissues.

Once you have received a massage, cold therapy and stretching can prolong the relief you experience from therapeutic massage. Be careful to avoid heat if there has been trauma to the area within seventy two hours or if inflammation is present. Cold therapy is recommended post-massage to most clients because it will help numb the painful area and having to tend to the area will also require some rest. A bag of frozen veggies or a cold compress that can be found in any store can work well for the neck area. Alternating cold therapy and rest will not only number the sensitive area but will allow the blood vessels to constrict and dilate. Which means that healthy, oxygenated blood to the affected tissues can promote self-healing.

Stretches can be performed to relieve tension in this area. Consult a physician before beginning any new programs, but a massage therapist can recommend a few simple stretches to get you started. Even if massage therapy is not the answer for you, finding a way to address your pain will help you live a more balanced life. When you feel your best, it positively affects all aspects of your life. Adversely, living with pain and suffering through it can negatively affect your life in ways you may not even realize. Take the time and make the choice for a happier healthier you.

Best Suggestions for Leg Pain

2010-01-16T15:33:00.000-08:00

Lately we have seen a number of clients with pain specifically in their quadriceps, hamstring and calf muscles. There are many reasons someone could be experiencing this pain; injury, new runners, training too hard or running more than usual. No matter the reason, everyone is looking for relief as quickly as possible. Here are the best suggestions that have worked for our own similar leg issues.

First and foremost, you can get a massage. Typically with leg pain, you need a specialized deep tissue or sports massage. During a deep tissue massage, you can expect the therapist to warm up the muscles with some effleurage or gliding strokes to assess where the tightness and discomfort initiates. Once the origin has been determined, the heavier deeper strokes start, usually involving the therapist's elbows, forearms, fists and thumbs in each muscle origin and insertion points. Any or all of these "body tools" will assist in penetrating deep within the muscles of the leg. It is important to perform these strokes at a slow pace so the entire muscle can be evenly addressed. Deep tissue massage may not always be the most comfortable to receive as it may result in some tenderness afterwards, but having work on the affected area not only assists the healing process but reduces the initial pain complaint.

If you do experience some discomfort after your massage, you can apply moist heat to the affected area. Most assume that any heat will do but moist heat actually stimulates the blood flow and allows better circulation to the area. A hot bath, shower, whirlpool or Jacuzzi is even better! Or you can simply apply a warm , wet towel compress for fifteen to twenty minutes to the area.

Another suggestion is stretching as an effort to avoid leg pain in the future. Stretching is one of the best ways to keep the muscles loose, limber and flexible. It also helps reduce muscle soreness post workout and improves overall performance. Remember to stretch gradually since stretching too quickly can cause contractions within the muscles increasing muscle tension. Gradual stretching decreases this and also promotes a greater stretch. Hold and control each stretch for twenty to thirty seconds and repeat two to three times. Never bounce or overextend as these present the risk for muscle pulls and tears; overstretching can create added stress and additional pain in other areas.

Lastly, it is always important to stay hydrated (to avoid muscle cramping) and keep moving. Staying active prevents the legs from stiffness and keeps the circulation flowing. Walking just a few minutes a day is one of the best things to do, but if your schedule does not allow this than stretching is even more important. Vigorous exercise such as running, especially long distance, may exacerbate leg pain so the best suggestion would be to implement massage and stretching as part of your exercise routine to prevent this discomfort in the first place.

Low Back Pain ...

2010-01-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

It can be a nagging pain every time you sit or stand, a stabbing pain that causes difficulty breathing or a dull throbbing ache that your own hands reach for throughout the day. Low back pain can even wake you from sleeping in the middle of the night or force you back into bed from your daytime job.
More clients every month are struggling with a strain in this region that has started interfering with their daily lifestyles. Some complain of pain on both sides of the low back in a horizontal band while others experience the pain limited to only one side. Muscle spasms, exaggerated tightness, changes to posture, decreased range of motion and inflexibility can all accompany low back pain. Therapeutic massage addresses all of these issues as well as the stress that can be a contributing factor.
An appointment for this type of complaint may not be focused solely on the lower back area since other tight muscles can be directly related. Even worn workout and walking shoes can affect other muscles in the body so the massage therapist will need to address all of the connecting muscles in an attempt to provide overall relief. The first massage will be beneficial and reduce the discomfort but a follow up is definitely encouraged to reevaluate and assess the muscles and their condition afterwards. The recommendation is usually a week to ten days and possibly again depending on how the client feels and is improving. The client can best determine when the muscles begin to tighten and the pain begins to return, therefore it is in their best interest to come in for the next massage before the pain revisits the initial level of concern. Sometimes work, schedules and life do not afford the luxury of rescheduling for treatment so a discussion is absolutely necessary to avoid losing ground and client education can be instrumental for support with at home care.
My personal approach is different with each client but good communication and exceptional care is extremely important with every single one of them. I thoroughly enjoy being a massage therapist and feel fortunate to be in a supportive role for better health and fitness. It is always such a positive influence to facilitate someone else feeling better especially in the midst of a physically painful situation. My personal goal is providing massage therapy to assist optimal well-being regardless of the type of aches, pains, stress or strains.

Live Longer, Live Better

2010-01-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/01/05/lengthening-life-expectancy-gene-dna/
After finding this article online I had to share it with everyone. This is one more reason to decrease your stress level and do it now. Scientists have discovered evidence that an enzyme produced in the human body affects the length of a particular DNA unit which determines the cell's lifespan. However, the study has proven that these telomeres can be lengthened by reducing the stressors which are producing the enzyme and therefore increasing cell life and extending our lives. The research also linked cell health and aging to the length of these units. So in addition to extending your life it could also improve your life. The revelation being a greater quantity and quality of life for those with less stress.
The article suggests finding alternatives to worry and stress in daily living; which creates stress for me immediately. Destressing is different for everyone, some can wind down with a book, or a walk, a hobby, meditation, yoga or of course, a massage. The problem occurs in finding the time or making the time for me personally. And I am sure I am not the only one feeling the pressure from the clock. But after learning that reducing my stress will be extremely beneficial to my health, well-being and longevity in a measurably scientific proportion I don't have the time to ignore these facts.
Stress and its adverse effects has appeared in many publications and broadcasts especially of late but this article concludes that our lives depend on our own efforts to decrease our stress levels. Enough said, I can surely find ten minutes to sit still, relax and knit. What can you do to commit to lessening your stress this year?

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T10:18:00.000-08:00

2009 will end in just a few short hours and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients and friends at Absolute Body Balance Therapeutic Massage for their support and confidence not only in this past year but over the years that we have been so fortunate to grow from your referrals and continued loyalty. We are priveleged to be the choice as your massage therapists and the referrals to your friends and family are greatly appreciated because our success is a direct reflection of the trust you place in us. It is a pleasure to provide massage therapy to each and every one of you and to be a part of your better health and wellbeing.

May 2010 be the year full of promise, prosperity and happiness to all!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-27T05:41:00.001-08:00

As December draws to a close, many of us are starting to reflect on the year that has passed and begin looking toward the future with renewed hope and optimism. One way to express that positive energy is by setting new goals. Every year, as we indulge in various holiday treats, we promise ourselves that once the New Year arrives, we will take better care of our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Reasons behind resolutions vary from person to person, but typically they are a reaction to the many stresses that play such a major part in our daily lives. Job stress, family issues and many other outside factors provide the motivation to get in shape and take care of ourselves. What a better way to deal with that increased stress by making massage therapy one of your top New Year’s resolutions!
Massage is an effective way to relieve stress and a great way to relax as compared to other methods such as drinking a glass of wine or even exercising. It’s a great way to take better care of yourself and achieve a more complete balance on life and work. More people should view massage as an important component for achieving overall health, wellness, and relaxation, rather than an indulgence.
Remember less stress equals a better you – a new you!! Make massage therapy an integral part of your success story in 2010!!

Dear Santa

2009-12-20T17:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

It has been a long time and I do apologize for the lapse but I have been extremely busy which is the exact reason I am now writing. I have been good this year and hopefully you have my name on the "nice list" because I really need this gift. There is one thing that I desperately need and I am counting on you to bring me extra time.

Getting ready for the holidays I found myself amazed at my own children's ages and how much time has passed since they were little ones rushing down the stairs to see the presents you had left under our tree. Those memories are special and I certainly realize I cannot relive the past nor do I want to, but as I was working, decorating and shopping this year it seemed as though every single day I was running out of daylight and of course, short on time.

The biggest cause of holiday stress is not having enough time but I think that is true throughout the year so I would like for you to bring me some spare hours and minutes that I can use at my own discretion during 2010. The thought of having a cushion for those unpredictable crunch times reduces my stress level just thinking about it! Far more often than I would like to admit, I could use an extra fifteen or twenty minutes so I would not have to eat next to my laptop or walk my dogs while wearing my bluetooth.

In advance I would like to thank you very much for this extravagant gift. I wish that I had time to reconnect with you since it has been such a long time but sadly it is late and I have a list of other things to accomplish before bedtime ~ perhaps you could search for me on Facebook so that we can share in the future?

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Cookies

2009-12-14T11:45:00.000-08:00

There are less than two weeks until Christmas Day and I have several lists with numerous things to accomplish. Instead of worrying or hurrying to my chores I came home tonight and made the dough for sugar cookies so that tomorrow evening I can come to bake. Apparently tomorrow will not be dedicated to the lists either.

My favorite holiday memories are of the sprinkles and sugars to decorate holiday sugar cookies. I just love those cookies best of all! My father would roll them and my mother would use the holiday themed cookie cutters and gently place them on the cookie sheets for my brother and I to decorate so she could put them in the oven and bake them. As time passed, I had children of my own and my mother left me those same cookie cutters and more. I would roll out the dough using the Santas, wreaths, angels, sleighs, reindeer, stars and all of the Christmas shapes for my children to decorate with rainbow sprinkles, colored sugars and jimmies. Over the years my children would decorate fewer and fewer cookies growing tired of the process so I began to finish the cookies alone which eventually led to my solo sugar cookie era.

Now they are both grown and living independently on their own and my daughter did come one afternoon to make sugar cookies with me and stuck it out through an entire double batch. My thought was while I had help I would work it all I could. In the midst of this enterprise I discovered that the shape did not necessarily need to be holiday themed, we cut out circles, dogs, hearts and dinosaurs and whatever fit each time we rolled. We used colored sugars in blue, yellow, purple, pink, orange, black, red and green and hardly used the sprinkles. All that sugar and laughter made for an unforgettable Christmas memory that still makes me smile.

So last night when my friend brought sugar cookies to my office I was thrilled. The smell when I first opened the ziploc bag was so rich with butter and sweet with sugar I could not resist. Normally when my friend brings baked goodies I share with my children but these came directly home and did not make it through today. They were delicious dropped sugar cookies with red and green sugar on them with circular golden browned edges. Dropped sugar cookie that tasted like Christmas, I had to have the recipe.

Thanks to the internet she emailed me the recipe last night at which time I promptly assembled ingredients and made a list of what I needed. Today at work all I could think of were my beautiful little jars of colored sugars; I could not wait to make the cookie dough. I was in the door and at my Kitchenaid within seconds prepared to begin recreating those yummy gems. After scraping the dough into clear wrap and placing the ball into a ziploc bag I remembered there were other tasks still requiring my attention. Oddly enough I felt very relaxed and not the least little bit stressed as I started typing on my laptop. Could the baking be a way to reduce my stress or is it the Christmas cookie and all the wonderful memories it holds?

I think it does not really matter ~ when I come home tomorrow, my plan is to drop the dough onto cookie sheets, flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass and sprinkle generously with the many colored sugars I have. I will bake them, gently place them in containers to share with both of my children and keep some for my husband and I to enjoy. The less stress the better, especially during the holiday season so three cheers for sugar cookies and thank you Kyle!!

Less Stress and the Frazier Fir

2009-12-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

This year in an effort to have less stress and more holiday spirit I promised myself that we would purchase a smaller Christmas tree. My primary goal to reduce stress with a smaller tree would be less to decorate, less to water and definitely less to clean up when the holidays are over and January rears its ugly head once again. It looks good on paper ... but here's how it actually unfolded.

My husband drove me to get our tree at the end (almost) of all the one o'clock NFL games this past Sunday, and as we arrived on the local frazier fir Christmas tree lot, the Miami Dolphins were about to kick a field goal which would take the lead over the New England Patriots. The loving wife that I am, I told him to sit in the truck and finish listening to the end of the game, it was a minute plus left to play; how long could that possibly take? Leaving him to his football game, I ventured onto the lot alone with a purpose. I make a beeline for the back fence away from all of the people to find the fourth tree in from the right is a beauty! Not too tall, maybe six feet, remember, I am trying to scale back because they are so much trouble to clean up and the kids no longer have any interest in helping to decorate. I grabbed him around the trunk and I held him with one hand in the cold, spinning him to reveal he was a marvelous specimen all the way around. Then I carefully put him back so as to appear undisturbed, that way no one could detect he was moved which saved him as my discovery. I then proceeded over to the truck outside the fenced area where they were doing a fresh cut on the trunks and placing more trees along the fence. That's when I asked the tree guy for help as soon as my husband joined me, of course, he asked which is your husband? I replied, he's the one in the truck listening to the end of the Miami and New England game at which he asked the score. I gladly shared that the Dolphins were winning with a minute left.

The first tree in the very row he has just finished is a gorgeous tree, he said for me to take a look. I gave it the one hand twirl and yes indeed it was perfectly shaped and very full, but it was a big one, eight feet tall. Now I didn’t want to get that tall, last year we got a seven foot tree and I am trying to continue that downward trend in my personal effort to eliminate unnecessary stress ~ especially during the holidays. Therefore I put it back in its position and tell him hold that thought as I needed to find my husband. At the front of the lot my husband was walking in and he proceeded to give me the details of Miami's win which peaks the interest of the other tree guys and men on the lot so they all begin to inquire about the early game scores. I am married to Mr ESPN and he is making Christmas tree shopping tolerable for all of mankind so who am I to interrupt?

Without rushing him along, mind you, I stand there listening and when they are all finished with the football scores and everyone is satisfied we head towards the tree dude waving from the flat bed truck. He also needs the scores and my husband wants to chat him up about the Patriots and the Steelers losses. (Sorry, we're Colts and Ravens fans.) Begrudgingly I walked with him as the tree guy jumped down from the flat bed and wanted to show my husband the eight footer I liked for us both to admire now. Of course he loved it, it was eight feet tall, perfectly shaped and full ~ Christmas tree perfection. I mean, I found it, I knew. My husband was thrilled because it was so quick he could get this tree in the back of the truck and be home before the end of the first quarter of the four o'clock games now. Not so fast, my love; I dragged him over to see the six footer in the spot where I left it because I still hoped for less tree less stress this holiday season. The three of us arrived just in time to see a stocky bald man looking at the back row of trees and just as I said, fourth from the right, both he and the tree guy extended their reach for my precious little tree! My eyes grew like the Grinch’s heart, but I didn’t say a word; the bald man let go as if my little tree had shocked him and asked was this my tree? Before I could answer I saw his wife, the grandmother and their three very little children quickly approaching. At that precise moment I actually had no choice and no stress, we would buy the eight foot frazier fir.

In my world, I'm going to remember this as a win ... take whatever opportunity presents itself to reduce your stress and embrace the joy!

Travelling Stress?

2009-12-05T04:46:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas quickly approaching, traveling stress can become a common problem this time of year. Traveling can be a headache any time of year, but taking a trip during the holidays can multiply that anxiety if you aren't prepared. Take a deep breath, it can be easy!

Holiday season finds many people running in all different directions trying to get everything done. If you need that power nap to recharge your batteries - take it! Running yourself down during the holidays will increase your chances of getting sick, and who wants to take a trip home when they're sick? Certainly not the people traveling with you!

Whether you are traveling by car or by plane always remember to be kind to your body. Avoid caffeine, drink plenty of water, and eat balanced meals. You will feel far better when you reach your destination if you take care of yourself along the way. If you're in the car, stop every few hours and stretch for a few minutes.

Even though holiday time is so hectic find a way to enjoy that trip back home. Put yourself in a good mood and enjoy the process of easing back into normal life. Worrying about the dog, the bills, and all the stuff you have to do when you get back will just undo all the hard work you did to de-stress in the first place. Take at least one extra day off after you arrive home to rest, unpack, and unwind. Hang on to that vacation bliss as long as you can!!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-16T04:58:00.000-08:00

In just a few days everyone will be gathering together with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving and begin the holiday season once again. I am not sure why time seems to be flying by at an alarming rate but the stores decorating for Christmas before I have purchased the last of my Halloween candy could be contributing to the the feeling that I am being rushed along. It certainly feels like time is moving at warp speed and seeing the sales begin only increases the urgency.

It is important to live in the moment and consciously chose to actively participate in family holidays. I can cook and ask for help with the clean up so that during the time when everyone is together I can honestly give them my attention instead of being pulled from the stove to the table to the sink. The conversations and laughter during dinner are the memories for years to come. Missing those memories would be like having the Thanksgiving meal without the turkey.

Take time to enjoy the hours and minutes with those we love. There will be plenty of time to clean up and no one is going to remember the perfect lump free gravy instead of the smiles and laughter. Share with your loved ones the best you that you possibly can. It is not too late, there is still time to take care of yourself so that you can be and feel the best for this holiday season. Stretch a few minutes, take a walk, read a magazine, listen to your favorite music, watch a movie, drink plenty of water and just breathe. Do something little just for you because if there is one holiday lesson I have learned over the years it is that if I do not take care of myself than I cannot take care of everyone else.

So let me pass along that thought and see if you can find a few minutes before the holiday just for yourself so that you and your family will have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Running a 5K

2009-11-11T11:05:00.001-08:00

Just recently I set a goal for myself to run a 5K race. I have never been a distance runner, but I was ready to challenge myself. My main goal was to not worry about the time I ran the race in, but to make it to that finish line. Not to mention a lot of these races are set up for charities, so it doesn’t hurt to support those organizations as well.

I’ve only been training for a few short weeks, so I have yet to run that race. However, massage treatments (specifically sports massage) are just as important as the actual training itself. People who run three times a week or more will benefit tremendously from massage and see great improvement within their workouts. The more you run the more strain your muscles are under. Sports massage helps prepare athletes for peak performance; draining away muscle fatigue, reducing muscle tension, promoting flexibility, and preventing injuries.

The key is not to wait until you’re sore or injured to start getting massages. Massage should be a regular part of your training schedule. Think about it – a massage costs you $70 an hour, which is about the same if not less than a pair of running shoes. When you consider the benefits of massage, it’s well worth the time. You can have the best shoes money can buy, but if your hamstring is so tight that it’s hampering your performance, you might as well be running in flip flops! Plan your next massage on one of your off running days. You’ve been putting your body through all that training, so it deserves some pampering and recovery!!

2009-11-07T05:49:00.000-08:00

Stress does not disappear on its own. Left untreated it causes more problems and ignored, stress will take a greater toll physically, emotionally and financially. Who doesn’t have stress? In this day and age everyone wants more – more time, more stuff, more money! Unfortunately the first thing we get more of is stress; over time stress accumulates in our bodies and until addressed can present all types of symptoms and problems. Unfortunately it becomes a vicous cycle - more stress creates more problems at the same time more problems create more stress.

Massage therapy is instrumental in assisting in the reduction of stress. Massage can decrease anxiety, insomnia and physical discomforts while at the same time increase the endorphin production which blocks pain, improves relaxation and general overall well-being. Physically massage increases circulation, flexibility, range of motion, tissue metabolism and improves posture. Once having been thought of as simply a luxury, now massage is a complimentary treatment within the medical community. Alternative medicine is more widely accepted, readily available and sought within the community.

The most important thing that I share with my family, friends and clients is that taking better care of ourselves allows us to continue to take care of all the others who need us. Easier said than done. Personally I struggle with making that effort, especially when there are not enough hours in the day to complete my tasks as a wife, mother, friend, daughter, pet and business owner. But when I do take the time to get a massage myself, I can honestly attest to a refreshed and brand new attitude the minute I get off the table. Similarly, a battery runs down and needs to be recharged before continuing to provide energy and power. So I do try to be more proactive with my own health and wellness making the time for myself and an hour massage is an easy place to start!