There are a few reasons, I believe, people are reluctant to try massage therapy. First and foremost is not understanding the benefits of massage and viewing this healing modality as "a luxury". Money/cost definitely ranks near the top of the objections to getting treatment, after all, most insurance does not pay for therapeutic massage.
Somewhere near the top of the list is the fear of disrobing. Let's face it, you are presumably going to a stranger and being asked to lie on the table without clothing. This scenario can have some fearing loss of control and vulnerability.
In the right hands {pun intended} you should feel confident that your dignity will be preserved. You should be draped with either a sheet or towel and, in general, only the area being worked on is uncovered at any given time. Your comfort should be a top priority for the therapist.
Ideally, all clients will remove all clothing. It makes the entire process of treatment much easier and allows for smoother, uninterrupted strokes. Some clients prefer to leave their bottom undergarments on- that's fine. We can usually work around/through that minor obstacle.
While it is possible to do some massage strokes through clothing, mainly compression and some kneading, most cannot be performed. Being able to glide over muscles and body parts is an invaluable tool. As massage therapists we are trained to use our hands to find problem muscles, tendons, and ligaments- some buried very deep under the many layers of skin, fascia, and fat. You can see how adding a layer of clothing can inhibit that ability.
Don't let the hesitation of removing your clothing stop you from seeking treatment. Talk to the therapist, be open about your concerns and together you will find a way.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Purple Ribbon Council
We had a "kick-off" meeting for the Purple Ribbon Council's 2010 Domestic Violence Awareness Month's May activities. The big event "Power of Purple" (formerly Girls' Night Out) is tentatively scheduled for Saturday May 1st. Through the month of May we are hoping to have many hair salons throughout the Lehigh Valley hosting "Pretty in Purple" events.
This is going to be an exciting year for the event and Kneading Hands Massage is proud to be a part of this wonderful cause. I am honored to have the task of leading the Lehigh Valley effort!
We will be in need of "ambassadors" to help set and meet, if not exceed, our goals. Please call or email to get involved!
Tom Florio
(610) 653-7701
massage@iglide.net
This is going to be an exciting year for the event and Kneading Hands Massage is proud to be a part of this wonderful cause. I am honored to have the task of leading the Lehigh Valley effort!
We will be in need of "ambassadors" to help set and meet, if not exceed, our goals. Please call or email to get involved!
Tom Florio
(610) 653-7701
massage@iglide.net
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Inappropriate Advice
Maybe you are new to visiting a complementary healthcare practitioner or have been seeing a massage therapist, energy worker, or acupuncurist for years. At what point do you take their advice over that of your doctor? Simple answer - NEVER. Not so simple answer - DEPENDS.
While it is a certainty, that with sufficient training, the practitioner may be an expert at what he or she does you should always keep your physician in the loop and openly discuss your treatment. While this concept may seem painfully obvious I recently had a new client that had a VERY serious medical condition. The condition required surgery, in short order! The alternative care practitioner advised this individual to postpone the surgery by weeks to give her methods a chance. We are not talking about an elective surgery or one that could wait whitout dire consequences- this was a life saving operation. Thankfully, the client knew better than to heed such advice and now, many years later, is doing well.
That practitioner was giving advice out of her scope of practice, the advice, no matter how well intentioned, was inappropriate. A good complementary care practitioner will provide you with service/treatment in their own field of practice. They will refer you to others when appropriate, encourage you to speak to your doctor about any concerns, and NOT give you advice out of their level of training.
While it is a certainty, that with sufficient training, the practitioner may be an expert at what he or she does you should always keep your physician in the loop and openly discuss your treatment. While this concept may seem painfully obvious I recently had a new client that had a VERY serious medical condition. The condition required surgery, in short order! The alternative care practitioner advised this individual to postpone the surgery by weeks to give her methods a chance. We are not talking about an elective surgery or one that could wait whitout dire consequences- this was a life saving operation. Thankfully, the client knew better than to heed such advice and now, many years later, is doing well.
That practitioner was giving advice out of her scope of practice, the advice, no matter how well intentioned, was inappropriate. A good complementary care practitioner will provide you with service/treatment in their own field of practice. They will refer you to others when appropriate, encourage you to speak to your doctor about any concerns, and NOT give you advice out of their level of training.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Meet Eva Grayzel
{The following information is provided with consent of our client and otherwise would have remained confidential}
Back a few years ago, when I was still a massage student, I had the opportunity to volunteer some time at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Easton, PA. While doing massages that afternoon I encountered an anamoly that few massage therapists, let alone students, will come upon. I met a very energetic, outgoing, and very appreciate survivor named Eva. Eva approached my table for a massage and completed a very brief intake. While speaking with Eva I learned that she had previously had oral cancer. The cancer was at an advanced stage when diagnosed and she had to undergo radical surgery to remove the cancer and affected tissue. What was most remarkable from a massage student perpective was that the sternocleidomastoid muscle had be removed from the left side of Eva's neck, leaving a void where the muscle should be. Having returned to school and anatomy class after that weekend I shared the experience with my classmates.
Fast forward a few years. Eva, unbeknownst to either of us, calls and makes an appointment in our office for massage. Half-way through the massage I realize who is on my table, after some discussion, Eva remembers me too!
I would encourage everyone to learn more about Eva. She is a motivational speaker, performance artisit, and oral cancer lecturer. I am sure she is an inspiration to all she meets!
Visit Eva Grayzel's website for more information. I am honored to have her as a client at Kneading Hands Massage.
Back a few years ago, when I was still a massage student, I had the opportunity to volunteer some time at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Easton, PA. While doing massages that afternoon I encountered an anamoly that few massage therapists, let alone students, will come upon. I met a very energetic, outgoing, and very appreciate survivor named Eva. Eva approached my table for a massage and completed a very brief intake. While speaking with Eva I learned that she had previously had oral cancer. The cancer was at an advanced stage when diagnosed and she had to undergo radical surgery to remove the cancer and affected tissue. What was most remarkable from a massage student perpective was that the sternocleidomastoid muscle had be removed from the left side of Eva's neck, leaving a void where the muscle should be. Having returned to school and anatomy class after that weekend I shared the experience with my classmates.
Fast forward a few years. Eva, unbeknownst to either of us, calls and makes an appointment in our office for massage. Half-way through the massage I realize who is on my table, after some discussion, Eva remembers me too!
I would encourage everyone to learn more about Eva. She is a motivational speaker, performance artisit, and oral cancer lecturer. I am sure she is an inspiration to all she meets!
Visit Eva Grayzel's website for more information. I am honored to have her as a client at Kneading Hands Massage.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Be prepared for the holiday season!
This is a great article that is being incorporated into our upcoming newsletter. Information provided courtesy of Associated Bodyworks and Massage Professionals.
Easing Holiday Angst
Five Stress Busters for a Joyous Season
You enter the holiday season with the best of intentions -- looking forward to time spent with family and friends, decorating, shopping, baking. But as soon as you pile holiday activities on top of an already busy life, you're likely to find yourself relating more to Ebineezer Scrooge than Martha Stewart.
Consider these five suggestions to keep holiday stress at bay:
1. Determine a Shopping Budget
For many, gift giving is an important part of the holidays, serving as a way to express love and appreciation for friends and family. But when the credit card bills arrive in January, you may discover you've extended your holiday stress well into the New Year. Plan your budget in advance, determine what you can spend, and stick to the plan.
2. Create a Time Budget
Many will make a shopping budget, but what about making a time budget? Before accepting every invitation this year, decide ahead how many parties you can and want to attend while maintaining your sanity. Make choices about your time commitments based on what you'd really like to do this year, rather than what you think you should do or what you've always done. Don't forget to leave time for yourself.
3. Set Food-Intake Boundaries
You'll likely be tempted to eat in excess, and don't be too hard on yourself if you don't stick to your pre-holiday eating standards. But do decide ahead of time just how much you'll deviate from your eating routine.
4. Stick to Your Exercise Regimen
Regular exercise is a powerful stress buster. You'll feel better, sleep better, avoid weight gain, boost your immune system, and maintain a positive outlook about yourself. While it may seem like an easy time concession to make, don't give in to the idea. Stick to exercise, and you'll thank yourself for it.
5. Take Time to Rest
Take time from your schedule to honor the cycles of the season. The holidays fall during winter solstice -- the shortest day of the year. Learn from nature, and get plenty of rest.
Easing Holiday Angst
Five Stress Busters for a Joyous Season
You enter the holiday season with the best of intentions -- looking forward to time spent with family and friends, decorating, shopping, baking. But as soon as you pile holiday activities on top of an already busy life, you're likely to find yourself relating more to Ebineezer Scrooge than Martha Stewart.
Consider these five suggestions to keep holiday stress at bay:
1. Determine a Shopping Budget
For many, gift giving is an important part of the holidays, serving as a way to express love and appreciation for friends and family. But when the credit card bills arrive in January, you may discover you've extended your holiday stress well into the New Year. Plan your budget in advance, determine what you can spend, and stick to the plan.
2. Create a Time Budget
Many will make a shopping budget, but what about making a time budget? Before accepting every invitation this year, decide ahead how many parties you can and want to attend while maintaining your sanity. Make choices about your time commitments based on what you'd really like to do this year, rather than what you think you should do or what you've always done. Don't forget to leave time for yourself.
3. Set Food-Intake Boundaries
You'll likely be tempted to eat in excess, and don't be too hard on yourself if you don't stick to your pre-holiday eating standards. But do decide ahead of time just how much you'll deviate from your eating routine.
4. Stick to Your Exercise Regimen
Regular exercise is a powerful stress buster. You'll feel better, sleep better, avoid weight gain, boost your immune system, and maintain a positive outlook about yourself. While it may seem like an easy time concession to make, don't give in to the idea. Stick to exercise, and you'll thank yourself for it.
5. Take Time to Rest
Take time from your schedule to honor the cycles of the season. The holidays fall during winter solstice -- the shortest day of the year. Learn from nature, and get plenty of rest.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Why oh why?
Being in the business of stress reduction, among other things, I have a peeve. One that must irritate others as well. I am sure I will feel better after my little diatribe!
Before the Halloween season was even in full swing, Christmas merchandise was finding it way onto store shelves. Why? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas and I love the season. The food, the decor, exchanging gifts, and Christmas music make it all perfect. However, seeing decorated trees and giant lawn inflatables in October gets to be a little bit too much.
Retailers, in an effort to beat each other to the punch and gain an extra dollar before the competition, ruin the holiday for us. By the time December 25th rolls around I am SICK AND TIRED of Christmas. I can't wait for it to be over and take my tree and decorations down.
Lest we not forget Thanksgiving Day being overshadowed and squashed between Halloween and Christmas.
Before the Halloween season was even in full swing, Christmas merchandise was finding it way onto store shelves. Why? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas and I love the season. The food, the decor, exchanging gifts, and Christmas music make it all perfect. However, seeing decorated trees and giant lawn inflatables in October gets to be a little bit too much.
Retailers, in an effort to beat each other to the punch and gain an extra dollar before the competition, ruin the holiday for us. By the time December 25th rolls around I am SICK AND TIRED of Christmas. I can't wait for it to be over and take my tree and decorations down.
Lest we not forget Thanksgiving Day being overshadowed and squashed between Halloween and Christmas.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Various Massage Modalities
There are many different massage modalities. Which one is right for you? Which one do you think of when someone says massage? Here is a great article provided courtesy of Associated Massage and Bodyworks Professionals.
Bodywork Sampler
Ten Types of Somatic Methods, All Awaiting You
Nora Brunner
A rich garden of bodywork exists, to benefit you at the different ages and stages of your life. Getting the advice of your massage therapist, doing some research on www.massagetherapy.com, and seeking methods to which you are intuitively drawn are your best guides to finding what works for your body and spirit. No need to wait for a medical problem or a new high on the stress-o-meter to get on the table and into the hands of your massage and bodywork therapist.
1. Swedish Massage: This technique is typically the starting point for most massage training and client receiving. It involves five kinds of touching and is delivered to soft tissues by the therapist's hands, which are moisturized with massage oil or lotion. The kneading, rolling, vibrational, tapping, and percussive movements all work inward toward your heart and will stimulate your circulation. Among many benefits, Swedish massage will hasten healing of injuries, reduce swelling, and help dissolve scar tissue adhesions.
2. Deep Tissue: Often integrated with other massage methods, deep-tissue work is exactly what it sounds like. Once the outer muscles have been relaxed, the work goes deeper into the fascia, the deep, dense, connective tissue that helps join your body parts together. Deep-tissue work is an excellent remedy for chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitation, and reduction of inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis.
3. Sports Massage: Whether for professional athletes, active kids, or weekend warriors, sports massage has benefits for participants in the active life. For most people, sports massage is handy after muscle exertion to relieve stiffness and soreness. But anyone can borrow from the gym bag of the professional athlete, so to speak, especially if he or she is training for a major event like a triathlon. Sports massage can ease muscles that shorten and tighten to compensate for and protect injured areas. Massage of surrounding areas can relieve ripples of pain that expand from the injury site.
4. Chair Massage: Chair massage is provided by a trained professional, with you seated on a padded, ergonomically designed chair and is often delivered in a semiprivate kiosk, fully clothed, without massage oil, and purchased in segments from five minutes to 20 minutes at about $1 a minute. The focus is applying compression (pressure) to the head, shoulders, neck, back, and arms. Use chair massage for relief from long airplane rides, to relax shoulders weighted down by shopping bags or suitcases, or on your lunch hour.
5. Stone Massage: This modality is truly a hot topic. Stones are warmed and then placed on the body, as well as used as an extension of the therapist's hands throughout the massage. The placement of the stones can be aligned with chakras, meridians, and zones according to the energy system your practitioner follows. Stone work can easily be blended with other kinds of massage and can be a powerful healing and grounding force. It's touted as an effective remedy to ease pain, stress, anxiety, and overactivity. Your therapist may refer to improvements in your flow of earth element or to the function of your root chakra.
6. Geriatric Massage: Geriatric massage is a gentle approach tailored to meet the individual needs and comfort levels of seniors. For example, geriatric massage can be done with clothes on and may only address certain parts of the body. Massage for seniors also addresses the need for loving touch, an element that may be lacking in their lives. You can do a favor for the aging members of your family and book a professional massage for them.
7. Pregnancy Massage: Mothers-to-be can greatly benefit from pregnancy massage. It's worthwhile considering this as a baby shower gift for you or a friend to ease those backaches and swollen ankles. It can help a mother's changing posture and possibly the positioning of the baby in the womb. The beneficial relaxation chemicals a mother's body releases when getting a massage also flow to the baby. And once the baby is born, massage can help bring mother's strained body structure and physiology back into alignment.
8. Baby Massage: Right after that pregnancy, there's a special way for baby to get started on a lifelong enjoyment of massage. Practitioners can give, and teach parents, baby massage, which provides stimulation to little nervous systems, promoting brain development, and supporting that all-important parent-child bonding.
9. Reflexology: Reflexology works with the incredible system of nerves and energy meridians rooted in our feet, hands, and ears, which are connected to corresponding systems and organs. Reflexology is a smart way to work with health concerns not ordinarily reachable through regular massage, such as problems in organs or internal systems. This also goes for areas too damaged or painful to benefit from direct touch.
10. Energy Work: Receiving energy work may mean never being physically touched, keeping all of your clothes on, and remaining seated or standing. Despite this hands-off approach, recipients of energy work often report dramatic reorientations in how they feel and move in the world. Some of the more prominent methods are shiatsu, reiki, Zero Balancing, jin shin jyutsu, and Insight Bodywork.
There are new discoveries every day in the complex relationship between body, mind, and spirit. Whatever your path, keeping an open mind and listening to your body are the guides to your unique situation. Your health and wellness are up to you, so relax and let go of your stress. You deserve it.
For more information or to schedule an appointment visit Kneading Hands Massage.
Bodywork Sampler
Ten Types of Somatic Methods, All Awaiting You
Nora Brunner
A rich garden of bodywork exists, to benefit you at the different ages and stages of your life. Getting the advice of your massage therapist, doing some research on www.massagetherapy.com, and seeking methods to which you are intuitively drawn are your best guides to finding what works for your body and spirit. No need to wait for a medical problem or a new high on the stress-o-meter to get on the table and into the hands of your massage and bodywork therapist.
1. Swedish Massage: This technique is typically the starting point for most massage training and client receiving. It involves five kinds of touching and is delivered to soft tissues by the therapist's hands, which are moisturized with massage oil or lotion. The kneading, rolling, vibrational, tapping, and percussive movements all work inward toward your heart and will stimulate your circulation. Among many benefits, Swedish massage will hasten healing of injuries, reduce swelling, and help dissolve scar tissue adhesions.
2. Deep Tissue: Often integrated with other massage methods, deep-tissue work is exactly what it sounds like. Once the outer muscles have been relaxed, the work goes deeper into the fascia, the deep, dense, connective tissue that helps join your body parts together. Deep-tissue work is an excellent remedy for chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitation, and reduction of inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis.
3. Sports Massage: Whether for professional athletes, active kids, or weekend warriors, sports massage has benefits for participants in the active life. For most people, sports massage is handy after muscle exertion to relieve stiffness and soreness. But anyone can borrow from the gym bag of the professional athlete, so to speak, especially if he or she is training for a major event like a triathlon. Sports massage can ease muscles that shorten and tighten to compensate for and protect injured areas. Massage of surrounding areas can relieve ripples of pain that expand from the injury site.
4. Chair Massage: Chair massage is provided by a trained professional, with you seated on a padded, ergonomically designed chair and is often delivered in a semiprivate kiosk, fully clothed, without massage oil, and purchased in segments from five minutes to 20 minutes at about $1 a minute. The focus is applying compression (pressure) to the head, shoulders, neck, back, and arms. Use chair massage for relief from long airplane rides, to relax shoulders weighted down by shopping bags or suitcases, or on your lunch hour.
5. Stone Massage: This modality is truly a hot topic. Stones are warmed and then placed on the body, as well as used as an extension of the therapist's hands throughout the massage. The placement of the stones can be aligned with chakras, meridians, and zones according to the energy system your practitioner follows. Stone work can easily be blended with other kinds of massage and can be a powerful healing and grounding force. It's touted as an effective remedy to ease pain, stress, anxiety, and overactivity. Your therapist may refer to improvements in your flow of earth element or to the function of your root chakra.
6. Geriatric Massage: Geriatric massage is a gentle approach tailored to meet the individual needs and comfort levels of seniors. For example, geriatric massage can be done with clothes on and may only address certain parts of the body. Massage for seniors also addresses the need for loving touch, an element that may be lacking in their lives. You can do a favor for the aging members of your family and book a professional massage for them.
7. Pregnancy Massage: Mothers-to-be can greatly benefit from pregnancy massage. It's worthwhile considering this as a baby shower gift for you or a friend to ease those backaches and swollen ankles. It can help a mother's changing posture and possibly the positioning of the baby in the womb. The beneficial relaxation chemicals a mother's body releases when getting a massage also flow to the baby. And once the baby is born, massage can help bring mother's strained body structure and physiology back into alignment.
8. Baby Massage: Right after that pregnancy, there's a special way for baby to get started on a lifelong enjoyment of massage. Practitioners can give, and teach parents, baby massage, which provides stimulation to little nervous systems, promoting brain development, and supporting that all-important parent-child bonding.
9. Reflexology: Reflexology works with the incredible system of nerves and energy meridians rooted in our feet, hands, and ears, which are connected to corresponding systems and organs. Reflexology is a smart way to work with health concerns not ordinarily reachable through regular massage, such as problems in organs or internal systems. This also goes for areas too damaged or painful to benefit from direct touch.
10. Energy Work: Receiving energy work may mean never being physically touched, keeping all of your clothes on, and remaining seated or standing. Despite this hands-off approach, recipients of energy work often report dramatic reorientations in how they feel and move in the world. Some of the more prominent methods are shiatsu, reiki, Zero Balancing, jin shin jyutsu, and Insight Bodywork.
There are new discoveries every day in the complex relationship between body, mind, and spirit. Whatever your path, keeping an open mind and listening to your body are the guides to your unique situation. Your health and wellness are up to you, so relax and let go of your stress. You deserve it.
For more information or to schedule an appointment visit Kneading Hands Massage.
Monday, November 2, 2009
It is not a luxury!
One of my biggest goals as a massage therapist is to change the popular misconception that massage is a luxury. Massage is no more a luxury than getting a haircut or changing the oil in your car. Muscle tension, decreased range of motion, and musculoskeletal pain should never be accepted as a way of life. If you had a toothache would you just live with the pain or would you go to the dentist to get it taken care of? Of course you would go to the dentist, so why is neck, back, jaw, leg, groin or any other muscle pain acceptable? Why do you feel guilty about getting a massage to relieve those discomforts? It's all about changing our views of this 1000+ year old healing method. All around the world massage is a way of life, a widely accepted curative and preventative measure.
Our tag line at Kneading Hands Massage is .....more than relaxation! Because relaxation is only one of the beneficial side effects!
Our tag line at Kneading Hands Massage is .....more than relaxation! Because relaxation is only one of the beneficial side effects!
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