Matt Winings (Indianapolis, IN) : Massage Therapist Of The Week.

Matt Winings, LMT

“Relax|Revive|Renew”

Matt offers in-call sessions at his studio in the historic Stutz Business Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. He completed his massage training at the Indiana Therapeutic Massage School of IUPUI. His goal is to help you to “unplug” from our ever-connected society long enough to get the much needed relaxation that you owe to yourself. Using integrated Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage techniques, Matt customizes each massage based upon individual needs whether the focus is for relaxation or pain management. He also offers Hot Stone Therapy and is a member of the ABMP. Matt likes to spend time outdoors camping, hiking and traveling with his two retired greyhounds.

 “Best massage! I felt relaxed 24 hours later! Total professional, nice environment, knew exactly what to do to relieve my back pain, fantastic value! I will continue to use Matt and recommend him to others” 

“Matt is very professional. Excellent Therapist! He relieved the muscle tension and pain from my recent trips to the gym, which helped clear the lactic acid build up which reduces stiffness in muscles and joints. He knew just the right pressure and technique. I felt like a new person, was ready to hit the gym once again!”

To contact Matt for massage see his profile

The Rotator Cuff : Injury and treatment

The weekend warrior season is upon us. Many of us take advantage of the warm sunny weather to engage in outdoor sports. Whether it is climbing, biking, hiking or team sports, we are more apt to push our bodies to the limits of physical exertion. Such exertion if we are not careful can lead to acute or chronic injuries. This summer, we at legitmassage.com will examine different injuries that we are all susceptible to and explain what we can do to avoid injury and what measures to take if we encounter an injury. We will address self-care (the kind of care that aids the healing process between massage sessions) as well as different massage techniques to address specific muscle and tendon injuries. This week we take a look at common rotator cuff injuries.

  What is the rotator cuff and what does it do?
  The rotator cuff is made of four different muscles called the SITS muscles that move and stabilize the shoulder joint, a ball and socket joint that allows the arm to move in many directions. Made up of the upper end of the bone of the upper arm (the humerus), the shoulder joint fits into the glenoid fossa of the scapula and is kept in place by the joint capsule and the labrum. The labrum is a series of cartilage bands that allow the shoulder joint to fit snugly. The SITS muscles are the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, and Subscapularis. They share attachments on the scapula and the humerus.

How is the rotator cuff injured?
There are many ways to injure a rotator cuff and they range from acute trauma to chronic overuse. Aging also plays a factor in rotator cuff injury. A fall or an accident can damage the rotator cuff as can overuse of the shoulder joint such as occurs with any overhead movement like throwing a ball, weight lifting or painting. Injury to the rotator cuff results in pain and spasm and limits range of motion of the shoulder joint. Other range of motion limitations results from the accompanying inflammation or swelling from the injury. Arthritis and calcium deposits and other aging factors also limit range of motion. When the rotator cuff is overused and undergoes poor mechanics, tendinitis may be the result. Tendinitis is marked by a deep pain over the shoulder during and after exertion, inflammation and decreased range of motion. Because the area where the muscle tendons attach to the bone, the musculotendinus junction, has a limited blood supply, tendon fibers can die and lead to weakening of the tendon and eventual tearing. 


Treatment: Treatment of the rotator cuff varies depending on the severity of the tear, tendinitis or any other condition as a result of the initial injury. If the cuff is completely torn, well then you may have already sought prompt medical attention. However, if the muscles are partially torn or strained then surgery or any other invasive procedure may not be necessary. The first couple of days after the injury or when pain first surfaces from chronic overuse, it is better to follow the steps of RICE: rest, ice, compression, elevation. Afterwards, massage and physical therapy are ideal treatments. In addition to exercise to strengthen and condition the afflicted muscle/s, massage will address the pain, the spasm, and range of motion limitations. Lymphatic drainage may be used to reduce swelling. Trigger point compression may be used to reduce muscle tightness and trigger points. Pain-free passive joint movements are used to maintain range of motion. After a few weeks, heat may be applied to the injured site as well as more direct therapy techniques to reduce adhesions and scar tissue such as direct friction to the muscles and tendons. In the meantime, between massage treatments which may range from two to three times a week for three weeks and then gradually decrease in frequency, a series of self-treatments such as hydrotherapy, stretches, and resistance exercise will keep you on the road to recovery. In the chronic stage of healing, six or so weeks after the initial injury, you may find a contrast bath to be soothing. Contrast bathing consists of 3 parts heat to 1 part ice or 15 minutes of heat to 5 minutes of ice. *Remember heat and ice are good, but too much of a good thing can become a bad thing* so limit the duration of hydrotherapy. Be mindful of stretching and strengthening and try not to do too much at once. This will also be a good time to change the mechanics and equipment that may have contributed to the injury in the first place. Re-education is valuable and combined with all of the other treatments will get you back in the game stronger and smarter than before. 


Kip Yates, LMT was trained at the Swedish Institute in New York City and is New York State and Texas State licensed. He is owner and operator of Massage Refresh in New York City where he provides Swedish wellness and recuperative Deep Tissue massage that encompasses myofascial release and trigger point therapy. Kip lives in Brooklyn with his wife and three children and also practices at Physiofitness Physical Therapy in Soho.

MASSAGE THERAPIST OF THE WEEK : CELESTE MAGNUSON (FORT COLLINS, CO)

Celeste Magnuson, CMT

“rejuvenate. nourish. cleanse”

Celeste, owner of Living Arts Wellness in Fort Collins, Colorado, trained at the Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado in Denver. Her therapeutic work focuses on wellness through lifestyle and a simple belief… rejuvenate the body with massage therapy, give the body the nutrients it needs, and clear away the waste allowing the body to heal itself. 


Living Arts Wellness offers myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, deep tissue massage, joint mobilization, and Swedish massage that assists with chronic and acute pain issues. Celeste furthermore received a certification as a Living Foods Lifestyle educator at the Ann Wigmore Institute in Aguada, Puerto Rico. Her holistic wellness philosophy also includes cleansing and detoxification, and she is an I-ACT instructor level colon hydrotherapist and nationally certified as a massage therapist. Celeste enjoys supporting her clients in their transformation and teaching them how to create lives of health and ease.

“In my estimation, Celeste is one of the most outstanding health professionals that I have had the opportunity to be treated by. I found her to be very professional. Celeste is knowledgeable and thorough. Being a Medical Qigong Practitioner and Energy Healer myself, I have had the opportunity to experience many health professionals and would rank Celeste one of those at the top of her field. Her knowledge on subjects such as massage therapy, raw foods, colon hydrotherapy and other health disciplines is vast. I highly recommend anyone to use Celeste's services as her Center is grounded and founded in Integrity.”

- Dr. Geoffry G. Hirose

“I have been battling a long time illness and Celeste has been a tremendous part of my healing process. She has been so patient with me and taken the time to understand what it is that I need from each session. Her professionalism is uncanny and much appreciated given the circumstances. She has a plethora of knowledge and is always ready to share any ideas with me in order to help me achieve better health."

-Amy L.

To contact Celeste for massage see her profile

Incall Massage vs Outcall Massage. Pros & Cons.

Although they seem intuitive, many people still struggle to understand clearly what actually the difference between these two offers is. What is more, some clients don’t even know the meaning of the two terms – incall and outcall. Hence the idea of this short article with which I’d like to bring some clarification to the subject and help you choose this option which will work best for you in your particular circumstances.

  Incall massage is the one that occurs in the massage therapist’s premises (clinic, salon, office etc.) and they can use all the facilities that this place offers. Outcall massage (also known as Housecall, Mobile or Onsite massage) occurs when the massage therapist needs to travel to the client’s place whether it’s their home, hotel room or office and the sessions are conducted in this changing environment, often new to the massage therapist.

 There are obvious differences between the two offers, the most prominent of which is the price of service.

 Incall option allows the therapist to use their time more efficiently as they do not need to travel and there’s very limited set-up time required. This option is therefore less expensive for the customer but they need to always cover the travel expenses themselves. Outcall option is exactly the opposite and depending on the distance to travel, the difference in price may vary from 20% to even 100%. An idea to keep the cost low may be for a few persons to receive massage at the same time in the same or similar location but note that some therapists would travel to only recommended contacts who often should also posses their own massage table. In addition, Watsu therapists will only make house calls to homes equipped with pools or hot tubs, since they need a pool for their style of bodywork.

 As far as the service itself is concerned, there are pros and cons of both options as well. During the incall massage session the massage therapist can precisely control the temperature, lighting, and music used during the session to enhance your relaxation. There are no disruptions or distractions e.g. ringing telephones, noises, children, neighbors, or other people or pets. All massage and bodywork techniques that the massage therapist uses, including Hot Stone Massage, are available during an incall session. It can often be combined with a range of other therapies. Outcall massage on the contrary offers you your own familiar surroundings where you can be close to people or situations that may need to be controlled. It is especially a good idea while visiting a new place as you won't get lost looking for the massage therapist's location. After your outcall massage you don't have to leave. There is no need to travel, you can just stay put and even have a nap while letting the relaxation sink in. It is generally more convenient and allows you save time and travel expenses.

 Whichever option suits better your particular needs and circumstances, it is extremely important to make sure you receive massage from qualified, professional therapists. To ensure both the safety and quality of service, it is wise to use recommended sources. An example is the legitmassage.com directory where you can choose a therapist by gender, location and price to fit your budget.

check out our new Massage Therapist of The Week Profile : http://blog.legitmassage.com/2012/05/24/massage-therapist-of-the-week-leigh-catlett-edinburg-va/

JANET LAWLOR (SAN DIEGO, CA) - Massage Therapist of The Week

Janet Lawlor, LMT

“Pain Free ~ Naturally”

J
anet, a graduate of Mueller College of Holistic Health Therapies, owns and operates Center for Bodywork Therapies in San Diego, California. Working with the body's built-in mechanisms and innate wisdom to protect and heal itself she encourages the body to let go of long-held (or newly built) patterns of stress thus relieving pain. Janet specializes in Proprioceptor Neuromuscular facilitation and other physical therapy release and restructuring techniques as well as Energy work through Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine applications, Reiki and QiGong healing. Additionally, she offers Craniosacral therapy, Myofascial release, Aromatherapy and Hot Stone massage. and Facial rejuvenation. Janet is Nationally and a California State certified bodywork therapist as well as a Certified Yoga instructor and Certified Reiki Master Teacher. A Professional member of the AMTA, Janet is a member of the San Diego Sports Massage Team and a former therapist for the National Football League’s San Diego Chargers.

 “This lady is next to walking on water!! Her knowledge, techniques and ability to find and address concerns is amazing. I have had numerous massages & then I found Janet.”

-Roberta Cox-

“I have a bulged disc in my lower back and Janet was able to help ease the pain and get the rest of my back to loosen up when the pain had caused it to lock up. I most enjoy the therapeutic feeling when the service is done. I know that I can fully relax and actually have more flexibility in the areas that I was tight, sore, and basically could not move in.”

-Norene C.-

To contact Janet for massage see her profile

MAKE MASSAGE YOUR CLOSE ALLY IN THE FIGHT WITH INSOMNIA

It’s a no-brainer that massage has a positive effect on many aspects of your life. It can improve your health and boost your overall well-being. But can it also contribute to high-quality sleep you get? Resent scientific research shows that it can, and it can significantly!


Quality is as important as quantity

 ‘I need just 4-5 hours a day.’ ‘I’ll have a nap on the train to make up for it.’ ‘I’m going to lie in on Sunday and I’ll be fine.’ These statements sound as familiar to us as dangerous the results of such habits are for us. So how much do we really need to sleep a day and why? Sleep, along with healthy diet and regular exercise, is the third pillar which helps us keep the balance of our everyday lives. Insufficient amount of sleep or its poor quality can turn our mood levels upside down and inside out. But it’s not just about the mood. Getting a good night’s sleep is like hitting a reset button. It gives us a fresh start and the energy we need throughout the day. Also, because our brains are extraordinarily active when asleep, our learning and memorizing capabilities can be significantly accelerated. Thanks to good sleep, which is like food to our brains, we are also healthier and we look and feel better. We simply recharge our ‘batteries’. Interestingly, falling short of the recommended 7-8 hours a day is as harmful to our bodies as oversleeping which throws our body rhythms off completely. So don’t be mislead you can catch up on weekends!

The big enemy – insomnia


Insomnia is the most common sleeping disorder that affects many people and compromises the quality of their lives. It is the inability to get good quality sleep. It is not a disease as such but is a symptom of some underlying problems, whether physical (pain), emotional ones like anxiety, stress or even mental e.g. depression. The list of other possible other causes of sleeplessness is vast and includes such as: drinking too much alcohol, caffeine, overeating before going to bed, drugs, irregular work / schedule patterns, jet lag, disturbed sleep, financial or family problems, medication, overstimulation by media and electronic devices, natural aging processes and others. The results of sleep deprivation are as scary as harmful for us and are not limited to just visible symptoms of tiredness like slowness, problems with concentration or simply bad mood. We may become forgetful, make bad decisions and be very irritable but even more importantly, we are more likely to put on weight, develop type 2 diabetes, heart problems, hypertension and even stroke or other diseases like cold as our immune system is considerably weakened. Not only is our productivity inhibited but also our alertness is compromised dramatically increasing the risk of a road accident. And you cannot tackle the problem with simply sleep drugs. They may help for a short period of time but in the long run, you seriously risk becoming dependant on them.

Godlike massage be my resort

While alternative therapies should not be considered stand-alone treatment for sleeping disorders, some of them can be very good complements to a good sleeping routine. Massage (e.g. Swedish type) is undoubtedly one of the best options and when applied regularly by a professional, can successfully resolve many of the issues related to bad sleep. Especially in situations where sleep problems can be linked to body pain, numbness of extremities, joint stiffness, spasms or cramps or restless leg syndrome as it allows your body to relax by releasing tension and improving blood circulation. Massage can also reduce stress and anxiety and help you balance your nervous system. The best results are usually achieved when combined with reflexology and aromatherapy sessions as therapeutic properties of essential oils, particularly lavender, are second-to-none. So remember sleep and massage are perfect partners and are your best partners as well.

Massage Therapist of The Week : Nicole Desrochers (Fleetwood, NY)

Nicole Desrochers LMT

“Massage Therapy for a healthier life"

A graduate of the prestigious Finger Lakes School of Massage in Mount Kisco, New York, Nicole operates Head to Toe Massage Therapy in Fleetwood, New York. Nicole has maintained a faithful patient base out of two Westchester County chiropractors’ offices as well as makes in-home visits. She provides nurturing treatments of therapeutic massage and bodywork for the enhancement of health and well-being to promote relaxation and self-healing. Using a wide variety of massage techniques, her special focus is on clinical massage and helping those who suffer from chronic pain. Nicole is a Professional Member of American Massage Therapy Association and is New York State and Nationally Licensed.

 “Nicole is an excellent Massage Therapist. She is professional, personable and very knowledgeable. Since beginning my sessions with her, I no longer suffer from neck pain. I book appointments every month and recommend her to everyone I know.”

- Gladys

“I had back pain when I first came to see Nicole. I have only been seeing her for a short while and my back pain has substantially subsided. I'm a definitely going to make this a part of my health maintenance routine. The prices are very fair, lower than most in the area, and worth every penny!”

- Tim

To contact Nicole for massage see her profile

Band on the Run: Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome

The warm weather season is finally upon us. This is the time of year when we start preparing to present our summer beach bodies and shed our winter stay inside bodies. This means eating healthier and getting more exercise. We dust off our bikes and dig our running shoes out from the back of the closet and set off on a journey to a healthier, better looking self. We need to exercise caution and ease into these things but sometimes we forget that we are mere mortals and push ourselves and our bodies to the limits. For long distance runners, this could mean a number of maladies. Long distance runners suffer blisters on our feet, chafing of the thighs, sore and achy muscles, or worse. One of the more prominent injuries that runners sustain is ITB Friction Syndrome. IT What? The ITB is not the Italian Transit Bureau or the Irish version of KGB. It is the Iliotibial Band sometimes referred to as the Iliotibial tract.

The ITB is a dense fibrous band of tissue that stretches from our hip alongside the outside of our legs to the knee. Not a muscle but a long band that extends from the ASIS (the frontal hip bone) and the Tensor Fascia Lata or TFL for short and you want to avoid sounding like you are ordering the latest trendy drink at Starbucks. The ITB is superficial or on top of the most outside muscle of the four muscles that make up our quadriceps muscles or the quads as you have probably heard them called in a gym. The band runs along the side of our leg and inserts onto the lateral condyle of the Tibia. Along with the Gluteus Maximus ("the butt muscle") the ITB is a knee stabilizer. When the knee is extended, the ITB is in situated in front that big bump on the outside of the knee just above the patella or knee cap (the lateral femoral condyle). When the knee is flexed 30 degrees or more the ITB finds itself behind the lateral femoral condyle. So as you can imagine, repetitive flexing and extending the knee as runners, cyclists, and other athletes do as well as anyone who walks up or down stairs, the passing back and forth of the ITB rubs the condyle and friction results. Hence the name, ITB Friction Syndrome!

ITBFS is an overuse injury that affects men and women equally, though women have a slight disadvantage due to gender anatomical predispositions of the thigh and knee resulting in other conditions such as knock knees and internal tibial rotation. It affects mostly 15 to 50 year olds, read: active runners. The increased tension of the band results in increased irritation and swelling results as does outside knee pain. Pain is sometimes found at the hip bone on the side of the leg as well. The pain is light at first but worsens with activity. As previously mentioned, runners are more susceptible to ITBFS and it is likely to affect long distance runners more than short distance runners as the stance phase of running is utilized more by the former causing more tension to the band. Sometimes you may hear a popping noise as the band passes over the condyle. In addition to runners or cyclists, people with pronated feet or feet that are turned inward are susceptible to ITBFS as are people with weak hip abductors like the gluteus medius and TFL. These are the muscles that allow you to lift your leg to your side and if these muscles are weak, the ITB and TFL take on higher forces.

Massage Therapy is very effective at treating ITBFS and secondary conditions as a result of tight ITBs such as low back pain and sacroiliac joint hypermobility. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce the tightness of the fascia and treat any trigger points that may be referring pain to the hip or the knee. Massage Therapy will also address any facial restrictions and adhesions and reduce any swelling that is present with manual lymphatic drainage techniques and hydrotherapy or ice. Finally, passively stretching any shortened muscles will help reduce or eliminate ITBFS symptoms. Using a foam roller between treatments is a great way to keep those muscles loose and stretched as well. So as you are working yourself into shape this spring, eat well and take in plenty of fluids and remember if anything starts to hurt, stop the activity and seek rest or treatment or both. See you at the races!

Paul Lofgreen (Henderson NV)- Massage Therapist of the Week on Legitmassage.com

Paul Lofgreen, CLMT, BSBA

“Specializing in Therapeutic Massage Modalities”

Paul graduated at the top of his class from Nevada School of Massage Therapy. The proprietor of Mountain Top Wellness Center in Henderson, Nevada, he offers high quality massage for simple relaxation and pain alleviation. He is skilled in Sports Massage, Pre and Post-natal Massage, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Cranial Sacral Therapy and a host of other techniques and modalities.

Paul is a Certified Chi-To-Be! Experience Coach and an accomplished Aromatherapist.

Nationally Certified by the NCTMB, Paul is licensed in the State of Nevada, Clark County,Las Vegas City, and Henderson.

“I can honestly say Thank you. I am not saying he healed me, but I am saying he knew what to do and how to help me. As long as I keep up the exercise He implemented I have not had a recurrence.”

Ethel P

“I had pain in my shoulder for almost a year, nothing took it away. After a massage session with Paul the pain was gone and has been for over two months now! I can sleep again without waking up with my arm numb! “ ML

“My Chiropractor recommended I see a Massage Therapist to help with my "frozen shoulder". After just one session with Paul I now have increased mobility. “ JY

“Being a MOM can be stressful. When my stress is up my children get the brunt of it. Paul makes the stress disappear and my children benefit. “ RG

After a 10 minute session at a Senior Health Event, "You are not a massage therapist, you are a healer. It takes one to know one." Anonymous

“The Sports Massage has increased my mobility and I can play better on the football field. “ JB

“I recently had instructions from Paul concerning my sciatic nerve. I truly was in pain for over a 2 week period. Paul, gave me 3 simple exercises to do to relieve the pain and to practice. It took 4 days for the pain to be gone. But It did go away. He also instructed me to be calm and to practice a better state of relaxing when I can. “

To contact Paul for massage see his profile

The Ins and Outs of the Massage Intake Form

In the March 5^th edition of LegitMassage.com we highlighted several things to know before your Massage session and briefly touched on the topic of the Client Intake Form. Today, we discuss in more depth the importance of the Intake Form and what information it should contain in order to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. First, why is the Intake Form important?

• The Intake provides any necessary information that the therapist may need to know to effectively assess an issue and address with a personalized treatment plan.
• Because different issues and ailments vary from person to person, treatments will vary as well. What may be an effective treatment plan for one person may not be as effective for another. The Intake Form is the blue print of how to build a healthier structure.
• The Intake Form provides information to the therapist as to what focus areas to concentrate on. It allows you to take an active role in your own treatment plan and develop a priority of what needs focus.
• The intake gives the therapist an idea of any contraindications to avoid during the treatment. Many times the intake will reveal any allergies that you may have as well as any accidents or injuries you have suffered in the past that the therapist needs to know about. Like that dislocated shoulder you suffered in 6^th grade!

Next, what information does the Intake Form need to contain?

• At the very least, the intake should ask for a brief review of your medical history and include any current medications as that is important for the therapist to know. This includes any accidents, injuries, surgeries, or other medical conditions the therapist needs to know about.
• Any current issues or ailments should be addressed in the Intake Form. This gives the therapist an idea of what kind of treatment you desire. If you list sore Iliotibial Bands or ITBs on your Intake Form, the therapist will know that you are looking for more than a stress relief/relaxation massage and instead may benefit from deeper tissue work to the hip flexors as well as knee extensors and antagonist knee flexors, etc.
• Your contact data should be present on the form. This includes a contact phone number and email address. Home address, other phone numbers, and date of birth may be optional information as well.

Some Intake Forms include body maps and assessment charts. This enables the therapist to track any trigger points, ranges of motion, chart strengths of muscles and note any tissue characteristics. Maps and charts further increase the effectiveness of the treatment plan. I have sometimes seen longer Intake Forms that provide a detailed check the box list of many different and various pathologies. Others may include an area for the patient to chime in on their own preferences as to what kind of massage they like and any areas to key in on or avoid. Some states require that you sign a confidentiality disclosure as part of the Intake Form. If insurance is accepted, a HIPPA agreement is mandatory and is often filled out at the beginning of treatment. A HIPPA or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 basically ensure confidentiality and limits who has the right to see healthcare information. Licensed Massage Therapists use the initial interview as the beginning point to a successful treatment plan. The Intake Form is the first bit of information that we learn about you. As the therapeutic relationship develops, we file the form of initial information and build upon it with a subsequent form called a SOAP note to track your progress. A SOAP form contains information that you tell us, information we observe, anything we assess during palpation or treatment, and lists what we did during our session. Hence SOAP, Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan. Intake Forms and SOAPs vary as do treatments. A commonality is the process and keystone in helping to render a healthier you.

Massage Therapist of the week : Jennifer Thomas (Cranston,RI)

Jennifer Thomas LCMT

"A Touch of Tranquility Massage Therapy"

Jennifer is a 2001 graduate of the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Worcester, Massachusetts. She opened A Touch of Tranquility in 2004 in Cranston, Rhode Island where she specializes in Deep Tissue and Swedish Relaxation massage and offers Hot Stone therapy and ear coning/candling. Additionally Jennifer is certified in Pregnancy Massage and Myofascial Release and Nationally Certified by the NCBTMB and is a Professional Member of the AMTA, as well as the American Pregnancy Association.

Jennifer is 1998 graduate of Rhode Island College with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

“Jenn Thomas is a master of deep tissue massage in Cranston. I have slight scoliosis (and a bunch of stress) and Jenn just works her magic on my back every time. I feel like a new man after every massage session with her. I've tried a few other massage therapists in the area but they didn't work out for me for one reason or another. I recommend A Touch of Tranquility for anyone needing or wanting the best 60 minute massage in providence or Cranston area.”

-Jimian-

“Excellent!!!! Jenn is amazing. She is a true professional. She takes the time to listen to the concerns of her clients, offers very insightful suggestions and remedies, and knows the exact location of the points that need massaging. I am a very satisfied returning customer and haven't visited (or needed to visit) any other therapist in the past 8 or 9 years. She is truly amazing and the quality of her massages is A++. I highly recommend her.”

-Bob-

To contact Jennifer for massage see her profile

THE MANY FACES OF PAIN

Pain experienced anywhere in the body is not fun. Pain, however relative, affects different people in different ways. What may be excruciating for one may be a walk in the park for another. This is why when medical professionals are assessing pain; we use a 1 to 10 scale because what may be a 6 to me is a three to you. Yet this seems to be one of the toughest self-assessments to make. Characterizing your pain is not easy. There are many words to describe how you are feeling and this makes communicating your pain to your therapist or physician that much more difficult. I hear words like “weird” or “funky” to describe qualities of pain and I hear phrases like “I don’t know, I guess a little” or “not that much” to describe degrees of pain. The following is a helpful set of guidelines to aid you when attempting to describe your condition to a health professional.

• Numbness- used to describe a tingling feeling such as you may feel when a hand or foot “falls asleep”. Most likely caused by compression of vascular structures or nerves. When this happens, blood supply or nerve conduction is slowed and results in a “pins and needles” feeling. Most of the time, this is felt in the extremities.
• Burning pain- is difficult to quantify because essentially you know it when you feel it. However, most burning pain is attributed to issues to our autonomic nervous system which innervates our organs. Hence burning pain is usually felt deep and diffuse or widespread.
• Sharp- this pain is almost always attributable to a nerve root being injured. Have you ever bent over to pick up something and your mind immediately said, “Stop right now what you are doing” accompanied by pain? That is most likely caused by a nerve root becoming impinged by a vertebra such as pain with a herniated or slipped disk. Not to be confused with…
• Lightning-like- which is the type of pain you might feel in a terminal or peripheral nerve injury. I imagine that this pain is not only sharp but jolting, convulsive. The movie 127 Hours did a magnificent job in characterizing this type of pain when James Franco, playing the hiker who saved his life by cutting off his forearm to free himself from the boulder under which he was trapped. Watch that and when he severs the nerves in his arm, you will get a feel for lightening –like pain.
• Throbbing- a pulsing type of pain most likely associated with vascular structures as tight muscles may be affecting circulation.
• Dull/aching- almost always associated with muscle, joint, or ligament pain. This type of pain is generally difficult to localize and usually affects more than one structure. This is the type of pain more often but not exclusively treated by licensed massage therapists.

The numbering system is also sometimes challenging to get a grasp of but it is also universal in its application. The Numerical Rating Pain Scale is numbered 0 to 10 and offers the guideline of 0= no pain whatsoever, 1 to 3 is mild pain, 4 to 6 is moderate pain and 7 to 10 being severe pain. Before a treatment is applied the pain number is recorded and again after the treatment is applied. I find it an excellent tool in assessing a treatment plan’s feasibility. The pain is ranked depending on how they subjectively feel. Because pain is subjective, the individual rating of pain is all over the chart. For me, a 1 is an insect bite. I feel it but it does not affect me in a huge way. Bumping my funny bone however, ratchets my pain to a number 3. Stubbing my toe, a 4. Breaking my hand to catch a baseball bare handed, a 6. My wife says I act like a big baby when I am sick so I will quantify the pain associated with nausea and stomach cramps a 7.Whatever your degree or quantity of pain or your quality of pain, knowing how to speak with a health care professional about it is key to understanding and treating it appropriately. Being in tune with your pain and effectively communicating it makes formulating a treatment plan that much easier. Think of it this way, pain is the body’s way of saying it needs help and relief. What better way to answer that need quickly than to articulate that pain.

Alejandro Gomez - Massage Profile of the week - legitmassage.com

Alejandro Gomez LMT, NMT, MLD-CDT

"Neuromuscular Therapy & Lymphatic Drainage"

A graduate of the Praxis Institute in Miami, Florida, Alejandro operates out of Inspiration Spa in Miami. Alejandro is certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Neuromuscular Therapy and offers Swedish massage, Deep Tissue massage, Sports massage, Reflexology (foot and face), and Chair massage at Inspiration Spa,Dolphin Mall Miami, and Miami area homes and offices.

Additionally, Alejandro speaks English, French and Spanish.

  "First massage ever and I loved it!! At first I felt kinda uncomfortable with the idea that he was a guy but I am regularly at Inspiration Spa and I would always see people walk out of the room after a massage with Alejandro and they all just seemed so pleased. I finally decided to gift myself a massage on the day of my birthday and I could't have made a better decision, he was really professional and respectful. I came out very happy and relaxed, he transmits a really good energy..I definitely recommend him!" – Grether

To contact Alejandro for massage see his profile on legitmassage.com

Seasonal Allergy Sufferers, Rejoice! Massage Can Help

Spring is finally here. The Cherry Trees at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden are in full bloom, the mourning doves that nest in the tree on our terrace have returned from their excursion south, and the daffodils planted last fall on the Pratt University campus are blossoming. It is a really beautiful time of year but if you are a seasonal allergy sufferer you may wish for this time of high pollen and other seasonal allergens to quickly pass by. Though old man winter was gentle to us in the Northeast this year, there is no guarantee that Lady Spring will be. I have seasonal allergies. Admittedly, they are worse in the fall than during the spring but where I used to take conventional allergy medications and pray for that first big April rain to wash away the allergens or the first freeze to kill them, I now consider other treatments a viable option. I receive regular massage and my allergies are not as bad and I find that the massage treatment lasts longer than a pill.

To first understand how massage therapy can alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies; let’s first understand what seasonal allergies are. An allergy is simply an adverse physiologic result of our immune system to any allergen. Without going into too much detail, we get a whiff of too much pollen and or body begins to release histamines to combat the allergen. The release of histamine however, causes inflammation and injury to tissue. Conventional treatments and medications contain antihistamines or drugs designed to block the actions of our natural histamines. The problem with antihistamines and other conventional treatments such as steroids and decongestants are the unfavorable side effects. There are warnings on allergy medications not to operate heavy machinery as drowsiness may occur. Heart palpitations and arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats may also occur as a side effect to these drugs. Another problem with conventional treatments is that they do not last long. You may have to take another pill in another 6 hours and most medications do not last twenty-four hours. This is why we at LegitMassage advocate regular massage from a licensed massage therapist to help alleviate your seasonal allergies.

How does regular massage help and how long does the effect last? We already know massage therapy decreases stress, increases circulation and releases muscle tension. We also understand that while there may not be much research in the matter of how massage therapy benefits seasonal allergy or yearly allergy sufferers, we have scientific proof that the release of histamines is exacerbated by stress. A 2008 study by Dr. Rosalind Wright at the Harvard Medical School, concluded that responses to stress “may influence the expression of immune-mediated disorders such as asthma as well as enhance an individual's susceptibility to other environmental factors that may also contribute to asthma risk” (Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology March 15 2008). In addition to inducing a relaxed state in which the body is freed to operate more smoothly and optimally, massage therapy addresses physical symptoms as well. When you cough or sneeze, you engage your ribs, neck, shoulders and spine and when you undergo a sneezing or coughing fit as is customary with seasonal allergies, your body can be thrown out of alignment. Remember when Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs had to go on the disabled list for spraining a lower back ligament while sneezing? Additionally, sinus trigger points reside on the neck in the SCM. Recall that the SCM or sternocleidomastoid muscle is the muscle that enables one to glance down for a dropped coin and deeper trigger point therapy to this muscle will address pain that is referred to the sinuses. One of the bonuses of massage for your seasonal allergies is that there are no dangerous side effects. Feel free to hop of the massage table and go back to work as a fork lift operator. Another added benefit is that massage last longer than conventional treatments – oftentimes weeks longer.

There are other complementary and alternative therapies to turn to for allergy relief as well. Reflexology encourages sinus drainage and helps to decrease inflammation brought on by histamines. Shiatsu or finger pressure uses acupressure to address specific points on the body to alleviate allergy symptoms. As with any condition, if you are taking prescribed medication, massage and other therapies are not a replacement therapy but a conjunctive therapy. So enjoy the blooming flowers and blossoming trees this spring… I know I will.

source: http://blog.legitmassage.com

The Carpal Tunnel and Its Many Avenues

Do you, like the vast majority of the human population, operate a computer from time to time? Have you ever experienced discomfort in the wrist and forearm from too much time typing your many emails, status updates, blogging and what have you? The pain probably went away after you stepped away from the computer and did something else. The discomfort or pain is your body’s way of saying “answer that request later” or “step away from the computer and back up slowly partner.” Many times it is not as easy as that. Modern technology has placed at our fingertips many diverse jobs that require long hours in front of our desk and in front of our computer screens. Deadlines loom as projects must continue, numbers must be crunched, blog entries typed and then we spend an inordinate amount of time at our keyboard. You are most likely reading this at a computer screen right now. Stop and take a look at your hand position. Your wrists are probably a little extended just resting your hand on the keyboard page-down arrow or flexed over the mouse that will enable you to move to the next screen. Imagine holding these positions for hours at a time, repetitively throughout the days and weeks. You may begin to experience tightness in the wrist and forearms and eventually compression of a nerve which would then lead to real pain and not just slight discomfort. If allowed to get out of control, the repetitive actions could result in what is clinically known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – a condition that results from median nerve compression in the carpal tunnel at the wrist. CTS is the most common entrapment syndrome in the arm… it is also one of the most misdiagnosed maladies in the arm.

There are many causes for CTS. Among the most prominent of which is the aforementioned repetitive flexing and extending of the wrist which can lead to swelling and the formation of thickening tissues and if left untreated, chronic fibrosis. Fractures of the wrist can also result in CTS as well as systemic conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypothyroidism. Many pregnant women as a result of swelling can develop CTS that may not resolve until the postpartum stage. There is some belief that a vitamin B6 deficiency which results in smaller connective tissues may be a cause as well. CTS often only seen in the dominant hand, exhibits thenar muscle wasting. The thenar is the muscle at the base of the thumb and weakness can result in clumsiness with simple tasks such as buttoning clothes or holding a mug. As a result of median nerve compression and subsequent malnourishment of the tissues, metabolic waste can build up causing fibrous tissues in the forearms- another CTS symptom. A differentiating characteristic of CTS is the presence of nocturnal pain that wakes you up. This is most likely due to sleeping with the wrists in a flexed position and compressing the median nerve. It is important to note that it is not only computer workers that are susceptible to CTS. Butchers/meatpackers and assembly line workers are vulnerable to CTS as well as anyone who repetitively uses their hands... massage therapists I am looking at you.

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory's or in worse cases steroid injections but it is also important to point out that with any steroid injection, the pain relief is temporary and overtime rendered less effective. Splinting may be prescribed for CTS and in severe cases surgery may be necessary. This is the part where misdiagnosis becomes a scary reality. Often CTS is diagnosed with electromyography (EMG) which measures nerve conduction and if the median nerve shows a diminished conduction time, the patient is slapped with a diagnosis of CTS. But could it be something else? There is a phenomenon called double crush in which other syndromes are involved and increase susceptibility to CTS. In some cases these other syndromes or issues are the actual and only cause of the pain and discomfort.

Pronator Teres Syndrome is also a condition in which the median nerve is compressed by the Pronator Teres muscle. The Pronator is a forearm muscle that enables you to move your wrist and forearm out of a neutral position and rest your hand on a flat surface (like a keyboard or assembly line or massage table). The pronator also makes dribbling a basketball possible. Unlike CTS, PTS is exacerbated by elbow movement and not wrist movement and pain is felt at the elbow. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a condition that not only involves compression of the median nerve but also the radial, ulnar and other nerves emerging from the brachial plexus as well as vascular structures that can become entrapped by tight muscles and tissues in the neck and chest or impinged between the clavicle and 1^st rib. Compression of spinal nerve roots for C6 and C7 can refer pain to the thumb, index, and middle fingers (also innervated by the median nerve), and the lateral forearm and produce biceps and triceps weakness with pain in the neck. In some cases, CTS symptoms may be only symptoms of a much bigger disorder. There have been documented cases where surgery used for CTS and was a complete failure because though CTS symptoms were present in the wrist, the actual problem was located further up the arm, in the shoulder or at the neck.

By now most of our loyal readers are probably wondering, “Ok, but what can massage therapy do to help alleviate these symptoms?” Massage therapy can be a great benefit to those who suffer CTS or any of the other above syndromes if the focus is on decreasing swelling and tone, and addressing any adhesions or trigger points that are present. By reducing stress and restrictions, massage nourishes fibrous tissues, maintains range of motion, and reduces the pain associated with CTS. If you are experiencing prolonged pain and numbness of the forearm, wrist, thumb or middle/index fingers, you may assuage the pain by running cool or warm water over the hand until you can see your massage therapist. It is out of the scope of practice for a licensed massage therapist to diagnose any condition so an EMG from your physician may be necessary. However, when it comes to relief from the pain and discomfort of CTS, there are many avenues to travel. Besides massage, acupuncture, physical therapy, and exercise are healthy alternatives to invasive procedures most of the time. Good luck and long may you use your hands.

source: http://blog.legitmassage.com/

Jeff Byrd LMT, CMTBW

"a massage experience that can help heal body, mind, and spirit."

Jeff founded Adobe Massage Therapy in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2010. Each patient at Adobe Massage Therapy receives a personalized treatment plan and Jeff works with your physician to insure that you are getting the exact treatment you need to produce optimal results. Using a range of Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Energy massage techniques, Jeff benefits the body, mind and spirit by improving circulation, detoxifying the body, relieving tension, improving digestion, enhancing muscle tone, and increasing mental alertness. A graduate of the Southern Nevada School of Massage Therapy in Las Vegas, Jeff provides massage and reflexology services to help people recover from automobile accidents, sports injuries, and workplace injuries caused by repetitive motion, poor posture, and poor lifting habits.

Jeff, a member of the AMTA, is currently enrolled at the Southern Nevada School of Massage Therapy Master Body Worker program and is licensed in both Nevada and New Mexico.

 “Jeff made me feel comfortable right away. I had a workplace injury that was interfering with my life. Jeff had an amazing technique that brought me relief after just one visit. I have been going to Jeff twice a month since, and now feel better than ever. Thanks Adobe Massage Therapy!”                                                                                                             -George P.-

“Jeff not only relieved my pain, it hasn't returned in the six months since my first Adobe massage therapy massage. This has brought me much joy, as it is the first time in twenty years that I can say that I'm pain free!”                                                                                                                                            -Mark M.-

To contact Jeff for massage see his profile on legitmassage.com