People with neck and shoulder issues often have their pain return before their next massage appointment. Work, play, and children all make demands on the body. A dull ache can quickly turn into a burning pain while doing household chores, working/playing on the computer, or any of your other daily activities.
What can you do between professional massage appointments to take the edge off neck and shoulder pain? Try one or more of the following! Continue reading
Did you know: Bob Hope lived to 100 years old, and he and his family accredited that, in part, to the massages he got almost every day. Now, daily massage probably isn’t practical for most of us, but what about weekly or monthly visits? Massage is no longer considered a mere indulgence–it’s now proven to be an essential part of your health and wellness tool kit.
Frequent massage can have a great cumulative effect, but if life gets in the way, or maybe you’re brand new to massage, just one session can still provide relief to some common issues. Check out these three things massage can help you with right now.
(Updated 5/13/18)
Whether you are a mother, have a mother, or know a mother, Mother’s Day is time to honor those who’ve played this important role. Stepmothers, birth-mothers, and godmothers too. While there are as many ways of being a mother as there are moms in the world, one thing is certain: it’s a tough job, but a rewarding one. Here are some ways massage might be of service to the mothers in your life. Continue reading
The other day, a new client asked me if I ever did scalp massage. I said “yes, in almost every session,” and that she would be receiving one at the end of her massage. It turns out that, even though she had received a few massages over the years, she hadn’t ever had her scalp worked on! I’m always surprised if it gets left out, because it’s one of my favorite parts. It’s such a crucial area–especially for headaches and stress relief. I can hear it right now, though: some of you are saying “Wait, I have muscles in my scalp?!” Continue reading
…before you wreck yourself!
Hopefully, you have the day off today, but that doesn’t mean you’re not slouched at a computer or a smartphone! These little videos can help you adjust your posture while you’re on one your devices. As much as I would love to give you a great neck and shoulder massage after you’ve fallen for hours down the rabbit hole of the internet, it’s important to be aware of how you are positioned, because you can really get into a world of hurt. Make sure you also get up to walk around and stretch, and don’t forget to breathe! And while you’re at it, make sure you have a massage scheduled.
Today’s muscle is the psoas, the main muscle providing hip flexion.
“Psoas Major muscle” by Anatomography – CC BY-SA
Ok, folks! I hope you are having a good week. Monday and Tuesday were so busy and stressful for me…I felt a little like I was being tossed around in a big wave. I did get several things done, however. I gave a little speech about Thai Massage (which I have been assured was not as bad as I thought), changed my insurance plan (to make it less expensive and include my husband finally), and went to a networking meeting. Today I have a little rest, which means I will make a big pot of soup, and also finally give you the next installment of Muscle Monday, just a few days late! Today, the sternocleidomastoid! Continue reading
(10/4/16 UPDATE: I’m now in a different office, but it’s almost right next door…)
Well, it’s August, folks. How did that happen so fast?
After 7 years (3 of those involving a commute), I have decided to say goodbye to my friends, colleagues, and loyal clients at A Center for Therapeutic Massage in Gainesville. I love the town and the office, but it felt like it was time to focus my energies here in Jacksonville. If you are ever in Gainesville, and find yourself in need of an excellent massage, call the therapists at CTM–they are some of the best in the business! I’m so grateful for my time there, and for all the wonderful people I’ve worked on over the years. Gainesville has a special place in my heart. 🙂
I’m not sure how “new” this news is anymore, but back in the spring, I switched to a larger room in the same location–it has tile floor and lots of room to stretch out during Thai massages. 
In May, I painted the room a pretty mint green to freshen things up, and just recently, I’ve added some sheer curtains, a burbling fountain, and some new stuff from my old office in Gainesville. 
It’s looking and feeling really nice, and there will probably be a few more little tweaks coming up. The only constant is change, right?
Even the kitties like it!
So Teebs (the black and white cat) reminded me of my promise to tell you about one of my favorite massage books: The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook, by Clair Davies.
The subtitle is “Your self-treatment guide for pain relief,” and that is the truth. Basically, it breaks down the big red Travell trigger point manuals for the layperson, and gives symptoms, causes, and treatment for almost every trigger point of the body. I mentioned the Theracane yesterday, and that is one of the primary treatment tools. The book features many clear pictures of where to place the Theracane, the lacrosse ball, or the supported thumbs–whatever tool is best–for the most immediate relief.
Really, I can’t recommend this book enough. I refer to it several times a week for use with clients, and on myself at home. As you can see in the picture, I’ve added my own tabs for easy reference. As a massage therapist, I definitely suggest getting frequent massage, but in between, this book and some self-massage tools can often help life feel more bearable!
