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5/20/2021 1 Comment Why your posture mattersLet's have an honest discussion right now. How are you reading this? Are you hunched over your desk? Slouching on the couch with your neck bent down over the phone? Laying in bed reading this upwards and poking out your chin? If you answered yes to any of these questions keep reading, because you aren't doing your body any favors. TL/DR- Stand up straight, stop slouching, incorporate movement into your day, don't overload your purse or backpack, and see the professionals (that would be me, haha) to get a massage. I see it time and time again in my practice. My lovely guest is filling out their intake form and we get to the question "what would you like to work on today?". 9 times out of 10 what goes down on the form is T&S, which is my own abbreviated shorthand for "traps and scaps" or your trapezius and muscles of the scapula. Why are so many of us carrying so much tension here? One answer is stress and while that can be a BIG component, it's also about your posture (which can also be affected by stress, but that's a whole different post). In today's fast moving world, we are constantly on the go, multi tasking, and more often than not using our digital devices. All of these lead to some major postural issues. Let's look at something called "tech neck" which is when we lean over to compensate looking down at our phones or computers. For every inch you tilt forward, the amount of pressure on your spine DOUBLES. Yes, you heard that right, doubles. Then we have our slouchers. When you slouch on your couch (I feel a little like Dr Suess here), you put unnecessary strain on the discs in your lower back. You won't feel it instantly, but over time this creates wear and tear, as well as exacerbates in underlying postural conditions you may already have. We also have a big problem of carrying overloaded backpacks, purses and bags and creating even more strain. There is even a term for it now- handbag syndrome. So how do we fix this, and not only alleviate back pain, but prevent future injury as well? -The first is pretty obvious. Fix your posture. Stop the slouch, strengthen the core, hold your head up high. You know the drill, when your mama said sit up straight, that's what she meant. -The second is to add some gentle stretches and various movements into your day. Humans weren't made to sit still in a cubicle or at a desk all day. Take short breaks and do some chair yoga, take a walk around your building, touch your toes or do some sun salutations, calf stretches or raises while waiting in line, you get the idea. Find the time to do these "micro movements" through the day. They add up. -If you carry a purse or backpack make sure you aren't overloading it. It should never be more than 10% of your weight (and let's be real....I'm a mom and our purses/bags/Mary Poppins trunks can easily be much more). -Finally, and you knew I was going to say this one.....get a massage! Yes, it feels amazing, but more than that we are trained to relieve tension and knots, and release the fascia....which leads to....you guessed it, better posture. When you let your body relax, and release those points of pressure, you automatically are able to carry and align your body better. Not only that, we know our stuff(if I do say so myself), so don't be surprised when we give you "homework". Yep, we can help you find self care stretches and ways to alleviate the tension in between visits. If you are ready to come in, CLICK HERE, and it will take you directly to our online booking site. So...stand up straight, move a little more, and contact us today to book a treatment. References- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25393825/ https://www.healthline.com/health/lower-back-pain-when-sitting#causes https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5441201/ https://www.google.com/amp/s/time.com/5053206/heavy-purse-health-risks/%3famp=true
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10 things about massage that no one talks about, but should!
10- EVERYTHING is connected. If your lower back hurts, I'll probably tackle your glutes in addition to your low back. If your hand or wrist hurts, we would work your arm and shoulders too, etc. Pain can originate from different areas of the body and not just where you are feeling it. That's why when you come into our spa we go over a wellness plan and massage that's customized to YOUR needs. 9- Speaking of customizing your massage- You can 100% ask for extra work on certain areas, or not have any treatment on others. Want extra back work? Feel like you would rather focus on feet? Don't want your legs worked on? All of these, and more, are completely adaptable to your treatment plan during your time. As therapists our goal is to make you comfortable, relaxed and feeling better than when you came in, so don't be shy, speak up and let us know! 8- We really don't care if... You haven't shaved, you come in wearing sweats, you have scars, your body isn't perfect (hint- NO ONE'S is!), or anything else you think is wrong. You are perfect just the way you are, and as a therapist we honestly have seen everything. Our only goal is to have you feel better walking out than you did walking in. 7- Deep pressure isn't about making you feel pain! You shouldn't feel battered and bruised after a session. Deep pressure is just about what technique you use and how you apply it. The goal is wellness, and reaching that goal shouldn't involve pain. See the article below for more info. https://www.abmp.com/textonlymags/article.php?article=588 6- You can talk during a treatment or.... You can stay completely silent, you can even snooze! Totally your preference and as your therapist I'll go with whatever flow you set. You can even ask for certain music to be played, remember, it's YOUR massage, and YOUR time, and we are here to help you relax. 5. Prenatal massage is safe in all trimesters! It is a relaxing way to help moms to be and a proven safe treatment. Check out the studies and info. below. You can also check out my Facebook page HERE and see my reviews. Prenatal massages are one of my favorite massages to give! https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/massage-and-pregnancy-a-powerful-combination/ 4- Massage can change your mood. In clinical studies, massage has been found to help anxiety and depression. We really do ease stress, and guide you into wellness! https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/enhance-mental-health/ 3- It also helps you sleep! https://www.sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-health/prevailing-attitudes/massage-therapy-sleep/ 2- Massage is for all ages! We just have to adapt the routine to fit. Yes, babies, children, teenagers, adults, and elderly can all benefit from massage therapy. 1- Massage is one of the oldest forms of healthcare dating back to 3000 BC! https://www.naturalhealers.com/blog/history/ Interested in booking your own wellness package? Send us a message, or book your own getaway HERE , we would love to hear from you! 5/2/2021 0 Comments Weekend News RoundupHappy May everyone! We are so excited at all this beautiful new month has to offer at our spa! Starting this month, we will be transitioning our springtime dandelion detox treatment, into a summertime rose oil treatment. The same amazing exfoliation , thermal wrap, and relaxation massage, but with a hand infused rose and coconut oil replacing our dandelion oil. We also have several new services we will be offering, and can't wait for you to try them! We are expanding our line of complementary services, and in addition to offering aromatherapy, and hot towels during your massage, we will also have soothing eye pillows for our guests to help you relax even more. In the the shop, we will have new teas, oils, and yes eye pillows, available for purchase as well. Finally, we are giving all of our guests the opportunity to upgrade their massage with a hibiscus infused sugar foot scrub. An easy, relaxing way to treat yourself even further during your spa time! So now, how about what's new in the massage, and health world? The fun, the weird and the interesting... Tips on how to get a better nights sleep Dealing with foot pain? These products may help. Kinetic chain patterns, and why we treat the whole body. What are the chakras, and how to apply to Reiki? Add some spice to your life! New Journal Studies- Acupressure and reflexology reduce anxiety in hospitalized patients being treated for heart disease. Social Media Notes Have you seen our newest FREEBIE this week???? It's the last week of our Freebie Blitz so don't miss out! Dandelions are awesome. Yes, yes I do. Yoga for sciatic pain. |
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