PREGNANCY MASSAGE Massage for labour / delivery and for newborn infants was traditionally practiced by midwives and/or helpers. This massage positioned the woman and fetus during delivery and aided in expelling the fetus, and relieving pain. Massage can be performed prone (face-down) for months 1-4. Later it can progress to a side-lying position, with the…
When someone comes in with a long-standing problem that has not been resolved by another therapist, I ask a number of questions during my assessment, the answers to which lead to more questions (and answers) that help me formulate a treatment plan or plan of care. During my fact-finding mission, I look at …
Normally when patients make a request for specific treatment — usually for a neck and shoulder massage — it’s from spending WAY too much time at their computer or on their phone (text-neck). But these days, it’s also a plea to forget about COVID-19 at least for an hour or so. COVID-19 is …
With the weather finally here, we can get out there and enjoy ourselves without the prospect of injury. Here are some strategies to prevent an injury from becoming debilitating. RULES: 1. Know how the injury happened. Check skills and movement pattern, frequency of injury of the specific joint …
An excerpt from an article by Cindy McNeely in Massage Therapy Today: What made you decide to have your first massage? I suffered from back/shoulder/neck problems from years of working on a computer, plus regular migraines. Do you remember your first massage? Oh yes. It felt like my body was waking up and …
I always thought it was pretty straightforward in getting out of a chair. How difficult could it be? The challenge for many people especially those suffering from low back pain, is how to get out of a chair without adding more pain to your already tired and sore body. For those suffering with low back pain, it has …
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner (especially since I’m writing this on a cold winter’s day), I thought I would deviate just a little bit to give you some tips on creating a treat for you and your partner. 1. start on the lower legs, ankle and feet Using both hands, glide your hands Up from the ankle to the knee, while …
We (our profession), have been discovered! There was a great article in January/February 2019 edition of The Costco Connection on Massage Therapy, which gave a good overview on the benefits of massage that didn’t downplay our contributions to health care. The opening line: Many people consider massages a luxury. …
Whether you’re looking to lose weight, increase energy, reduce cravings, improve mood, or manage blood sugar levels, focusing on boosting your metabolism is the key to optimizing your success. Your metabolism is responsible for managing how your body uses energy. Ideally, your metabolism provides …
Do you ever wake up in the morning and say “Oh, my aching back!” You think back and wonder how did I get into this predicament. All you know is that you have a sharp, shooting pain radiating down one side and cannot move. Any type of movement brings on excruciating pain, and you just want …