Back Pain

The National Institutes of Health estimates that almost 80 percent of the population suffers from back pain. Next to the common cold, it’s the leading cause of missed work days. Recently, new studies have been done to more conclusively show the benefits of massage for back pain.

New, high quality trials show that massage gives some relief from back pain that has continued for many weeks or months—and the benefit may continue at least a year after the source of massage is over.

Many hospitals and chronic pain clinics consider massage therapy an integral tool for back pain relief.

Research documented in a 2001 study led by Maria Hernandez-Reif, MD, and Tiffany Field, PhD, cited benefits that included decreased chronic low back pain, reduced depression and anxiety, increased range of motion and improved sleep. And in a 2001 study led by Daniel Cherkin, PhD, and David Eisenberg, MD, results showed therapeutic massage to be effective for persistent low back pain. The study also showed that the group of research subjects who received massage, as compared to traditional Chinese medical acupuncture and self-care education, used the least medication and had the lowest costs of subsequent care.

If you are suffering from back pain, and you haven't tried massage yet, what are you waiting for? Talk to your doctor, do your own research, and feel free to call me if you have any questions.

Weight Loss and Bodywork

Massage has several benefits that can help you achieve your weight loss goals. You can increase flexibility and range of motion, decreasing your chances of injury. Circulation is increased, moving blood containing vital oxygen and nutrients to the muscles that need it the most. This movement of blood allows the tissue to recover more quickly from your work out. Chemicals like Lactic Acid are removed from the muscles, decreasing soreness and allowing for quicker healing. Massage is a great way to increase physical as well as emotional health. Massage increases your sense of self worth, so you are more likely to maintain your exercise and massage routine. When you take care of your body with regular exercise and massage, you're more likely to make good decisions when it comes to things like sleep habits, and diet, both very important factors in maintaining a healthy life style.

"Massage to weight loss is like the padding on a steering wheel - you can do without it, but it makes it a lot easier and more comfortable to hang on to." -Jeff Mann, Massage Therapist and Personal Trainer

Chair Massage

I'm now providing chair massage at my studio. Chair massage is great way to try massage if you never have before. You sit in a funny looking, but very comfortable chair, fully clothed, and lotion is not required.
Sessions can range from five to thirty minutes, and at only $1 a minute, they can be a quick, affordable pickup during a lunch break, or anytime you just need a little attention. Chair massages are best for neck, shoulder, and back work, but most other areas are accessible for massage as well.
Chair massage has been shown to increase energy, productivity at work, and encourage self-care. Along with the many other benefits of massage including, relaxation, stress relief, and increased circulation.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call me at 801.368.9021.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage can be used as a very broad term. Some people say they want a deep massage, but then find they can only handle light to medium pressure. Some people think the deeper the better, they'll just "tough it out" to get the most benefits. In reality, a deep massage is relative to the person, and the therapist. Deep is deep for you, it's what you are comfortable with. The most amount of pressure you can handle while remaining relaxed and breathing comfortably. Communication is very important during a deep tissue massage. Over time, therapists usually learn to read their client's body language, and watch their breathing to determine if their pressure is too much. Occasionally though, this can be difficult, so if you are feeling too much pain and your therapist isn't lightening up, it's important to speak up. Contracting your muscles during a massage is counterproductive. Please feel free to do your own research, the following link is very informative, and as always, please call or email me with any questions you may have. Deep Tissue Massage.