Vocabulary Lesson

In the Jan./Feb. 2012 issue of the "Massage & Bodywork Magazine" (P.15) Kathleen Adams
wrote that one of her pet peeves is people referring to her as a masseuse instead of a massage therapist.

To me the term masseuse, a female providing professional massage, and masseur, a male providing professional massage are antiquated terms. And, even though they seem to have some nefarious connotation in the back of my mind, I was not able to find any dark definitions upon a cursory search on the internet. Yet, it seems some people, including me, seem to think the two terms have some sort of sexual connotation.

In conclusion, it is best these days to refer to legitimate massage therapists as being massage therapists. This is especially true when the therapist is providing legitimate and proper service to his , or her, clients.

Ben Gustafson; LMT
MASSAGE THERAPIST

"Nuff Said"

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

When making your resolutions and goals for 2012 consider getting a massage every month or two. This can help you feel your best as well as clear your mind for the work ahead.

Have a great year.
Ben Gustafson

Goldilocks Revisited

Goldilocks found the extremes of the things in the house unsatisfactory, while one was"just right." In biomedicine, too much or too little of the same substance does not produce the desired effect. Success lies within desired margins, not outside it. *Douglas Nelson, The Goldilocks Principle; Massage & Bodywork; Nov./Dec. 2011, p.86.

The Goldilocks Principle is important in massage therapy because every client is different and has their own likes and dislikes. Therefor, let your therapist know if they need to make adjustments in the following areas to make your massage a memorable one.

• Is the pressure too hard, too light or just right?
• Is the room temperature too cold, too hot or just right?
• Is the music too loud, too quiet or just right?
• Should the therapist refrain from talking during the session?
• Is there a light shining in your eyes too brightly?

Your therapist should be checking with you from time to time to make sure everything is all right. Please let them know if things are not all right.

"Nuff Said"

So, by abiding by the Goldilocks Principle and getting your massage session "just right" you will end your session with a smile on your face.

Fibromyalgia: Its a Pain!

A Spanish study showed that patients severely affected by fibromyalgia showed improvement in activity levels, grip strength, social functioning, and vitality after an eight-week program that included massage therapy, aerobic exercise, ischemic pressure on tender points, and thermal therapy. * Massage Eases Fibromyalgia; Massage & Bodywork Magazine; Nov./Dec 2011, p.16.

Other information suggests muscle imbalance causing a head and shoulder and/or hip forward posture may contribute to fibromyalgia. But, whatever the cause massage therapy has usually helped suffers of the malady find relief.

"Muff Said"

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

When spending long hours at the store looking for that perfect gift your legs and feet can get tired and ache. Furthermore, with the Christmas hustle an bustle your nerves can get frayed.

The Cure!

Thirty minutes of blissful Reflexology on the feet and lower legs can greatly calm your nerves and banish the pain from your feet and legs. In no time at all you are up and ready to have a Merry Christmas!

"Nuff Said"

Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year!

Neuroma Help

Neuroma - A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes that brings on pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot. American Podiatric Medical Association http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/Foot-Health/Brochures/Learn-About-Your-Feet/Neuromas.aspx

For more information on symptoms, what causes it or how to make it feel better go to:

American Podiatric Medical Association

You Tube Help

In conclusion, Get a massage and relax.

P.A.D. Revisited

I have posted about Peripheral Artery Diiese in the past; however, I want to make it clear that diet, exercise and massage can bring about positive health benifits to sufferers of P.AD. symptoms.

Diet-Keep your blood sugar regulate properly. This helps the body to heal itself properly and promotes better blood circulation.

Exercise-Helps burn blood sugar and encourages proper blood circulation.

Massage-Promotes proper blood circulation while encouraging healing of tissue. It also can be a help when begining your exercise program by soothing tight, soer muscels.

I have seen this type of program work wonders for those who use it. So, if you have problems wit P.A.D. please exercise regularly, watch you diet and get a massage. You'll be glad you did.

Heads Up!

Posture is an importune thing. While we may be able to get away with a little poor posture from time to time, poor posture over time can cause a lot of problems.

Having a “head forward and/or “shoulder forward” posture can cause pain between the shoulder blades and the spine as well as contribute to headaches. So, if the pain starts check your posture. Pull the shoulder blades closer together and hold your head up high while relaxing.

Also, this type of improper posture may cause or contribute to something called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. This happens when a certain area called the Thoracic Outlet is compressed by bones, muscle and other fascia surrounding it. This pressure pushes against a nerve bundle, an artery and a vein traveling through the Thoracic Outlet. Symptoms may be wide ranged, but there can be tingling in the hands, arms, shoulders or neck. There can be swelling of the arms and hands. Also, the hands may feel cold and be pale or bluish. If you have these symptoms check with your doctor first. Then, if he can find nothing wrong check your posture and see a good massage therapist familiar with TOS.

In conclusion, be kind to your body and your body will be kind to you.
“Nuff Said”

Massage Mind vs. Monkey Mind

Monkey Mind Defined

Are you one of the millions of Americans affected by monkey mind? Racing, random, internal chatter floods your brain when you're trying to sleep. Your mind jumps from thought to thought like a monkey swinging from branch to branch. In our fast-paced, multitasking society, our brains are trained to be alert at all times. But this level of intensity can take a toll on your health if you can't turn it off.1

Massage Mind Define

"When the brain is in this meditative state, it is able to sort through the clutter and focus on any areas that need it, allowing healing to occur at the cellular level," says Pat Crozier, a massage educator and therapist in Chandler, Arizona.

Comment

Going from ‘monkey mind’ to ‘massage mind’ can be the difference between night and day. Massage will not only help the physical body to heal, it can also assist in getting rid of mental fatigue as well as provide a possible emotional release. Thus, there is a healing of the mind, body and spirit.

In conclusion, to put it more simply, you feel better and can think more clearly.

"Nuff Said"
_____
1 Massagetherapy.com

. . . and Corn Flakes, too!

John Harvey Kellogg's accomplishments are impressive by any measure: Superintendent and surgeon at the Battle Creek Sanitarium2; inventor of [a] myriad [of] medical and surgical instruments; the man behind the discovery of the therapeutic value of electric light and sinusoidal current; founder of the health food industry at Battle Creek and last, but certainly not least, author of the ground breaking book The Art of Massage, written in 1885. [And hey, don't forget the inventor of Kellogg's Corn Flakes!]1

Notable massage quote:
Kellogg wrote the Art of Massage to, "eliminate the unnecessary and inefficient, and to develop and perfect those methods capable of securing most definite and prompt results."

Kellogg's quote has always been one of my goals as a massage therapist. In the field of massage therapy there is an almost endless supply of therapy styles and procedures. I am always looking for new ideas that can be used to help my clients find faster relief to muscular tension and pain as well as find a better piece of mind. That's why I always say, "At BGMT I'm always studying and striving to bring you a better massage.

1 Calvert, Jodi; John Harvey Kellogg: M.D. ; Massage Today, July 2011, page 14.
2 i.e. a convalescent center as well as health resort.

Laughter "IS" the best medicine

The whole world seems in turmoil. Disasters, calamities,strong rhetoric all combine to sap your strength and stress you out. And, when that happens your health suffers.

So, what can you do to relieve the stress?

One thing is to remember mankind has always had to face tough situations and it will be no different for us. So, don't take everything so seriously. Don't be a "Very Worried Walrus"-a reference to a character in the Sweet Pickles children's book series. You see the Very Worried Walrus always concentrated on things going wrong. He did this so much he was miserable all the time.

Now, it is important that we take care of things we are in control of, but remember we can't control everything. Learn to laugh at those things you can't control. If you can learn to do this you will feel better and be less stressed. A secondary aspect of laughing at uncontrollable situations is that people will like you a whole lot better because nobody wants to be around someone who is gloomy and sullen all the time.

Also, get a massage now and then. It can change your whole attitude for the better.

Massage - How Often?

Every person is an individual who has their own specific needs. So, it is difficult to give you a 'one size fits all' answer to the above question.

A General Rule of Thumb:

• In general getting a massage once a month or once every other month is fine if you usually have no problems but want to relax and de-stress occasionally.
• If you are physically active-or not active at all- and have occasional aches, pains and stress, at least once a month should be sufficient.
• If you have chronic soft tissue pain or chronic stress and your physician finds nothing wrong except muscular pain or stress, a little more frequency might be advisable. If the problem is localized in one area it can help to get shorter more frequent sessions. For localized acute problems the same can apply.
  
• If palliative care is needed its usually up to the individual to decide on the frequency they need to fit their finances as well as the relief they need.
• For armature athletes its advisable to get a full body massage at least once a month. Also, be aware that a massage can normalize your body three times faster than just sitting and resting after a really hard workout or an event.

""Nuff Said"

Is Massage Really Beneficial?

While getting a massage-regardless of how often- is incredibly beneficial to your mind and body, getting frequent massage treatments is even more powerful as a healthcare ally. "[Massage therapists] know that people who get massage regularly demonstrate greater improvement and notice a reduction in pain and muscular tension, as well as an improvement in posture, says Annie Williams, author of Spa Bodywork : A guide for Massage Therapists (Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. 2006) and education program director at Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals."1

I am frequently amazed at how well massage can benefit persons with soft tissue problems. Early in my career I had a client come in after running their first marathon-26 miles. The person was late for their appointment which was unusual because they were always early.

Finally, about twenty minutes late, I notice the client limping down the sidewalk. One shoulder was hunched up near their ear and there was a definite scowl on their face. After a brief discussion on where the worst problems were the hour session began.

When the session was over I watched as the client left that day. It felt great to watch them walk away with shoulders straight, no limp and a smile on their face.

At BGMT safe, affordable massage therapy can be a benefit to your mind, body and spirit helping you to have a brighter day.

Therefore, make an appointment today and see what massage can do for you!
__________

1. Osborne, Karrie. Massage Multiplied: Benefits of Massage Improve with Frequency, Body Sense Magazine, Autumn/winter 2009, page 11.

Muscle Release Techniques

Involves compression, extension, movement and breath to provide relief from pain. Used to treat carpel tunnel syndrome, chronic low back pain, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, tennis elbow, piriformis syndrome, etc.

Muscle Energy Testing (MET)

Finds muscle imbalances and joint dysfunction. Treatment can be through special stretching techniques to lengthen shortened muscles as well as other treatments.

* Amateur Athletes *

We are well into 2011 now with hope of the weather moderating some towards Spring. And, with the weather warming it will be time for outdoor sports. So, if you are an amateur athlete wanting to excel or just have fun, be sure and take care of your body. Its very discouraging, and just no fun, to sit on the side lines watching others participate while you have a painful injury. So, have you considered massage therapy to prevent or speed up the time of recovery of an injury that might occur.?

Massage therapy used to be something only professional athletes could afford. Now it is within the realm of possibility for almost everyone. This therapy is not only affordable, its almost essential to keeping you going by protecting against injury, improving your endurance and extending the years you can enjoy your activity. And, if an injury does happen, massage therapy can reduce your recovery time and get you back in the game.

So, take care of your body. Its the only one you have. Eat right, exercise and stretch your muscles and get a massage, today!
"NUFF SAID"
Ben

'POP!' Goes the Trigger Finger

Do you have a finger that stops in one spot and will not move unless you put a little more exertion into it, or do you have to move it with your other hand? When your finger gets stuck and you get it moving again is there a little 'pop'? Is there pain involved with this process? If you answer 'yes' to these questions you most likely have what is called trigger finger.
According to Ben Benjamin;PhD it is caused by inflammation of a flexor tendon or its sheath-a lubricated guide that keeps the tendon on its proper tack-that catches and holds the finger until it can 'pop' on through to the other side.1 It can be caused by over exertion, or the problem can be caused by repetitive motion.

What to do?

• See a licensed massage therapist who knows how to massage out the problem.
  
• Splint the finger to immobilize it and let it rest and take an over the counter analgesic to reduce the swelling.
• See a doctor who may inject the area effected with special medication to reduce the swelling.
• If nothing else works and the problem is severe and painful the doctor may prescribe surgery.
  

I have worked with clients that had trigger fingers. Even the skeptical ones have ultimately been pleased with the outcome of the therapy. So, if you think you have one or more trigger fingers see a licensed massage therapist and find out what they can do for you.

1 Benjamin, Ben E., Trigger Finger, Massage Today,
fa; 2007 www.massagetoday.com

A Worthy Subject-3

Is it worth putting up with that pesky pain that just won't go away?

• The results form the study on low-back pain, published in the 2003 Annals of Internal Medicine, showed that massage therapy reduced the patient's need for pain medications by 36 per cent, compared to other therapies, including acupuncture. This is great news for the more than 100 million Americans who experience low-back pain.
• Approximately 45 million Americans experience chronic headaches, and of those, more than 60 percent suffer from migraines. A 2006 study in The Annals of Behavioral Medicine showed that those who received massage therapy had fewer migraines for more than three week following treatment.
• There is a growing body of research that shows massage therapy can alleviate the pain of many conditions, including cancer, osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.1

_________________

Don;t let stress or pain rob you 0f your life. Get a massage and let the healing begin.
"Nuff Said"

1 Picciuto, Lee; "More Than A Luxury"; Body Sense Magazine, Autumn/Winter 2009, p.8.

A Worthy Subject-2

Is carrying all that stress worth it?

• According to a 2009 survey sponsored by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, 81 per cent of Americans are as stressed, or more stressed, than they were a year ago.
• Studies from the Touch Research Institute have shown that massage therapy effectively reduces stress and anxiety by lowering the stress hormone cortisol by up to 52 per cent.
  
• HR Magazine reports that employees receiving massage therapy at work are more productive and are less likely to take unplanned time off work.1

____________

So, is it worth it to allow that stress to continue? Or, would it be better to get a massage that is chemical free and good for you as well?

1 Picciuto, Lee; "More Than Al Luxury"; Body Sense Magazine; Autumn/Winter 2009, p.6.

A Worthy Subject-1

According to Body Sense Magazine, "One of the most frequently asked questions regarding massage therapy is if its worth the Expense."1

Answer

Massage is not just a simple back rub , nor is it just a "luxury" or occasional "treat." Research tells us that massage is a valuable component of a well-rounded health regime, combating everything from chronic pain to the negative effects of stress.
Some people are unaware of the great skill and knowledge that comprises a massage therapy education . . . [such as physiology, anatomy, business ethics, sanitary procedures, indications and contradiction to massage and more including continuing education requirements each year] 1

_______________

So, just ask yourself, " Is it worth it to put up with feelings of stress, tension, or pain? Or, would it be worth it to get a massage by someone specially trained to take care of these problems in an effective way." People who get either a monthly or bimonthly massage tend to feel better, be less stressed and have a greater feeling of well-being.
Get a massage today and see if its worth it.

1 Picciuto, Lee; "More Than a Luxury'; Body Sense Magazine, Autumn/Winter 2009, p.6.