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

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

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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.

I got dem ol' post holiday shoppin' blues

Shopping got you tired and cranky? Rest, relax and rejuvenate at BGMT with a wonderful massage to help you feel like you're a new person.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from Ben Gustafson Massage Therapy
May you have a super New Year, also.

Thanks for choosing BGMT.

Many people never stop to consider that they feel older than their age. This happened to me in my early forties. The lack of energy, drive and stamina mixed with mental fatigue and ma laze I attributed to just getting old. However, with some simple life changes I suddenly felt much younger and could actually work harder, and smarter, than when I was young. Therefore, If you are in your thirties, forties, fifties or older here are a few things you can try to help you feel better and have more energy and zest.

* Improve your diet - Eat more fruit and vegetables while cutting down on sugar and simple starches
* Get some exercise.
* Do some community service-help others and forget about yourself for a while.
* Go to church and pay attention to what's going on.
* Exercise your mind-learn something.
* Get a massage at least once a month to help improve your circulation, relax tense muscles and relieve stress.

If you do the things listed above you should begin to feel a lot younger than your age. If not, check with your family doctor to make sure there are no medical problems involved.
"NUFF SAID"