FOOT HEALTH

While most people are concerned about their back, neck and shoulders it is important to remember the feet. This is especially true if you are on them for long periods of time during the day. With lots of use your feet become tired and sores. And, if they are not take care of they cane begin to give you all kinds of trouble that can begin to effect other areas of the body.

So, rub a little hand lotion on your feet and work it in sometimes. Additionally get your massage therapist to work on your feet when you go in for a session. This can get rid of soreness and that tired foot feeling as it improves the circulation in your feet a and lower legs.

Lastly, if you have diabetes foot care is extremely important, so get a massage and don't let 'de' feet get you down.

"Nuff Said"

Prudent Advice

I've seen numerous people with muscular aches and pains over the years. Most of them just needed a helping hand, or hands, to get them on the road to recovery and feeling their best. However, some had muscle imbalances due to different reasons, and some had repetitive movement injuries related to their job. In this second group I always try to give suggestions and advice on how to keep from re-injuring themselves. Here is some advice I give out a lot.

Combating Head/Shoulder Forward Posture
This happens a lot with students in college who study a lot Also, this occurs with people who have jobs requiring them to be hunched over a computer for long periods of time. This posture can cause the pectoral muscles in the chest to tighten up as well as cause problems to the rhomboids located in the upper back. And, when the rhomboids are constantly stretched without relief they rebel, become tight and cause lots of pain.
Here are some simple solutions:

• Place a post-it note on on the periphery of your computer screen saying, "Relax, Straighten up.
• Place a figurine, rock, miniature stuffed animal, etc. on your desk where you will notice it from time to time. When you do notice it check your posture.
• Both of the above ideas can be further used to remind you to take numerous mini-breaks while you are working. When doing this think of your posture. Pull your shoulder blades closer together to move your shoulders back, head up straight and positioned over the body, take a slow, deep breath and relax a few seconds. Then, get back to work.
• And, a massage once a month wouldn't hurt either.
  

"Nuff Said"

Nerve Entrapment Syndrome

A condition that results in continuous or intermittent compression of one or more peripheral nerves. Cause: Certain peripheral nerves are prone to compression because they pass through specific regions tthat are subject to the effects of pressure from surrounding areas, as in repetitive movements, for example. From: Premkumar, Kalyani; Pathology A to Z, A Handbook for Massage Therapists; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,a wolters Kluers business, p. 251.

I have worked with several people who have had this problem. In one case a lady was sewing dresses for her granddaughters wedding along with handling a lot of other activities pertaining to the wedding. She began to have pain in her shoulders going down her arms and her hands were slightly numb. After a couple of sessions she was better and busy with the wedding plans.

So, if you are doing a lot of repetitive work with you hands and arms and have similar problems get a massage. You'll be glad you did.

Caution: Pain shooting down the arms along with numbness can be caused by a more serious condition especially if it comes on suddenly with nausea and sweating or you feel clammy. In this type of situation talk to a medical professional at once.

FYI - HEADACHES

Don’t be too quick to pop a pill for that throbbing noggin. Researchers at the University of Granada in Spain recently discovered that working key trigger pints in the neck for thirty minutes can relieve a tension headache–and reduce anxiety to boot. From; Shape-Shape Your Life Magazine; Nov. 2011; News You Kneed; p.54

From: Shape-Shape Your Life Mag zine; Nov. 2011; News You Kneed, p. 45

FYI-Back Pain

Chronic back pain may respond more effectively to massage than to medication or physical therapy-and the results can last as long as six months-according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. From: Shape-Shape Your Life Mag zine; Nov. 2011; News You Kneed, p. 45

FYI-Back Pain

Chronic back pain may may respond more effectively to massage than to medication or physical therapy-and the results can last as long as six months-according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal medicine. Shape-Shape Your Life Mag zine; Nov. 2011; News You Kneed, p. 45

Circulating Health

While eating an apple, orange or any fruit or vegetable provides the body with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to keep it healthy and strong, it is necessary for there to be a delivery system to get this nutrition to all parts of the body. And, of course this system is the circulatory system.

Massage therapy aids the circulatory system. It promotes healthy blood flow throughout it pushing along life sustaining nutrients and oxygen with the blood. And if that's not enough, massage also speeds up the elimination of cellular waste and carbon dioxide.

There are many other positive effects of massage on the body. Therefore, its a good thing to get a massage. This is especially true if you do a lot of hard, strenuous physical work or you are involved in repetitive work over long periods of time.

So, if you've never gotten a massage you should try it. You'll be amazed at how much better you will feel.

"Nuff Said"

Prescription for Health

While it might be true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a massage a month can help to do the same thing. And, it can help you keep moving and pain free as well!

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.