Northern Light Therapeutic Massage

Fully Alive Wellness: Nicole's Helpful Tips

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:50:29 -0500

Fully Alive Wellness: Nicole's Helpful Tips:

Happy 2011 Everyone!

Let’s get real for a minute here. New Years Resolutions? They are a waste of time! Lets try to set realistic goals for 2011.

Some Goals you may want to consider:

Physical fitness-join a class or start some exercises that you can fit into your daily routine (baby…

Why you should NEVER get surgery for plain back pain

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:48:53 -0500

Why you should NEVER get surgery for plain back pain:

backtobalance:

This article is a well written, well researched piece showing the very, very little evidence supporting the use of fusion surgeries for low back pain. Please click on the various links throughout his article. They are eye opening to say the least.

In this report the patient (as so many do) was not satisfied unless he received surgery. He went so far as to dismiss his first surgeons recommendations of PT (conservative treatments are shown to work for low back pain) and found a surgeon that would perform the surgery. The unsuccessfull surgery cost $135,768. For that amount of money this patient could be treated with acupuncture, massage therapy AND chiropractic twice a week at our clinic for NINE YEARS!!!!!

Being Mindful — American Massage Therapy Association

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:47:42 -0500

Being Mindful — American Massage Therapy Association:

Thought this was an excellent article!

World News: A First Look: Eat Your Veggies + Kinect for Surgery?

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:39:03 -0500

World News: A First Look: Eat Your Veggies + Kinect for Surgery?:

abcnewsradio:

Some headlines to get your Wednesday started off right

/via @abcworldnews:

- Watch Diane Sawyer’s entire interview with Mark Kelly; Hear how Kelly first heard the news

- FBI find pipe bomb on MLK parade route in Washington state

- Obama hosts Hu at State Dinner tonight

- New study says heart disease…

Heck yeah, gig harbor! This is my neck of the woods!!

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 01:53:47 -0500

Heck yeah, gig harbor! This is my neck of the woods!!

purplelovesyellow: Under The Bridge (by Stewart Watt)

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 02:56:04 -0500

purplelovesyellow:

Under The Bridge (by Stewart Watt)

purplelovesyellow: Ottawa, Canada (by Patrick Kennedy)

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 02:54:40 -0500

purplelovesyellow:

Ottawa, Canada (by Patrick Kennedy)

Round two of the article....

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:09:18 -0500

Heres round two- I revised the format and the references. Input is highly valued!

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST MASSAGE APPOINTMENT

Haley N. Masbruch, LMP

Massage therapy is recognized by many healthcare professionals to be effective in the treatment of injuries, chronic pain, and stress. Despite this, up to 80% of Americans have never had a massage. Part of the reason for this is that many people are unsure of what to expect during a massage. Massage therapists have extensive training to making massage therapy safe, effective and comfortable for their clients, and they are happy to answer questions about their education, experience and the techniques they use.

Before Your Massage

Before beginning the massage, the massage therapist will ask you to complete a health history form. This is so he or she can determine if you have any health concerns that massage could affect. Be sure to tell the therapist if you have any allergies, as some massage oils and creams contain plant extracts and nut oils. The therapist will also ask if there are any areas you would like him or her to focus on or avoid during the massage.

A question that many first time massage clients ask is, “How much clothing should I remove?” This depends on the client. Before the massage begins, the therapist will instruct you to disrobe to a level you are comfortable with. He or she will leave the room while you do this. It is important that you are able to feel relaxed and secure during your massage, so leave on as much or as little clothing as you like. Only the areas being treated will be uncovered- the rest of your body will be securely draped.

During Your Massage

During your massage, the therapist will use strokes such as gliding, kneading and stretching to help your muscles and mind relax. Oil or cream may be used depending on the techniques the therapist uses. The treatment room will usually be dimly lit, and there may be soft music playing. Do not feel afraid to tell your therapist if anything feels uncomfortable or painful. He or she will be able to change the techniques used to accommodate your needs.

After Your Massage

After your massage, your therapist will leave the room while you take a few minutes to wake your body up and get dressed. Be sure to take your time. Breathe deeply and feel the relaxation in your muscles. It is also helpful to drink one or two glasses of water in the hour following your massage- this will help your body eliminate the waste products that are worked out of your muscles during the treatment.

The therapist may also ask if you would like to schedule further appointments for massage. The benefits of massage can be felt best over a series of appointments, so it may be a good idea to schedule a few more sessions, especially if you need treatment for an injury that massage has been prescribed for.

By becoming familiar with what to expect during a massage appointment, you take an important step in enhancing your health and well-being. To find a qualified massage therapist in your area, use the ‘Find A Massage Therapist’ tool on the home page of the American Massage Therapy Association at www.amtamassage.org.

Haynes, D., Mastering Chair Massage, Real Bodywork, April 2007

Culpepper-Richards, K., Effect of a Back Massage and Relaxation Intervention on Sleep in Critically Ill Patients. Am. J. Crit. Care, July 1998

American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) 2010, ‘Ten Tips To Get The Most From Your Massage’, http://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/tips.html

What can I expect at my first massage session?

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 23:10:52 -0500

This article is part of a self-improvement exercise I am doing to refine my writing skills. I welcome any and all constructive feedback. Please comment on style, layout and facts presented! Thank you!

What can I expect during a massage?

By Haley Masbruch, LMP

Massage therapy is considered by many healthcare professionals to be an effective treatment for stress reduction, pain management and overall wellness. (Culpepper-Richards, K. 1998) Despite the fact that it provides many health benefits, up to 80% of Americans have never had a massage. This may be because people do not know what to expect during a massage therapy session. By getting answers to your questions about massage, you take the first step in exploring the benefits that massage therapy can offer. (Haynes, D. 2007). It is very often that first time clients ask the following questions before seeking massage therapy.

What happens when I arrive at the spa or office? Before beginning your treatment, your massage therapist will ask you to complete a health history form. This is so your he or she can determine if you have any health concerns that massage could affect. Your therapist will also ask if there are any areas you would like him or her to focus on or avoid. Your therapist will also answer any questions you may have about massage.

How much clothing must I remove? After you discuss your needs with your therapist, he or she will instruct you to disrobe, and then lie down on the massage table under the sheets. The therapist will leave the room while you do this. It is important for you to be able to relax during your massage, so remove as much or as little clothing as you feel comfortable with. The therapist will respect your modesty at all times during the massage by making sure you are properly and securely draped.

What happens during my massage? During your massage, the therapist will use strokes such as compressions, kneading and stretching to help your muscles and mind relax. The massage room will usually be dimly lit, and there may be soft music playing. The therapist will only uncover the areas being treated. Do not feel afraid to tell your therapist if anything feels uncomfortable or painful, as he or she will be able to change the techniques so that they are comfortable.

After the massage: After the massage, your therapist will leave the room while you take a few minutes to ‘’wake up’’ and get dressed. Use this time to breathe deeply and notice the relaxation in your body. After your massage, it is helpful to drink a glass of water- this will help your body eliminate the waste products that are worked out during massage. (American Massage Therapy Association [AMTA] 2010)

The massage therapy profession is regulated by most states in the US and Canada, and trained therapists are happy to answer questions regarding their experience, education and techniques they use. Massage therapists have extensive training in making massage therapy safe and comfortable for their clients. (AMTA 2010)

By familiarizing yourself with what happens during a massage appointment, you will be able to relax and enjoy all of the benefits that massage therapy has to offer.

Good Health To You!

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 02:45:00 -0500

Dear Everyone,

Even though it’s still December, I look forward to January. The first month of the year is like a blank sheet of paper or a brand new canvas- we stand before it with our pens or paintbrushes, ready to make the first stroke. What we do in these first weeks can set a positive tone for the rest of the year. January will not only begin the new year, but also the beginning of a new decade. Let’s make it our resolution to make this one the best decade ever.

What are your goals for the new year? Why not start by resolving to take good care of your health? True, many make resolutions to lose weight or get in shape during the new year, but finding good health goes beyond weight loss. Health starts with a positive view of ourselves and others. Once we learn to be kind and loving to ourselves, we can become healthy inside and out. Indeed, inner beauty radiates outward!

It is true that our bodies must also be nice places to call home. Why not kick off your journey to health by having a massage during the month of January? It is an excellent way to get to know your body- feel your muscles let go of tension and sense the peace of mind that comes from sublime relaxation! When both your body and mind feel good, joy and health in the new year are bound to follow closely.

As the Roman poet Virgil said, ”Our greatest wealth is our health.” Let’s turn the blank canvas of 2011 into a beautiful work of art.

Have an joyous December and a healthy new year!

Yours in health,

Haley N. Masbruch, LMP

purplelovesyellow: (the Meaning) (by ©Helminadia...

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 02:32:50 -0500

purplelovesyellow:

(**the Meaning**) (by ©Helminadia Photography (limited connection))

"Fifteen years ago we said a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. If you ate 100 calories of butter or..."

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 02:31:30 -0500

“Fifteen years ago we said a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. If you ate 100 calories of butter or 100 calories of chicken, it was all the same. Now, we know that is not the case, in terms of how hard the body has to work to make that energy available. And even more important is that where that energy comes from affects feelings of hunger and fullness.”

- An interesting NYTimes article on the new Weight Watchers point system. Is it all that shocking that different foods make you, uh, feel different? (via twigl)

It's glögg season!

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 23:15:36 -0500

Ahh yes, with the first of December behind us, it’s high time for some great glögg. I don’t live in Sweden right now, so I have to make my own… and oh did I ever.

I used…

white muscat wine

ginger-infused vodka

brandy

some cloves, and a stick of cinnamon

This all gets simmered together, and it’s pretty good. Just try it as you go and when it’s just right, remove it from the heat and then bottle and enjoy… :D

Osteofraff || Jump in!: How universal can you make advice? || Inspire now and WIN

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:46:39 -0500

Osteofraff || Jump in!: How universal can you make advice? || Inspire now and WIN:

osteofraff:

The following is from http://smartprettyandawkward.com and it’s advice that can be applied to new/graduate therapists looking for an established therapist to work with (as well as the more obvious boyfriend/girlfriend life thing):

“How to be Smarter: In relationships, the ability to factor…

School & Parents.

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:33:12 -0500

But what they don’t understand is, everythings changed. My dad will look at an essay or maths paper and say “I wasnt taught any of this” and then they expect us to know it.

We can only ever DO OUR BEST. And they should appreciate that. At least we try.

Oh my gosh, so so true!

This is North Tacoma…. Wright Park. I used to live just a...

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:32:03 -0500

This is North Tacoma…. Wright Park. I used to live just a two-minute walk from here!

This reminds me of the forests I live in!

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:21:47 -0500

This reminds me of the forests I live in!

purplelovesyellow: Kenya Sunrise (by Greg Kendall-Ball)

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 00:41:48 -0500

purplelovesyellow:

Kenya Sunrise (by Greg Kendall-Ball)

I've been reblogging quite a bit of neat stuff!

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 00:41:00 -0500

Hopefully you who are practitioners of manual therapy or interested in it will find some of this stuff interesting! I know I am having a ball scouring tumblr for neat manual thearpy and massage blogs. There’s some great stuff out there, I’m discovering!

Osteofraff || Jump in!: Want neurons? Go touch someone

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 00:37:39 -0500

Osteofraff || Jump in!: Want neurons? Go touch someone:

osteofraff:

Touch stimulates neurogenesis

Mice exposed to novel tactile stimuli produced new immature neurons in the spinal cord, suggesting that neurogenesis may play a role in touch and vice versa.

Touch plays a very large role in Osteopathy. So much information is gathered, interpreted and utilised by…

Northern Light Therapeutic Massage

Fully Alive Wellness: Nicole's Helpful Tips

Happy 2011 Everyone!

Let’s get real for a minute here. New Years Resolutions? They are a waste of time! Lets try to set realistic goals for 2011.

Some Goals you may want to consider:

Why you should NEVER get surgery for plain back pain

Being Mindful — American Massage Therapy Association

World News: A First Look: Eat Your Veggies + Kinect for Surgery?

Heck yeah, gig harbor! This is my neck of the woods!!

purplelovesyellow: Under The Bridge (by Stewart Watt)

purplelovesyellow: Ottawa, Canada (by Patrick Kennedy)

Round two of the article....

What can I expect at my first massage session?

Good Health To You!

purplelovesyellow: (**the Meaning**) (by ©Helminadia...

"Fifteen years ago we said a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. If you ate 100 calories of butter or..."

It's glögg season!

Osteofraff || Jump in!: How universal can you make advice? || Inspire now and WIN

School & Parents.

This is North Tacoma…. Wright Park. I used to live just a...

This reminds me of the forests I live in!

purplelovesyellow: Kenya Sunrise (by Greg Kendall-Ball)

I've been reblogging quite a bit of neat stuff!

Osteofraff || Jump in!: Want neurons? Go touch someone

Touch stimulates neurogenesis

purplelovesyellow: (the Meaning) (by ©Helminadia...